First Cardinal of Myanmar/Burma visits Scotland

Cardinal Bo

The first ever Catholic Cardinal of Myanmar/Burma is using a visit to Scotland to ask Scots to support his country during its transition to democracy after decades of military rule.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon (Rangoon), who has promised to provide a 'voice for the voiceless' in his home country is visiting Scotland from 8-11 May as a guest of Missio Scotland, SCIAF, Aid to the Church in Need and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

During his trip to Scotland, Cardinal Bo will celebrate Mass at St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow, talk to more than 250 pupils from schools in the Motherwell Diocese and take part in a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers. The Cardinal will also meet Dr Angus Morrison, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh, speak to politicians and interfaith leaders and be a guest of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Cardinal Bo said: "My country now stands on the threshold of hope. After over half a century of brutal oppression at the hands of successive military regimes and after more than 60 years of civil war, we now have the possibility to begin to build a new Myanmar, to develop the values of democracy, to better protect and promote human rights and to work for peace."

Cardinal Bo added: "Your beautiful nation, Scotland, has wrestled with its own questions in recent years over its political status and destination as a country. You have grappled with debates over autonomy, self-determination and indeed, religious diversity. So I would like to learn from you.

"I look to our friends around the world, including in Scotland, to help my country ensure that every person in Myanmar, of whatever race or religion, has their rights protected, without discrimination."

Source: SCMO