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Christians raise 'big three' issues with president

Land disputes, ecology fears and ethnic unrest 'all need solving'
Christians raise 'big three' issues with president
Christian leaders and parishioners gather for an ecumenical conference in Yangon
Published: October 05, 2011 09:46 AM GMT
Updated: October 06, 2011 05:29 AM GMT

Christian leaders are calling on Myanmar’s  recently elected President Thein Sein to preserve natural resources, protect farmers from land confiscations and calm the unrest in ethnic regions. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar and the Myanmar Council of Churches sent a joint letter to the president yesterday. Archbishop Charles Bo, general secretary of the Bishops’ Conference, said, “We Christian leaders should get involved for the sake of peace and development, which is why we decided to issue this statement on behalf of all Christians in the country.” Referring to the issue of land confiscations, Archbishop Bo said, “We have heard quite often that the minority of rich people and companies confiscate land from poor farmers. With no power to defend themselves, they become poorer and poorer.” “So we really want the president to consider and protect vulnerable people, especially the farmers.” Rev Arthur Ko Lay, chairman of the Faith and Order Commission at the Myanmar Council of Churches, addressed the subject of ethnic unrest. “Due to the conflicts in the ethnic areas, the numbers of displaced people are increasing day by day,” he said.  “Both sides need to compromise, meet and have dialogue to bring reconciliation and peace to the country.” Rev Kyaw Nyunt, chairman of the Myanmar Ecumenical Institute, had a message of his own to deliver about environmental protection. “We also want to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the land throughout this country and to canvass public opinion on new developments and projects,” he said. “We must not destroy our natural resources for them. A tree must have the appearance of a tree and a river should look like a river. Their integrity must be preserved.” Related Stories Christians praise dam project halt Religious must help in nation building Bishop urges prayers for leaders

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