Myanmar: prelate asks for return of confiscated land, schools

January 21, 2014

The leading prelate in Myanmar (Burma) has asked the government to return Church land and schools that were confiscated by the military regime that ruled the nation from 1962 to 2011.

The regime confiscated Catholic schools in 1965 and expelled most foreign missionaries the following year.

“The Church has done a great job in the field of education and health,” said Archbishop Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, according to a Fides report. “Many schools in Myanmar were started by Christians. Not recognizing such valuable contribution, the former regime confiscated our properties and our schools. To contribute to the development of the nation, we ask that such structures are given back to us. It is our cultural right.”

The Southeast Asian nation of 55.2 million is 89% Buddhist, 4% Muslim, 3% Protestant, and 1% Catholic.

 

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Further information:

• During the Week of Unity, Christians ask the government for the return of lands and schools (Fides)