By Matters India Reporter
Yangon, Dec 22, 2019: In a Christmas message addressed to “all my brothers and sisters” Myanmar’s cardinal has appealed to both his countrymen and international community to “to accompany this nation of fledgling democracy” as all stakeholders are trying to recast a new Myanmar.
“More than any time in history, Myanmar stands at the cross roads of history today, seeking peace and reconciliation,” wrote country’s first cardinal Charles Maung Bo.
Recalling the birth of Christ and his powerlessness [being born a babe in a manger] was the empowerment of the whole human family, the 72 year old archbishop of Yangon said, “as members of Myanmar family, we stand with outstretched hands, with prayer in our lips and hope in our hearts, with a single prayer: Let the Sun of peace and reconciliation rise in our land.”
Myanmar stands at crossroads of history facing the challenges of “chronic wars, huge displacement, unsafe migration of thousands of our youth, climate change and need for reconciliation among various people,” he stated.
The soft spoken cardinal decried Myanmar’s plight saying the country is known in the world for wrong reasons, and is dragged to international court. Big words are used against this country.”
The cardinal insisted, “Christmas calls for conversion and repentance. Conversion from hatred, repentance from all kinds of sins committed against God or fellow human beings.”
While pleading with his country men saying, “Myanmar needs to understand the world’s concern about the suffering of people from Myanmar,” the cardinal urged “international community to accompany this nation of fledgling democracy with understanding, advising, and accompanying, not condemnation.”
The cardinal warned, “Any sanction without consideration for the welfare of ordinary people will be a sad commentary on world’s concern for our people, and a sad commentary on the message of Christmas.”
He also called on the rulers of Myanmar to engage the international community as there are many countries that wish well for the people of Myanmar.
The cardinal, current president of the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference said UN Secretary General the late Kofi Annan’s recommendations as starting point of healing and building trust.
The prelate concluded his Christmas 2019 message affirming his firm belief, “Peace is Possible, Peace is the only way. Peace to all men and women of Good Will.” END