Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
London (Agenzia Fides) - Christian communities of diverse creeds, throughout the world, will unite on March 8 in commemoration of the 10th World Day of Prayer for Myanmar. The initiative, begun in 1997 by a group of Christians that was concerned for the conditions of the Burman people, has now grown and receiveds support and appreciation from the Birman leader Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and defender of human rights and democracy for his country.
Numerous communities of Catholics and Protestant have joined in the Day for prayer. Many non-governmental organizations with Christian values, throughout the world (such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide) who promote public manifestations and prayer vigils in support of the Birman people, have also united their efforts to the cause. Other organizations include: refugee services for Birmans (e.g. Jesuit Refugee Service), as well as human rights groups, also working for the rights of ethnic minorities in Birma.
Many associations, making their intentions known on the website www.prayforburma.org, say: “We pray that the Lord’s light and His love reach Myanmar, for peace and liberty, that justice prevails in the hearts of those who are in charge of leading the country. We pray for democracy and respect for the rights of ethnic communities, for forgiveness and brotherhood among the many ethnic groups.”
The Day of Prayer follows that of the Day for Global Action, that was celebrated on October 6, 2007 (see Fides 5/10/2007), in which international civil society organizations met and prayed in various cities , to remember the victims of repression and urge governments to take the necessary measures to stop violence on the people of Myanmar. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/2/2008, righe 23, parole 274)
