Reasons and Causes of Church Schism Among the Chins in Myanmar

This research work is a historical-theological analysis on the reasons and causes of church schism among the Chins in Myanmar. The schism started in 1930s and become worse since 1978. It is estimated that there are already more than 70 denominations and sects among the Chins even before the celebration of Centennial Jubilee of the arrival of the Gospel in the Chin Land, which was held in Haka in 1999. It is sad to see the way a divisive denominationalism plays such an important role among the churches and occupies the hearts of the people. Five main possible facts have been pointed out which caused schism in Chin Christianity, such as hlimsangism (a charismatic movement), evangelical movements and fundamentalism, politico-economic factors, leadership role and socio-cultural reason.