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The NCCA gathers together Churches and Christian communities which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures. We commit to deepen our relationship with each other and to work together towards the fulfilment of common witness, proclamation and service, to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Earthquake – CCA calls for prayers and solidarity

The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA)  expresses deep sorrow over Myanmar earthquake, calls for prayers and solidarity

The following statement was released by the CCA.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

The earthquake, which originated 17 kilometres from the city of Mandalay, has caused extensive destruction. The death toll has surpassed 1,000, with thousands more injured, according to Myanmar’s Army. Most fatalities have been reported in Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city and the region closest to the epicentre.

“We grieve for the lives lost in this tragedy and pray for God’s comforting presence with the grieving families. Our hearts go out to the bereaved family members and all those who are suffering, especially those still missing or trapped. We pray for their swift rescue and for healing and strength for the injured,” said Dr Mathews George Chunakara.

Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest countries, is reeling from a civil war sparked by a 2021 military coup. Weak infrastructure has left the nation ill-equipped to deal with natural disasters. Large parts of the country are controlled by militias, making it extremely difficult to gather reliable information. The strained medical system, especially in rural areas, further complicates relief efforts.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar, reaching Kunming and Dali in China’s Yunnan Province and causing noticeable tremors in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Thailand has suffered losses, with at least 10 people confirmed dead and many more trapped under collapsed buildings, particularly in Bangkok, where the tremors triggered the collapse of an under-construction high-rise building.

The CCA General Secretary stated, “In this time of immense distress, we call upon all CCA member churches and councils to pray for the people of Myanmar, Thailand, and the surrounding regions. May God’s grace sustain them, and may rescue efforts bring timely relief and hope to those affected.”

The General Secretary urged CCA member churches and councils to mobilise financial and human resources to extend humanitarian aid and support to people in the affected areas.

The earthquake, classified as a strike-slip event, struck at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres, amplifying its destructive impact. Reports indicate severe damage to infrastructure, with collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and widespread power outages across affected areas. Rescue operations are currently underway.

Please read
The CCA General Secretary’s update on CCA headquarters in Chiang Mai:  Earthquake in Myanmar and its effects in Thailand – Update from CCA Headquarters.pdf   | 29 March 2025
World Council of Churches (WCC)
The message for member churches and ecumenical Organisations in Myanmar and Thailand pdf | from Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary

 

Reminder: Asian Ecumenical Institute (AEI) – 2025

Applications close: 15 May 2025

Prospective students are invited to apply for the month-long training programme, the Asian Ecumenical Institute (AEI) – 2025, scheduled to be held from 3 to 30 August 2025 at the Payap University campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Asian Ecumenical Institute is a residential ecumenical formation and leadership development programme organised annually by the CCA for prospective ecumenical and church leaders from various Asian countries.

AEI – 2025 theme: “Enduring Faith and Embracing Unity towards Ecumenical Witness”  

As we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a significant moment in Christian history, the theme of AEI – 2025 aims to anchor our faith in the Triune God in this challenging epoch, and to cultivate a spirit of unity that transcends theological differences and cultural diversities. It will also address contemporary challenges within the Christian faith, the ecumenical movement, and the interreligious context.

In addition to various sessions focusing on the main theme, AEI – 2025 will emphasise the importance of strengthening ecumenical collaboration, particularly in Asia’s dynamic and multifaceted context, where Christianity exists alongside diverse religious and cultural traditions, offering in-depth analyses and insights relevant to ecumenism, upholding the core tenets of the Christian faith, and fostering a spirit of harmonious unity.

Admissions will be limited to twenty-four (24) participants, selected from among applicants between the ages of 24 and 35 who are recommended and endorsed by CCA’s member church/council or an ecumenical organisation/institution.

Selections will be based on an assessment of the candidate’s commitment to the church and the ecumenical movement in their local and national contexts, gender, confessional balances, national and sub-regional representation, and the ability to communicate in English.

All applications will be accepted online via Google Form: AEI-2025 Application Form.

Completed applications for AEI – 2025 should be submitted to CCA no later than 15 May 2025.

For more details and background information about AEI – 2025, please click here