WCC NEWS: WCC, Christian Conference of Asia urge prayers, return of peace in Myanmar

In a pastoral letter to churches and communities in Myanmar, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Christian Conference of Asia expressed both alarm and great sadness for recent developments in Myanmar. A farmer in the field in Maelah Refugee Camp, Myanmar. Photo: WCC 03 February 2021 “It is with profound concern that we follow the current developments in your 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,” the letter reads. “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.” The WCC and the Christian Conference of Asia are holding churches and communities of Myanmar in prayer and solidarity. “We pray that you will be strengthened and supported in your ministry and witness for peace, justice and human dignity,” reads the letter. “In a spirit of solidarity we offer you the assurance of our continued prayers and support.” Read the full WCC and CCA pastoral letter on the situation in Myanmar See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC interim general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland