The lead Bishop for international affairs, the Rt Revd Declan Lang, has urged Catholics in England and Wales to take up Pope Francis’ call for prayer and action to support Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims.
The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim minority in Western Myanmar (Burma) who have experienced decades of persecution. Violence in recent weeks has killed hundreds and driven more than 300,000 from their homes.
Bishop Declan Lang said:
“As Christians we have a duty to support people of other faiths who are facing persecution and violence.
“I hope that Catholics in England and Wales will take up Pope Francis’ call for solidarity with the Rohingya, both through prayer and supporting initiatives such as the emergency UNHCR appeal to help the hundreds of thousands who have been forced to flee their homes.
“Last month Pope Francis said: ‘Sad news has reached us about the persecution of our Rohingya brothers and sisters – a religious minority. I would like to express my full closeness to them, and let all of us ask the Lord to save them, and to raise up men and women of good will to help them.'”
