ASIA/MYANMAR - Message from Christian leaders in Asia: No to an escalation of violence, but a return to democracy and freedom

Wednesday, 3 February 2021 politics freedom religious freedom civil society ecumenicalism democracy

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Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - "We urge a swift and peaceful return to the path of democracy, and appeal for the human rights and freedoms, including the freedom of religion or belief; of all Myanmar’s people to be fully respected and protected": this is what the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) - ecumenical bodies that welcome representatives of different Christian confessions - are asking in a joint pastoral letter, addressed to the Churches in Myanmar, following the recent military coup.
The pastoral letter, sent to Agenzia Fides, expresses "profound concern regarding the current developments in the country, especially the abrupt resumption of military rule, overturning the outcome of elections on 8 November 2020, as well as the detention of key political and pro-democracy representatives and the escalation of the national situation to the state of emergency".
Leaders of ecumenical organizations proclaim their hope for peace and justice: "We pray that the recents development will not lead to an escalation of violence and suffering in your country" and reiterate the "support to the Churches and communities of Myanmar in prayer and in solidarity", while trying "to provide counsel and comfort to their people in this time of deep anxiety and uncertainty for the future".
The Secretary General of the CCA, Mathews George Chunakara, points out to Fides that "the military coup comes at a time when the country is suffering the worst effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the decline of socio-economic standards and poverty is enormous". Recalling the constant efforts of the CCA over the decades for democratization and human rights in Myanmar, he notes: "The CCA has always upheld the values of democracy, justice and peace. In this time of destabilization and uncertainty about the future, we are with the people of Myanmar and we pray for the restoration of democracy in the country".
The international community, including Churches around the world, expresses deep concern at this time about the possibility of Myanmar entering another dark phase in its history. (SD-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 3/2/2021)