WCC NEWS: WCC, Christian Conference of Asia: “affirm the sanctity of life” in Myanmar

In a joint statement on 31 March, the World Council of Churches and the Christian Conference of Asia expressed profound dismay at the ongoing violence and the brutal attacks by military and security forces against peaceful protesters in Myanmar. Liturgical dancer carries candles during the opening procession of the Asia Mission Conference in Yangon, Myanmar, October 2017. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC 31 March 2021 “The opposition to the coup is supported by a large section of people across the country who lived in freedom in a relatively peaceful situation for a decade,” reads the statement. “People from all walks of life such as civil servants, students, working class as well as religious leaders, including Buddhist monks, became part of nationwide protests and a mass campaign of civil disobedience ensued against the junta.” The appeal calls on the UN Security Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to promptly act and to hold the military regime accountable for protecting the dignity and human rights of the people of Myanmar. “The people of Myanmar need help from the international community to overcome their painful situation,” the statement reads. “The international community needs to act urgently with constructive actions to ratchet up pressure on Myanmar military to disengage and withdraw from barbarous acts. We believe that it is absolutely essential to release all prisoners, and to respect the results of the elections, and make possible a democratic transition in the country. "May international solidarity, with prayer and action, be the sign of hope, inspired by the risen Christ, to liberate the people of Myanmar from oppression and pain,” concludes the statement. Read the Joint statement of the WCC and the CCA on the situation in Myanmar WCC member churches 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 acting 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