Members of the 探花社区 (探花社区) have expressed shock and dismay at recent events taking place in Myanmar, starting with the military coup on 1 February:
Speak out for those who cannot speak,
for the rights of all the destitute.
Speak out, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
(Proverbs 31:8-9)
We have listened 鈥� almost in disbelief 鈥� to reports of unarmed civilian protesters, including children, being killed indiscriminately by members of the Myanmar Armed Forces. We are outraged by the blatant disregard for the welfare, safety and wellbeing of Myanmar鈥檚 citizens displayed by the military regime which claims to be 鈥渙n the side of the people鈥�, and the callous behaviour of military leaders in light of the violence used to suppress the nationwide protests resulting in the deaths of more than 100 protesters on a single day (27 March).
We lament all the lives lost 鈥� now estimated to be in excess of 400 people. We grieve with the families who have had their lives shattered.
The 探花社区 stands in solidarity with our partners and friends in the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar (PCM). We support the Church鈥檚 statement of 8 February following the coup, 听reproduced below, but note with deep sadness that the enforced military government has ignored the PCM鈥檚 appeal not to cause harm, or to oppress anyone taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Our prayers are with the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar, with all the people of Myanmar, and with the friends and loved ones scattered around the globe who feel keenly the pain of all we are witnessing.
The 探花社区 adds its voice to the numerous voices condemning the violence being meted against Myanmar鈥檚 citizens as they exercise their right to protest, and in demanding that the human rights of Myanmar鈥檚 people be respected and restored. We affirm the united statement issued by twelve national defence chiefs, including the UK鈥檚 Foreign Secretary, insisting that 鈥渁 professional military鈥� is responsible for protecting 鈥� not harming 鈥� the people it serves鈥�, and urging the Myanmar Armed Forces to cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar 1.听We support calls for the immediate and unconditional release of members of Myanmar鈥檚 democratically elected government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
Myanmar鈥檚 anti-coup protestors are displaying immense courage in their determination to secure justice for their nation and in standing against the forces of evil; the 探花社区 urges the UK government to pursue all political and diplomatic means to support the protestors鈥� efforts and contribute to seeking a peaceful, just and considered way forward for all Myanmar鈥檚 diverse peoples.
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
(Amos 5:24)
In the face of injustice and oppression, the 探花社区 reaffirms its commitment to this biblical mandate and urges its members, and people everywhere, to continue speaking out – with and for the people of Myanmar.
Presbyterian Church in Myanmar 鈥� General Assembly Office Kalaymyo, 8 February:听 Statement following Military Coup on 1 February
- The Presbyterian Church in Myanmar (PCM) stands for love, justice and peace according to the teaching in the Bible.
- We were surprised and astonished on hearing the news of the coup d鈥櫭﹖at on 1 February. We, along with the people of Myanmar, are deeply saddened by this.
- Based on Biblical theology, PCM condemns any form of oppression which is against the truth.
- We urge the military to release from house arrest the State Counsellor, President and other elected leaders without exception.
- We urge the authorities not to cause any harm or to oppress anyone in the Civil Disobedience Movement who are pursuing non-violent means of protest.
- PCM prays that love, peace, tranquillity, human rights and dignity may rule our government; that there would be no oppression; and that federal democracy would be implemented successfully.
(Translated by Rev Ramthanga, General Secretary, PCM, revised)
God of justice, we pray for the people of Myanmar;
for democratically elected politicians
who have been prevented from exercising their rightful authority,
for those who have grasped power, through force of arms
and for all those whose families, lives and livelihoods are at risk.
God of freedom, we pray for those who have been imprisoned
simply because they have protested
or been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
God of peace, we pray for those whose lives are in turmoil;
for those whose loved ones have disappeared,
for those who continue to protest peacefully despite the dangers.
God of life, we ask that through our prayers and action,
and through the efforts of all those working for peace and justice,
the people of Myanmar will know your justice, your freedom, your peace,
and the fulness of life you promise.
Amen.
1. of chiefs of defense condeming military sponsored violence.听
Image: Gayatri Malhotra/Unsplash and Macau Photo Agency for Hire/Unsplash