The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and Faith Leaders in Canada Release a Joint Public Statement in Support of the People of Myanmar

Friday, November 02 2018

Ottawa – On 20 September 2018, the Canadian House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion recognizing the recent violence against the Rohingya people as genocide. Today, in partnership with the Canadian Council of Imams, the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), faith leaders in Canada responded to the crisis through the release of a joint public statement that calls for an end to the violence in Myanmar and for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict. The statement has been endorsed by over 20 faith leaders and organizations in Canada, including The Most Reverend Lionel Gendron, P.S.S., Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and President of the CCCB.

In the statement, the signatories underscored their commonly held belief in the dignity of all persons stating that, “As faith leaders of diverse communities in Canada, we are united in our belief and concern for the inviolable dignity of all persons […]” The faith leaders continued their message by saying, “We strongly encourage the people of Myanmar to build peace, to heal the wounds of your communities through dialogue and forgiveness, and to let justice be realized for those who have been wronged.”

Noting that 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations’ Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the signatories implored “…let us raise our voices once again and say: Never again“.

Lastly, the statement challenges all Canadians to take action by calling for justice, reconciliation and peace for the people of Myanmar and to become agents of peace and reconciliation in their own families, workplaces and communities.

Link to the Joint Public Statement in Support of the People of Myanmar