The annual Interdenominational Christian Prayer Gathering for Peace and Reconciliation, organized by the Myanmar Council of Churches (MCC), was held on October 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Columban Cathedral in Myitkyina, bringing together Christians from across the city to pray for peace in Myanmar.

This prayer gathering is held annually, with different churches in Myitkyina taking turns to host the event. This year, the gathering was hosted by the Catholic Church at St. Columban Cathedral.

The event was attended by Bishop John La Sam of the Diocese of Myitkyina, Fr. Bernard Dashi Tang Ji, pastors from other Christian denominations, and members of various churches. Together, they gathered in prayer for peace in Myanmar.

A United Program of Prayer and Praise

The ceremony began with an opening prayer and dedication led by the program coordinator, Pastor Nhkum Naw Seng. Following this, Rev. Paul Brang Mai, Chairman of the MCC, delivered the welcome address.

During the worship service, participants recited Psalms and praised God through group songs and choir performances. These musical offerings were presented in turn by members of the Roman Catholic Church, Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Lahvo Baptist Church (LBC), Anglican Church, Lisu Baptist congregations, and representatives from the School for the Blind.

The diversity of participants reflected the broad unity of the gathering, as Christians from different traditions came together with one voice to pray for their nation.

‘We Are Under the Same Trinity God’

During the gathering, Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam delivered a sermon on peace and reconciliation. He emphasized that peace begins in the human heart and that, to attain peace, people must first prepare and transform their own hearts.

“However, we are different in tribe or in worship service of Churches; we are under the same Trinity God, we believe and trust one God,” the Bishop said.

He encouraged everyone not to respond to hatred with hatred, but instead to overcome it through forgiveness. He also urged the congregation to pray to God the Father for the grace and strength needed to forgive others.

Furthermore, the Bishop shared an example from the life of St. Francis of Assisi, highlighting the importance of poverty, humility, and simplicity in building peace.

“So may I humbly request all of you to say the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi devotionally during these conflict times,” he said. “And let us pray for our country; let us unite and live out Jesus’ command, ‘love one another as I have loved you.'”

A Special Prayer and Blessing

Toward the conclusion of the program, Rev. Maji Bawk Lar led a special prayer, followed by a blessing from Rev. Lar Ah Chel.

The gathering concluded successfully, with participants departing in a spirit of hope and renewed commitment to work for peace in their communities and nation.

‘Blessed Are the Peacemakers’

The event was a powerful reminder of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

In a nation that continues to face conflict and division, the gathering of Christians from different denominations offered a witness of unity and hope. As they prayed together, sang together, and listened to God’s Word together, they demonstrated that peace is possible when people come together in love and forgiveness.

For the faithful of Myitkyina, the prayer gathering was not just an annual event but a call to action—a call to become peacemakers in their families, communities, and nation. As Bishop John reminded them, peace begins in the heart, and it is through transformed hearts that true and lasting peace can be built.

The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to continue praying and working for peace and reconciliation in Myanmar, trusting in God’s grace to overcome hatred and division.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service