Christian communities in Myanmar have slammed their faith leader, Cardinal Archbishop Charles Bo, for his unholy alliance with Myanmar’s junta chief, who is responsible for the destruction of nearly 100 churches since the 2021 coup.
On Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing arrived from his fortress in Naypyitaw at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon for a Christmas dinner organized by the Myanmar Council of Churches, where he rubbed shoulders with Cardinal Bo.
Independent Catholics for Justice in Myanmar (ICJM), a group of priests and laypeople, rushed to distance itself from the alliance, declaring the following day that the meeting “does not represent the wishes of Catholics, who are largely opposed to any form of camaraderie with the junta.”
Every year since the coup, Cardinal Bo has celebrated Christmas together with Min Aung Hlaing, cutting cakes and praying for peace even after the junta’s arson attacks on his home village.
In November 2022, the regime raided Mone Hla in Sagaing Region, killing at least three civilians including a seven-year-old boy and torching multiple buildings including a church that is over 100 years old.
But the cardinal was as silent as before and joined Christmas dinner with the junta boss a month later.
On Sunday, the two joined attendees in the choral song “Prosperous Myanmar.”
Junta media quoted the cardinal as wishing Min Aung Hlaing, “his wife and family, cabinet members, Tatmadaw members and their families, and all the people of Myanmar […] blessings of happiness and prosperity.”
National Unity Government (NUG) spokesman U Kyaw Zaw said in a public message Tuesday that the military regime tends to commit atrocities on religiously significant days, and that the civilian government is working with allied organizations to hold the junta accountable for these crimes.
According to the NUG, over 300 religious buildings including churches have been destroyed since the coup, more than 200 religious figures have been arrested, and around 270 were killed or injured.
