Yangon: Here is the text of the first interview Cardinal Charles Muango Bo, head of the Catholic Church in Myanmar, gave to British Broadcasting Corporation of London after the military coup in his country on February 1.

Dear BBC

I, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar willingly participate in this interview and agree that this interview can be used by BBC in its broadcasting network. This is my first interview after the recent events and I do hope my speaking will heal all and promote peace in the country.
Thank you
+ Cardinal Charles Maung Bo.
Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar
Answers to the Interview Questions

Tell us about the situation as you witness it in Yangon.

The coup came as a shattering shock and disappointment to our people. A new generation that has tasted freedom and benefitted hugely from liberalization, suddenly felt their avenues of growth closed forcefully. A non violent civil disobedience movement started.

The arrest and detention of the leaders and members of the parliament provoked anger. People deeply felt their verdict was wiped out in a forceful manner.

This started huge rallies, led mostly by the tech savvy young generation, much appreciated for their mobilization skills. The whole population participated in this civil movement.

After month of allowing rallies and resistance, the army and the police retaliated with brutal violence, spilling the blood, mid night arrests. More than 50 are killed in the streets and another 1500 are arrested. It is indeed very sad. It breaks my heart. Those who died are not our enemies. Myanmar sorrow is brother killing brothers, sister killing sisters. All are our people. This is a visceral tragedy. The brutality used to subdue our people is not acceptable.

You are a religious leader there so you have some authority – what is your message to your fellow citizens, your congregation?

Yes I am the leader of the Catholic Community. Myanmar is a very religious country. There are more than 500,000 Buddhist monks, 70,000 Buddhist nuns and thousands of Christian religious priests and nuns too. People listen to their religious leaders.

For the last twenty years, I have raised my voice for many issues and worked with other religious leaders in bringing common good.

My message to all the people is simple : Peace is possible, peace is the only way. Any human problem can be solved by dialogue. Guns and violence never solved any problem. For seventy years, some in this country believe people’s aspirations can be quenched through use of violence. History has proved that is a myth. Believe in the power of truth, power of non-violence, power of dialogue.

Have you had any conversations with members of the current leadership (ie. the armed forces) or with NLD MPs?

We have kept the Catholic social teaching principle : greater good for greater number of people. With this perspective we have nurtured relationship major players of this country. When the Pope came here, he met both the Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi with the fervent appeal for peace.

I have maintained regular contact with the Senior General and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We involved them in activities of the Religions for Peace: where both Aung San Suu Kyi and the Senior General participated.

From December when I felt things were wobbling in the political arena, I tried my best to bring together both the leaders for dialogue. I sent a personal letter to both of them pleading with them to meet face to face. I invited both of them to Christmas dinner – Senior General came, but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was busy. On hindsight I regret all those lost chances.

In January, when there were strong rumors of coup, we sent a strong plea, for dialogue and the urgent need to have a meeting of the army and the NLD leadership.

Then the coup happened, it shattered us. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a prisoner now. I sent an appeal for her release. I have sent my availability to act as a mediator and though there are feelers to my appeal, I am still to get concrete proposal. I will dedicate the coming months for reconciling the parties. Peace is the only way forward. We cannot live with pestering wounds.

Have you been in touch with other leaders of the Roman Catholic church in the region or in the Vatican?

The Pope nurtures a special love for this nation. He has already spoken thrice on this issue, imploring all parties to solve issues through dialogue. He is our great support. The Vatican officials consistently supporting all our moves in bringing peace.

The Papal Nuncio of Myanmar, based in Bangkok, has been constant source of support.

I am the President of the Federation of the Asian Bishops Conference (FABC) and have received full support to peace moves.

Myanmar has had years of hardship and some years where this hardship was lifted – what is your experience of the Myanmar people’s response to the hardships?

1. Our people are a graceful people and resilient people. I am sad such a good people undergo decades of hardship. We are all born in a country with so much of resources. Our people live horrible life. We were once the richest country in South East Asia. Now we are one of the poorest. Our youth are forced into migration into modern forms of slaver. Enforced poverty, chronic wars and displacement and refugees: and that is the sad state of a country once called as GOLDEN LAND. Our history is a history of lost opportunities, betrayal of many generations, promises unfulfilled.

2. Yet I am very positive. This country will rise again. Our people are resilient and hardworking and forgiving. They are one of the most generous people in the world. It is our duty and the international community’s duty to see they have a new dawn.

Do you have a message to world leaders?

Democracy is in the twilight zone in many countries. Illiberal democracies and authoritarianism are the trends and even admired. Our present story is not a standalone story. The US election dispute was a trigger. The perpetual preacher of democracy could not put its house in order. The rigged election claims and the Capitol Hill riots , I think, proved to be great encouragement to the recent events here. The world is urgent need of strengthening democracy

China: The world has to come to terms with China’s role in the world. It holds great power: global, economic and military. Our country is a victim to its geo strategic big game. There should be an understanding among world players. When two elephants fight, the grass gets scorched.

Even if China has great aspirations, it should make it a win-win game. Do not see Myanmar as the last frontier for looting. If China thinks our people are great resources and need to be supported in their development, our people will love China. Kindly be a good and nurturing neighbor. If you develop our young generation well, Myanmar and China can grow together.

Tell us about your faith and how it helps you yourself and helps you be a leader for your congregation.

This is a great question. I am animated by my faith. We are not political leaders. Our faith gives as a great vision: Every human being is created in God’s image. All of us are brothers and sisters. We see God in all. That brings us to respect all and help in their development. I stood for the dignity of all people.

I am inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, who taught servant leadership and loving one another as brothers and sisters. He also dreamt of a world of justice and peace. Working for justice and peace is part and parcel of my faith.

I am deeply inspired by this Pope and his recent teachings on Economic Justice, Environmental justice and brotherhood of humanity. His latest advice from the ruins of Iraq: Peace is stronger than war; love is stronger than hate – sets me on a challenging road map in my faith.

Personally I nurtured reconciliation in my life. I do not remember having enemies or allowed my anger to linger for long. Meeting the other in their level is one way of healing oneself and the other. I have been offered great opportunities in my life by God and I strongly believe that those were given only for service of humanity.

As a leader, once again I follow Jesus: servant leadership that nurtures others and help them to bring the best in them.

I am also inspired by the Buddhist concept of interconnectedness of all of us. We are all one. Everyone is part of myself, I am part of everyone.