October 11, 2007 Burma Update

The latest news on
Myanmar, formerly Burma, is that the government is trying to discredit
the Buddhist monks that have lead recent protests by claiming weapons
were found at monasteries, during raids in a crack-down that reporters
have called a new "reign of terror." The U.S. wants sanctions placed
on the country, and, at the UN, the U.S., France and Britain are
pressing the Security Council statement condemning the crackdown and
calling for a release of all pro-democracy activists.

Spurred
by international support for the monks and citizens who have been
calling for justice, the Myanmar ruling junta leader has declared he
will consider negotiating with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu
Kyi, the Burmese human rights leader who has been under house arrest
for 17 years.

The Church has been part of the chorus calling for
justice and peace in Myanmar. Benedict XVI has called for a peaceful
end to the confrontations: "I follow the serious events taking place
in Myanmar with great trepidation and I wish to express my spiritual
closeness to that dear people in this moment of sorrowful difficulty
that they are experiencing. While guaranteeing them my intense prayer
and support, I invite the entire Church to do the same and I hope that
a peaceful solution can be found, for the good of the country."

The
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has sent a letter
of support to the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Myanmar offering
prayers and solidarity. The USCCB also sent a letter expressing the
Bishops' concern to the U.S. ambassador of the Union of Myanmar, urging
a peaceful solution "in order that there will be stability, peace and
non-violence." The U.S. Bishops' letter to the bishops of Myanmar
concludes with assurances that "in union with Pope Benedict XVI we are
offering prayers that the current conflict will be resolved peacefully
for the welfare of the people of your nation."

Discussion Questions:

• Why
  has the picture of the Burmese monks leading large protest marches
  captured the world's attention? What have you learned about the
  situation? What more could you learn?

• What themes
  of Catholic Social Teaching relate to this situation? What does the
  value of solidarity call the Church and people of faith to do in such a
  situation? Where can you and your faith community proclaim and
  demonstrate solidarity with the people of Myanmar?

Prayer For the People of Burma

We see them walking, walking.
Sorrow in one hand, hope in the other.
May we walk with them in spirit.
May we also be a visible hint
of God's promises,
So each step we take together
Moves us all closer
to the Incarnated Body,
The Kingdom of God
that we help create
For all members of the human family,
Walking, walking,
On the journey to justice.