Dialogue among faith groups in Myanmar critical for nation building

LWF encourages initiatives that strengthen peace

YANGON, Myanmar/GENEVA, 19 August 2015 (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has encouraged religious leaders in Myanmar to work together in initiatives that strengthen dialogue and promote unity among faith groups in the country.

Through its area desk for Asia at the Department for Mission and Development (DMD) and the Department for Theology and Public Witness (DTPW), the LWF commended the Interfaith Dialogue Group of Myanmar (IDGM) for its efforts in promoting peace in society, saying this adds value to ongoing developments in the Southeast Asian country.

The IDGM and the LWF jointly hosted a conference on 30 July to deliberate on how faith leaders in Myanmar can strengthen religious harmony in society, particularly at the grassroots. Around 40 faith leaders from the five major religions in the country, namely Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim, participated, as well as government representatives through the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Even though the government of Myanmar has radically eased political, economic and social restrictions in recent years, the country continues to experience heightened tension as a result of religious and ethnic conflicts in some parts of the country. “Conversations between people of different faiths should be an ongoing activity. It is only on the strength of the friendships forged that conflicts—should they occur—could be quickly and peacefully resolved,” said Rev. Dr William Chang, LWF area secretary for Asia at DMD.

Chang and Rev. Dr Simone Sinn, LWF study secretary for Public Theology and Interreligious Relations at DTPW, presented LWF’s work at the conference. In her keynote address focusing on “Religions’ Joint Engagement for Justice and Peace,” Sinn explained that dialogue with other faiths is an important aspect of LWF’s public witness as a communion of churches. “Peace and reconciliation should not just be a general talk, but a very concrete task: religious leaders need to establish constructive relationships with each other and with their communities,” she said.

Care for marginalized people

Dr Tin Thein Naing, representing the Buddhist community, said all religious leaders have equal responsibility in ensuring the peace and the wellbeing of all people, particularly in today’s context of conflicts in society, growing individualism and further marginalization of already vulnerable groups.

Muslim leader Al Haj Mohamed Amin noted that “religious life is part of public life,” therefore unity in diversity was key to strengthening common ground for collaboration. Tin Kyine, from the Baha’i expressed appreciation for the opportunity to dialogue as faith groups and to plan joint actions.

The IDGM’s initiatives include support for people affected by HIV and AIDS in a country with a relatively low HIV prevalence of less than one percent, but with potential for increase if the risk of the virus spread is not stemmed.

The Myanmar Council of Churches, to which the Lutheran churches in the country are affiliated, is a member of the interfaith platform, which was established in 2013 to promote collaboration on common issues relating to development processes.

U Sein Maw, the Yangon Region head of religious affairs, assured participants of the government’s willingness to work with all faith-based groups in their ongoing and future efforts in order to increase the quality of life in the country of 53 million people.

Delegates at the one-day gathering included representatives of the four LWF member churches there. LWF World Service also has a country program in Myanmar.

By Steven Lawrence, regional expression officer for the LWF Asian region.