Global Day of Prayer for Burma Observed in London

On Saturday 12th March, the global day of prayer for Burma will be observed in London, with the event hosted by the UK-based human rights organisation, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). CSW calls for the attention of all Christians to the forgotten and greatly suppressed people in Burma.

CSW has closely followed and reported on cases of abuse of human rights and ethnic discrimaination in Burma. According to the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), dictators have ruled Burma since 1962 using force to relocate entire communities. The Burma Army has attacked people across the region, but in particular the ethnic groups who still resist their rule are subjected to terrible abuse. For ethnic minorities, who comprise over 40 percent of Burma’s population, the situation is much worse. Among the 2 million Burmans displaced from their homes, half of them are from minority areas such as the Karen, Karenni, and Shan states.

A report written by the BBC and extracted by Christian Concern for Burma (CCB) on its website, said Karen people have continued to fight against the government for their democracy. Therefore, in the government’s attempt to create a country defined by a muddle of Buddhist and Marxist principles, the ruling regime has even intensified their oppression on Karen people, forcing them into Thailand as refugees or leaving thousands displaced in the jungle.

Currently, the CCB who have called the Global Prayer Day for Burma, are continuing to dispatch relief teams to assist the displaced Karen people. Every year, CCB offers training for people who desire to go into the war zones to bring help, hope and love to displaced people. Multi-ethnic teams including Karen, Karenni, Shan, Kachin, Arakan, Lahu, Pa’O and Rawang men and women, who give medical care, emergency relief and serve as another voice for the oppressed.

Good Life Club, another initiative launched by the CCB, offers Kid-Packs, Mom&Baby Packs, smile-hats and T-shirts to hundreds of children and mothers. These supplies are very crucial for the lives of those who are always on the run and hiding in the jungles.

CCB said, "Though they (Burma people) are suffering under an oppressive dictatorship, they have not given up hope. Through 55 years of civil war the people continue to find ways to work and pray for positive change."

"Love is alive in Burma and its light will not be put out. Please join the people of Burma in prayer for their country, as we believe true freedom will not come only through political change but through the healing power of God’s love," CCB called.

CSW continue to try their best to ensure the cry from Burma is heard by leaders worldwide through its campaigns.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW said, "CSW believes that prayer changes things in ways beyond our imagination. Burma is a country that needs prayer - for the regime, for those suffering oppression and for those helping to change people’s despair to hope."

"We would urge anyone with a heart for the people of Burma to join us if they can," he continued.

The theme for the prayer day in London will be Unity in Diversity with a focus on ethnic groups, the pro-democracy movement and outside NGOs working effectively together.

Baroness Cox, President of CSW & Founder of HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust) will be leading part of the prayer meeting and there will be multimedia presentations on the current situation in Burma. Harn Yawnghwe, Director of the Euro-Burma Office in Brussels is also invited.

Admission is free to the event at St Paul’s Church, Robert Adam Street, London W1U 3HW, held between 10:00am and 4:00pm. The event is being co-hosted with Karen Aid, the Karen Action Group and the CIDKP (Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People).