A webinar hosted by the Presbyterian Church will commemorate the fourth anniversary of Myanmar’s democracy movement on February 3. Dr. David Thang Moe will present, followed by testimonies from activists. The event highlights continued violence, a humanitarian crisis, and the role of the church in providing support.
On February 3, a webinar titled ‘The Church and the Coup: Global Perspectives on Faith and the Democratic Movement in Myanmar’ will be hosted by the Asia Pacific Office of the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This event commemorates the fourth anniversary of Myanmar’s democratic movement, featuring Dr. David Thang Moe from Yale University as the presenter, along with testimonies from participants in the enfranchisement movement.
The past four years have seen continued violent clashes in Myanmar between the military and various factions, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes, with the United Nations reporting over three million internally displaced persons and severe impacts on children’s rights. The situation is exacerbated by food insecurity and a breakdown of essential public services.
Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, which forcibly dissolved the democratically elected government, over 25,000 have been arrested, with more than 50,000 reported deaths. The Presbyterian Church of Myanmar, comprising about 30,000 members, continues to seek support amid international crises like those in Ukraine and Gaza, which overshadow its struggles.
Dr. Moe plays a pivotal role in advocating for Myanmar, having engaged policymakers and educated about the country’s political and religious dynamics, focusing on resistance and democratization. The upcoming webinar will also feature contributions from members of the ecumenical movement supporting humanitarian efforts in Myanmar, emphasizing solidarity within Christian denominations and the diaspora.
Attendees can access the event via a Zoom link provided beforehand. This gathering aims to raise awareness of Myanmar’s situation and the ongoing efforts by churches and organizations to provide relief and support amid escalating conflict and instability.
The webinar is organized against the backdrop of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis following the military coup that overthrew its democratically elected government in February 2021. This event aims to recall the struggles for democratic rights and the dire humanitarian consequences that have resulted from the military’s actions. Given the significant number of internally displaced persons and the grave conditions reported, the webinar seeks to unify voices advocating for support and solidarity within the Christian community and beyond.
The February 3 webinar will serve as a critical platform for commemorating the struggles of the democracy movement in Myanmar while drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing military enforcement. Leveraging testimony and scholarly insights, it aims to foster greater awareness and support for efforts addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially children, amidst a backdrop of systemic violence and political turmoil.
Original Source: pcusa.org
