by Francis Khoo Thwe

Mgr Charles Bo hopes to see in-depth discussions on "communion for divorced and remarried couples." Separated people, he told AsiaNews, can still "live a deep relationship with the faith" and wish to receive the sacrament. In Myanmar, the traditional family is not the subject of threats and "in 95% of cases" marriages are long lasting. The Church has been active in the promotion of meetings for couples and pre-marriage councelling. Bearing witness among non-Christians remains a challenge for Catholics.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - "I hope we can get more information" from the Synod that just got underway "on the method of pastoral care of families," said Mgr Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon. The prelate spoke to AsiaNews about the family in Myanmar, and many other issues discussed by the Extraordinary General Meeting currently underway (5-19 October) in Rome.

Mgr Bo also hopes to see the meeting engage in an in-depth discussion on the subject of "communion for divorced and remarried couples". Although "This does not apply to everyone, in some cases people do experience a deep and honest relationship with their faith and wish to receive the Communion."

"Given that the family is the domestic church," the prelate noted, "we would like to see the family get more attention." Indeed, if "until now" the traditional family has not been the subject of threats and attacks in the former Burma, because in most cases " people cannot imagine marriage between persons of the same sex," there are still many challenges to meet, and not only for Catholics.

The prelate focused on certain issues like poor management skills of family problems, lack of economic resources and education on sexual matters. What is more, some "people have to separate because of work" as a family member has to move to a "neighbouring country", usually Thailand, for their job.

The archbishop of Yangon is one of the leading personalities of the Church in Myanmar. He has been long active in the defence of human rights, unity and religious freedom in a nation that, even today, is the scene of violence and abuse towards minorities and internal dissent.

On the subject of family, he noted that unions "between Catholics, Christians, or members of other religions are very positive" and "in 95 per cent of cases, marriages are stable."

The culture of same-sex couples has not yet "taken root", the prelate noted, even among Buddhists. "The concept of monogamy still stands today, except for Muslims."

At the same time, the Church has long been active in promoting "pre-marital courses" in Myanmar, organising meetings and seminars "dedicated to couples."

Although mission schools were nationalised in 1965 after the military takeover, Christians continue to exercise an active influence in the field of education. In parishes, the focus is on the catechism and education on the subject of faith.

"Sisters and religious are actively involved in the education of parents and children," Mgr Bo explained. "There is also the work of associations and groups like Couples for Christ, Catholic Mothers, and women's associations, which focus their attention on families."

In Myanmar, "according to tradition, respect for parents and older members of the family is very strong." However, "direct influence" on non-Catholics is still limited and a challenge, the prelate added.

A "required course" on "pre-marital education" for young people and Bible studies aimed at families are some of the many initiatives put in place by the Archdiocese of Yangon, Mgr Bo said, thanks to courses and seminars promoted by priests and nuns.

• myanmar
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