Myanmar prelate appeals for peace amid sectarian conflict
October 08, 2013
Amid Buddhist attacks on the nation’s Muslim minority, a leading prelate in Myanmar (formerly Burma) appealed for peace, the Fides news agency reported.
“Buddha preached a message of compassion that has a universal value,” Archbishop Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, the nation’s largest city, said at an interreligious gathering. “Christ announced the message, ‘peace on earth.’ Gandhi, a convinced Hindu, was an apostle of nonviolence.”
“In the new Myanmar there is no place for hate speeches,” the prelate added. “The relationship between the sons and daughters of our great nation is a fervent meeting for peace and harmony. There is need to send a strong signal to those who sow the seeds of discord. May our voice be strong and articulated. May peace flow like a river. Let the big dreams of a future Myanmar be built on justice, peace and brotherhood.”
The nation of 54.6 million is 89% Buddhist, 4% Muslim, 3% Protestant, 1% Catholic, and 1% animist.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
