Myanmar Church Leaders appeal for a 'pilgrimage of peace'

Myanmar Church Leaders passionately appealed for peace and reiterated the need to undertake the pilgrimage of peace in a statement on January 20.

“As leaders of major religions/faiths in Myanmar, we make this passionate appeal for peace, urging that all of us need to undertake the pilgrimage of peace,” the statement read.

The statement was signed by Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon Archdiocese, Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese, and Archbishop Basilio Athai of Taunggyi Archdiocese.

They appealed passionately, “Peace is a Pilgrimage: Let us join together.”

Myanmar Church leaders noted the great threats to the sacredness of human life, the lives lost, the lives displaced, and the lives under starvation during the recent months.

“In a country blessed with so many great resources, the destruction of lives is a heart-wrenching tragedy,” they said.

Myanmar Church Leaders stated the increasing attack and carnage on the places of worship and monasteries, where the people sought peace and reconciliation.

“International instruments like the Hague Convention call for the protection of places of worship, places of learning, and places of healing. With pain and anguish, we ask why these sacred places are attacked and destroyed,” the statement read.

Myanmar Church Leaders insisted that as a nation, we need to heal, and healing comes through our deep sense of interrelatedness. Places of worship promote this interdependence, leading to peace.

“When they are burnt mercilessly, returning to normalcy becomes a great challenge,” the statement added.

To all stakeholders in Myanmar, Myanmar Church Leaders appealed passionately to let all guns fall silent, to reach out to all as brothers and sisters, and to start the sacred pilgrimage of peace – united as a nation and as a people for we have suffered enough as a people.

They reiterated, “Peace is possible; peace is the only way.”