Myanmar religious leaders want elections to be an ‘opportunity’ for peace and coexistence
Religions for Peace issued an appeal signed by Myanmar’s religious leaders. For them, “To build a nation we need not be afraid of difference, but rather learn to negotiate, compromise, dialogue and rejoice in who we are.”
Yangoon (AsiaNews) – Religions for Peace issued an appeal titled Seize this opportunity! destined for various Myanmar social, political and religious groups ahead of the country’s elections, scheduled for November. The latter are seen as an opportunity to overcome its triple (health, environmental, social) crisis. The country’s Catholic bishops as well as its Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu religious leaders have signed the document.
Seize this opportunity!
A message addressed to civilian, ethnic, armed groups, political parties and religious leaders of Myanmar
We are weary of war, worn down by enmities. War disgraces everyone. Why is it that Myanmar’s conflicts never end? Where does responsibility lie? Of course, one may accuse the belligerence of the Tatmadaw, even her obstinacy in refusing a full ceasefire to allow the nation to cope with the pandemic. One may deplore the faint authority of the civilian government, or the lack of due process in the judicial system. One may accuse ethnic leaders and truant cronies who benefit too much from trade in jade or drugs to desist. One may deplore that we religious leaders are too timid in protesting injustice.
But with this message, in anticipation of important national elections and the 21st Century Panglong Conference, we appeal directly to all leaders of Myanmar and to our fellow religious leaders to listen with respect to one another and determine to seek the good of all.
A golden opportunity is now given us in the new conditions and new challenges in our world. We urge all: seize this moment. Myanmar is caught in a three-fold global crisis. A tiny pathogen has halted humanity. Nature is arrested. Coronavirus gives us a chance to take new paths. Second, environmental threats put all at risk. Myanmar is one of five countries most affected by climate change this century. Third, a global wildfire reveals how deeply race relations matter. Despite the beauty of diversity, Myanmar people cling to the folly of assuming a ranking in ethnic differences.
What can we do differently instead of returning to senseless divisions? What future do we want for our young? For decades they have been given no opportunities at home and so went abroad by the millions, to labour as slaves. How can we best promise a future and give health, benefit and dignity to our people? With what courage and creativity can we claim our right to respect, equality, sustainable prosperity and enduring peace for Myanmar?
Myanmar is surrounded by many neighbours. They see the riches of our country, our gold, teak and jade, our generous rivers and untouched forests. When we fight one another, we become distracted, our land is ravished, our young are destroyed by addictive stimulant drugs, and thousands of our young women and men leave their country only to lose their dignity and their lives. Again last week hundreds of young jade miners were buried in watery graves, while foreigners run away with our wealth. When we fight, we put our young men at enmity with their brothers. Their lives and limbs are broken, mothers weep and young wives are made widows. It is time to stop.
The colonisers’ strategy was to divide and rule. Let us not be misled again. To build a nation we need not be afraid of difference, but rather learn to negotiate, compromise, dialogue and rejoice in who we are. When we elect a civilian government, are we not choosing who has authority in our nation? Is not democracy our goal in the elections?
The peace agreements we sign are flimsy. They may pause the fighting but forests are still plundered. Precious riches are still taken from our soil and stolen from future generations. Go deeper in your negotiations! We do not protect the rights of our poor when we do the same as the aggressors. To trade with thieves is to deal in death. We plead with you, choose the uphill path of the ‘new’, not the downhill path of the ‘safe’. Confront your enemies with truth. Work to convince them that peace is in their best interests too.
Invest in hope. Prepare for the future world after the pandemic. Listen to the cries of Mother earth. Respect one another. Encourage our young to study. Asia and the world will need what Myanmar can contribute for generations to come. Our cultures are treasures, built over centuries. The forests of Myanmar are the lungs of Asia. Our indigenous people know how to conserve them. Myanmar’s paddy fields are the rice bowl of Asia. Our farmers deserve just recompense. The youth of Myanmar are tomorrow’s peace makers of ASEAN. Prepare them well.
Buddhist, Christian and Muslim people of Myanmar, with ethnic and community leaders, can live the message that the world longs to hear. When we unmask insincerity, heed one another and look in harmony to the future, we will promote a world that is peaceful, just and inclusive. Then Myanmar will be a proud member of the family of nations.
The people of Myanmar deserve peace, not unending war. There can be no peace without justice. There can be no justice without truth. Let a new Myanmar of hope, peace and prosperity dawn as we march towards the goal of democracy through elections.
Seize this opportunity!
Venerable Dr. K. Dhammasami (Oxford Sayadaw) Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities, Fellow, OCBS & Buddhist Chaplain, Oxford University, UK
His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo Archbishop of Yangon. President Federation of Asian Bishops Conference, Patron of RfP- Myanmar, Co-President of RfP- International
Venerable Maha Thaddamma Zawtika Zay Baddanda Ponnya Nanda Thiri Mingalar Mansu Shan Monastery, Lashio, Northern Shan State.
