WCC NEWS: WCC expresses deep concern over the arrest of Rev. Dr Hkalam Samson

The World Kachin Congress released a statement expressing deep concern over “the unlawful and arbitrary arrest” of their faith leader, Rev. Dr Hkalam Samson, by the Tatmadaw (Burmese Army). Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 14 December 2022 Rev Samson is currently working as an advisor to the Kachin Baptist Convention after serving for a decade as president and general secretary of the organization. “He has tirelessly and courageously devoted his work to achieving justice and equality for his community and beyond.” reads the statement from the World Kachin Congress.  Dr. Samson has been a key religious leader in Myanmar, working tirelessly with people of different faiths to promote religious freedom, harmony and human rights for people of all faith. He has also been in the forefront of providing humanitarian assistance for those impacted by violence and conflicts in the Kachin State. World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca reiterated the WCC’s deep concern over churches and related institutions amid the deteriorating humanitarian, human rights, and political situation in Myanmar since the military coup that took place on 1 February 2021. “We renew our calls for the military authorities to hand back the control that they have illegitimately seized, and to release all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, denied due process, and who remain in detention,” said Sauca. “The actions by the military leaders of Myanmar constitute an unconscionable assault on the democratic transition and on the people.” 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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 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