UCA News
Contribute

Peace is possible in Myanmar, says Cardinal Bo

Prelate calls for the 'vaccine of peace' after seven decades of civil wars
Peace is possible in Myanmar, says Cardinal Bo

Cardinal Charles Bo says wars have not solved any problem in Myanmar for seven decades. (Photo: AFP)

Published: January 19, 2021 08:03 AM GMT

Cardinal Charles Bo, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, has called on Christian churches to be the prophets of peace in conflict-torn Myanmar.

“We urgently need the vaccine of peace. All Christians need to join together and hear the words of our Lord, ‘peace I leave you; peace I give you’,” he said in a message on Christian Unity Octave on Jan. 18.

He said the pandemic is an agonizing reminder that only by uniting can we overcome the challenges.

“I commend the generous support rendered to the poor during these days,” said Cardinal Bo, adding that “unity is our strength and calling.”

He lamented the people have faced other types of unarticulated pandemics in his land.

“A seven-decade war is a pandemic. Thousands living in miserable IDP camps is a pandemic. Drug and looting of our resources is a pandemic. Generations lived through the unending wars,” said Cardinal Bo, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM).

The Southeast Asian nation has been bedeviled with decades-long civil wars and peace remains elusive as sporadic fighting is raging in ethnic areas such as Karen, Shan and Rakhine states.

The 73-year-old cardinal said wars have not solved any problem for seven decades.

“Peace is possible; peace is the only way. As Christians let us struggle towards peace based on justice,” he stressed.

“Let us come together around the altar of our sacred land and break the bread of peace. United God will give us the wisdom to transcend our differences and bless us with an unyielding quest for peace.”

Cardinal Bo’s appeal for unity and peace came as Christian churches all over the world traditionally observe the week of prayers for Christian unity from Jan. 18-25.

The CBCM and Myanmar Council of Churches have been conducting the prayer week annually but Christians are urged to pray at home as the event cannot be held this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia