Aid Group Warns of Violence Against Christians, Sees Glimmer of Hope in Myanmar
Amnesty International has called for the recent attack on a Christian church to be investigated as a war crime.
Amnesty International has called for the recent attack on a Christian church to be investigated as a war crime.
Bishop Shwe said in a statement published by Agenzia Fides that “the Burmese army tried to take the Christ the King Cathedral complex three times” before finally occupying it on Nov. 27.
ANALYSIS: More than 200 delegates, including 130 bishops, representing 27 member countries, together with 40 cardinals, assembled for 19 days in October for the meeting of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
In most South and Southeast Asian countries, ‘religion is a powerful force, and in most of them, more radical forms of the religion have been getting stronger,’ says religious freedom expert Paul Marshall. ‘I would say the overall pattern is increased tension, increased repression.’
When no actual weapons turned up, the soldiers left and raided several local mosques, repeating the same threatening behavior.
Observers say the military targeted the archbishop because the government believes it is dealing illegal firearms.
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Mandalay was forcibly overtaken prior to a Lenten prayer service on Friday.
Since fighting began in May 2021, eight Catholic churches in Kayah’s Diocese of Loikaw have been hit by artillery shelling or airstrikes.
In the past year since the coup, the 73-year-old cardinal has repeatedly urged soldiers to stop attacking the country’s citizens and appealed for peace and dialogue.
The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) invited Catholics to observe the day of prayer on Feb. 1.
Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Renew or manage your subscription here.
Subscribe and Save HALF OFF!Start your Register subscription today.
Subscribe NowGive a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register.
Order NowOrder Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization or school.
Order NowSign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox.
Sign Up