More on Burma

The Catholic Church in Burma has ordered its clergy not to take part in protests, although laypeople may do so, and all Catholics may certainly offer prayers for their nation. Make of it what you will, but I understand that Pope Benedict has condemned the Junta and asked them to end the violence. The article contrasts them to the Buddhist monks who have spearheaded the protests, but I understand that the activist monks are in the minority (although the country is over 90% Buddhist, so even a minority is a lot of monks).

YANGON, Myanmar: While thousands of Buddhist monks have marched on the streets to protest against Myanmar's military regime, the Catholic Church has ordered its clergy not to take part in demonstrations or political activities.

Worshippers at Yangon's Catholic churches Sunday read posted bulletins from its hierarchy stating that priests, brothers and nuns were not to become involved in the monthlong protests, but that lay Catholics could act as they saw fit.

But at one Yangon church, a Western priest told a mostly foreign congregation of some 100 worshippers that the international community must speak out against the regime, criticizing those who remained silent.

"The situation now in Myanmar should not be deemed as 'business as usual.' What's happening can be likened to a rape," he said in a sermon, asking not to be identified by name for fear of reprisals.

A handful of Myanmar residents were inside the church, and had apparently been sleeping there in recent days for fear their homes would be raided by security forces which set up a checkpoint about 10 meters (yards) from the church after the Mass.

The bulletins urged all Catholics to continue praying, fasting and offering Mass for Myanmar's welfare.

Myanmar's 450,000 Catholics make up about 1 percent of the population of this predominantly Buddhist country. Christians as a whole comprise about 4 percent.

Additionally, VOA News reported 2 days ago that a UN envoy met with Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's democratically elected leader, and the military junta (which, btw, has placed her under house arrest for over a decade).

Lastly, Madpriest posted this letter (published in the Guardian) on his blog:

As an ordained Anglican, I am appalled that while Buddhist monks are taken from their beds, beaten and imprisoned for peacefully protesting in the name of democracy, Anglican bishops can only concern themselves with the obsession of denying gay and lesbian Christians an opportunity to share their spiritual gifts and experience through ordained ministry. For me it is clear in which of these two groups spiritual authenticity resides. I offer my heartfelt prayers on behalf of the monks of Burma.
Rev Mike Catling
Alnwick, Northumberland