FAITH UNDER FIRE

Shan and Karenni State (Myanmar) - March, 2025

In the heart of Karenni State, in eastern Myanmar, war has reached churches, schools and villages. A large part of the population is Christian, and religion is an important part of the identity and daily life of local communities.

The conflict began after the military coup of February 2021, and Karenni State has become one of the most intense fronts in the war between the Myanmar military and resistance forces. Civilians have paid a heavy price. In July 2025, UNHCR estimated that more than 130,000 people were internally displaced in Karenni State, out of a pre-war population of fewer than 300,000.

In March 2025, I travelled through areas controlled by the Karenni resistance, documenting fighters and civilian communities, destroyed churches, schools, the wounded and places of worship where, despite the war, religious services continue. In an area already heavily hit by drones and mortar fire, children take part in drills to learn how to quickly reach trenches dug beside one of the few schools still operating.

Faith continues to coexist with war. Communities gather to pray while, not far away, young people prepare to fight. Churches remain places of gathering and identity, while others bear the scars of bombardment and destruction.

This photographic project tells the story of the war in Karenni State through the relationship between faith, everyday life and resistance. It is not a religious war, but the story of a community in which Christianity continues to play a profound role as conflict reaches into every aspect of daily life.

For more information or to purchase the photos, please contact: [email protected]