strong>Manila: Cardinal members of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences have expressed their solidarity with the religious leaders of Myanmar while appealing for peace and restoration of democracy in the Southeastern nation.
“And so to our dear brother Cardinal Bo we say: We are with you. We share your pain and anguish. We join you as you lead your people in prayer to God for a speedy resolution of the conflict, and for light to all to see the way towards a solution while condemning military violence against innocent civilians,” says a letter from 12 cardinals.
The cardinals insisted, “Violence is never a solution; force is never a solution. It only gives rise to more pain and suffering, more violence and destruction. We earnestly appeal to all religious leaders in Myanmar to join us in this prayer for peace, in this appeal for peace and in making efforts for peace.”
They did not hesitate to caution leaders of military coup saying, “There is too much anger, too much violence, too much blood shed, too much suffering and pain inflicted on a peace-loving populace which only seeks unity, harmony, and an opportunity for progress in freedom.”
There have been repeated appeals for calm from the highest quarters such as The United Nations Security Council, Pope Francis as well as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) which has called for “Dialogue, Reconciliation and Return to Normalcy.
“We, the Cardinals of Asia,” the letter said, “join in making a fervent appeal to all concerned: the military, the politicians, the demonstrators, all religious leaders and the Church: PEACE, PEACE, PEACE. Peace is possible. Peace is necessary.”
The cardinals urged Myanmar military saying, “Please begin a dialogue to find a solution, a way to go ahead. The image of a religious sister kneeling on the streets of Yangon and pleading for a laying down of arms is etched in the minds of the world.”
Affirming their faith in the non-violent people of Myanmar cardinals affirmed saying “we know [people] are peace loving and only seeking an opportunity for progress. They have been law abiding and cooperating with all authorities. At the moment they only seek harmony and end to violence.”
In conclusion the cardinals said, “Asia is a continent of peace and of hope, of warm family bonds. We are one family. All of us want to help you. But you must begin at home. Peace is possible!”