A Catholic bishop in civil war-torn Myanmar voiced hope that “everyone will do their part” to rebuild a church destroyed in his diocese during a military junta airstrike against rebel groups. Source: UCA News.
Hakha Bishop Lucius Hre Kung spoke during a recent visit to the Church of Christ the King, which was destroyed in military bombings in April, Vatican’s Fides news agency reported on Tuesday.
“They destroyed the walls of the church, but not the faith. Our faith remains strong, the people of God in Falam continue to believe and hope,” Bishop Kung added.
The church was consecrated in November 2023 with assistance from the estimated 1000 Catholics in the Falam region.
Chinland Defense Force (CDF), a part of the People’s Defense Forces, which opposes the military junta, had taken control of Falam, resulting in retaliatory airstrikes from the junta.
Bishop Kung said he regularly visits the affected people in his diocese while bringing them “the consolation of the Lord”.
“In this moment of suffering and trial, we remain firmly anchored in prayer,” he said while praying to Jesus and Mary to give them “the strength and hope to continue and hope for a future of peace.”
Bishop Kung was able to visit the church and its vicinity only recently, to assess the damage and comfort the local population, Fides reported.
Fr Paulinus G.K. Shing, a local priest, expressed deep sorrow at the current state of the church while expressing hope that it will be rebuilt soon.
“It was a very beautiful church, and the parish was happy to take care of it. I hope it can be rebuilt soon. I look with sadness at pictures of priests of the diocese being ordained there,” Fr Shin said.
At least 107 religious buildings, including 67 churches, have been destroyed by army bombing in Chin State since the deadly civil war began in February 2021, after the military ousted the elected civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The junta’s bloody campaign of violent repression against dissent has resulted in more than 6000 deaths, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
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Myanmar bishop hopes to rebuild church destroyed in junta strike (UCA News)
