Myanmar

The Methodist Church, Upper Myanmar

The Methodist Church, Upper Myanmar (MCUM) comprises nine districts and two area councils, each actively engaged in mission work.

The church runs many social initiatives such as nursery schools, orphanages, and healthcare services.

For example, the Tahan District clinic, founded in 1987 and now employing over 100 staff, provides community health training and HIV/AIDS counselling, with a second branch opened in Letpanchaung in 2004.

Despite severe challenges—including political instability, inflation, and the impact of conscription laws—MCUM continues to hold worship services in most areas and remains committed to evangelism, education, and pastoral care.

The Methodist mission in Upper Myanmar began in 1887, initiated by the British Methodist Missionary Society, with Mandalay as its base.

In 1937, missionaries established a Bible Training School, later renamed the Myanmar Theological College (MTC) in 1987, offering degree programmes.

Methodism spread across plains and hill regions, with hill communities more readily converting from Animism.

In 1964, MCUM became autonomous after the government expelled foreign missionaries.

Despite internal and external challenges, including financial hardship and denominational splits, the church celebrated its centenary in 1987.

That same year, the Tahan District clinic was founded, later expanding to Letpanchaung in 2004. The Tahan Institute of Theology, affiliated with MTC, was also established.