Mizzima

The Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar has issued a message to all its dioceses and to political, religious and civil society leaders calling for an end to the violence in the wake of the February 1 military coup.

“Strengthened by the mandate and encouragement of the Holy See, we Catholic Churches commit ourselves, together with all people of goodwill, to the task of seeing this nation rise again in mutual understanding and peace,” said the bishops in the statement, signed by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon and president of the conference.

Cardinal Bo said the coup and violence suppression has forced Myanmar into yet another chapter of darkness, bloodshed and repression, but honoured the courage and commitment of the people who have been taking to streets.

A number of runs and priests have placed themselves in front of police and soldiers in attempts to quell the violence.