Venerable Sayadaw Bandanta Sandawara Venerable Sayadaw for State Sangha Wunsaung, Pyin Phyu Maw Monastery, Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State
Bhai Prem Singh Khaisa President of Sikhs Temple, Myitkyina, Kachin State
Venerable Sayadaw Sandawara Bhiwunsa Venerable Sayadaw for State Sangha Wunsaung, Khin Oo Kyaung, Khemarthiwun Monastery, Myitkyina, Kachin State
Venerable Ariya Wun Tha Bhiwunsa (Myawaddy Sayadaw) Myawaddy King Monastery, Mandalay
Venerable Badata Seindita (Asia Light Sayadaw) Asia Light Monastery, Pyin Oo Lwin
H.E Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang President, Catholic Bishop Conference of Myanmar (CBCM,), Bishop of Kalay Diocese
Al Haj Kalifah U Aye Lwin Chief Convener of the Islamic Center of Myanmar; Member of Kofi Annan led Rakhine Advisory Commission; Core Group Member of RfP- Myanmar
H.E Bishop John Hsane Hgyi Vice President, CBCM, Bishop of Pathein Diocese
Mr. Kyaw Thu Advisor, All Myanmar Hindu Central Council
H.E Bishop John Saw Yaw Han General Secretary, CBCM, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon Archdiocese
H.E Archbishop Basilio Athai Member, CBCM,
Archbishop of Taunggyi Archdiocese
Venerable Wizaya (Washaung Sayadaw) Washaung Monastery, Washaung village, Waimaw Township, Kachin State
Venerable Naryaka (Faundaw Oo Sayadaw) Faundaw Oo Monastery, Mandalay
Venerable Withuda (Uzin Ping) Ratana Oo Monastery, Meiktila
Venerable Indawunsa Dandar Myay Home-Age Dama Yeikthar, Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State
Venerable Thu Dama Sarya Thuwanabawdi Shwe Nyaungpin Monastery, Myitkyina, Kachin State
Venerable Mandalar Lankara Dhattaw Monastery, Mandalay
Mufti U Thaung Myint Kyune Pin Thar Mosque Kyune Pin Thar Quarter, Myitkyina, Kachin State
Rev. Mahn Palmerston General Secretary, Myanmar Council of Churches; Core Group Member, RfP-Myanmar
H.E Archbishop Marco Tin Win Member, CBCM, Archbishop of Mandalay Archdiocese
H.E Bishop Alexander Pyone Cho Member, CBCM, Bishop of Pyay Diocese
H.E Bishop Raymond Saw Po Ray Member, CBCM, Bishop of Mawlamyine Diocese
H.E Bishop Justin Saw Min Thide Member, CBCM, Bishop of Hpa-An Diocese
H.E Bishop Francis Daw Tang Member, CBCM, Bishop of Myitkyina Diocese
Msgr. Peter Anwe Diocese of Kengtung
H.E Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam Member, CBCM, Bishop of Bhamo Diocese
H.E Bishop Philip Lasap Za Hawng Member, CBCM, Bishop of Lashio Diocese
Dr. Hla Tun Coordinator, Hindu Sanatan Dharma Swayamsevak Sangh (H.Q);
Core Group Member, RfP-Myanmar
H.E Archbishop Nicholas Mang Thang Member, CBCM, Archbishop of Mandalay Archdiocese
H.E Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng Member, CBCM, Archbishop of Mandalay Archdiocese
H.E Archbishop Matthias U Shwe Member, CBCM,Archbishop of Taunggyi Archdiocese
U Myint Swe President RfP-Myanmar
Daw Yin Yin Maw Secretary General, RfP-Myanmar; Chairwoman, Women of Faith Network (WoFN) of RfP-Myanmar
Patrick Aung Tu Program Manager RfP-Myanmar
H.E Bishop Lucius Hre Kung Member, CBCM, Bishop of Hakha Diocese
H.E Bishop Lucas Jeimphaung Dau Ze Member, CBCM, Auxiliary Bishop of Lashio Diocese
H.E Bishop Stephen Tjephe Member, CBCM, Bishop of Loikaw Diocese
H.E Bishop Peter Hla Member, CBCM, Bishop of Pekhon Diocese
H.E Bishop Issac Danu Member, CBCM, Bishop of Taungngu Diocese
Rev. Fr. George Shwe Htun Core Group Member RfP-Myanmar
Women of Faith Network (WoFN) Members Religions for Peace-Myanmar
Interfaith Youth Network (IYN) Members Religions for Peace-Myanmar.
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