“Having developed a special condition of “sister Church” with the Church of Myanmar, we are very worried about the current situation and the impact it is having on people”. This is stated in a letter from the Archdiocese of Tokyo which expresses its deep solidarity and assures the people of Myanmar of their prayers in the midst of the political crisis that is shaking the country. The letter sent to Agenzia Fides, signed by Archbishop Isao Kikuchi Svd, and addressed to the Bishops of Myanmar, notes:

“During the season of Lent, as we strive to renew our dedication and sacrifice to Christ and foster new life within our communities, we, in Tokyo, pray that the sacrifice and prayers of the people of Myanmar bring peace and renewal to the country”.

The Archbishop continues: “I want to assure our solidarity, dense in prayer, to the Church in Myanmar and to her role of service towards the weak and those who seek peace. With the Holy Father we pray that those who have the authority work with a sincere will work with the sincere desire to serve the common good and fundamental and civil rights, to promote justice and national stability for a harmonious, democratic and peaceful coexistence”, reads the text that quotes an intervention by Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN headquarters in Geneva, dated February 21, 2021.

Archbishop Kikuchi recalls his visit to Myanmar last February, during which he was able to meet communities full of faith and vitality who live “with joy their challenges, their struggle, and their resilience”, wishing that “their hopes and aspirations will not be destroyed”.

The Bishop’s letter concludes by sharing the appeal of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo Archbishop of Yangon: “Peace is possible, peace is the only way”, and assures the prayer of the Catholic communities of the Archdiocese of Tokyo for the Church in Myanmar and for peace within of this tormented nation.