Religious leaders from respective faiths have to guide their followers toward knowledge, wisdom, and positive mindsets.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing noted that the government is committed to resolving issues encountered within the society through peaceful co-existence, specifically through dialogue to achieve success.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the Christmas Thanksgiving and Fellowship Dinner organized by Christian Councils of Churches of Myanmar at St Mary’s Cathedral Church in Botahtaung Township of Yangon Region yesterday evening.
Also present at the dinner were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, council members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the Yangon Region Chief Minister, the commander of Yangon Command, the mayor, bishops from Myanmar Council of Churches, Myanmar Christ Mission Cooperation Board (MCMC) and Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance, officials from Interfaith Dialogue Group and guests.
The Senior General, his wife and dignitaries were welcomed by Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo and officials.
At the ceremony, Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo extended greetings.
All attendees sang a song of choir titled “Prosperous Myanmar”.
In his greetings, the Senior General said that individuals have rights to freedom of faith in accord with the provisions mentioned in the 2008 Constitution.
He noted that religions need to bring peace and prosperity to the society. Only when humans enjoy peace of mind will the society be peaceful and pleasant.
He underscored that despite differences, individuals need to follow tolerance and forgiveness and avoid behaviours of extremism and bigot.
In Myanmar, he said that it is well known that people of various ethnicities, religions, and beliefs have lived together harmoniously and cooperatively. Despite these differences, unity has been achieved through mutual tolerance, understanding, and respect. It is essential to continue safeguarding and maintaining this unity.
In particular, the Senior General highlighted that religious leaders from respective faiths have to guide their followers toward knowledge, wisdom, and positive mindsets.
He continued that the government is implementing the roadmap, national and political visions to strengthen the multi-party democratic system that the people desire and to return to the correct democratic path.
The Senior General clarified that the government is committed to resolving issues encountered within the society through peaceful co-existence, specifically through dialogue to achieve success.
He underlined that the political issue, in a way, should be resolved through political means, and demands must be addressed through political methods but not handled in armed struggle. Just as no human society accepts armed terrorism, individuals must oppose such actions.
In Myanmar, he emphasized that Buddhism is the most widely practised religion, followed by Christianity. Christian religious organizations and adherents play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and prosperity of the country. Therefore, they are encouraged to actively participate in various sectors.
The Senior General urged all to build a peaceful, harmonious, and beautiful human society with understanding and tolerance towards one another, not only in Myanmar but across the world. The Senior General urged all to work towards this goal, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and good blessings.
All processes of the ceremony followed. Sister Mary Zin Mar Swe read the Bible while Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo preached the Dhamma. Rev Dr Aye Min blessed the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo and Rev Dr Aye Min presented Christmas gifts, the message of Christmas blessing and the stone art painting to the Senior General and his wife who returned the Christmas gifts.
In his speech, Archbishop Cardinal Charles Bo said that on this joyous occasion of Christmas, may not only Christians but all of humanity around the world be filled with the blessings of goodness and happiness that Christmas brings. He wished the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, his wife and family, cabinet members, Tatmadaw members and their families, and all the people of Myanmar receive blessings of happiness and prosperity.
The Senior General, his wife and dignitaries together with guests had the dinner hosted by the Christian Church Associations of Myanmar.
MNA/TTA
Salient points in the speech delivered by the Senior General at the Christmas Thanksgiving and Fellowship Dinner
1. Despite differences, individuals need to follow tolerance and forgiveness and avoid behaviours of extremism and bigot.
2. The government is committed to resolving issues encountered within the society through peaceful co-existence, specifically through dialogue to achieve success.
3. The political issue, in a way, should be resolved through political means, and demands must be addressed through political methods but not handled in armed struggle. Just as no human society accepts armed terrorism, individuals must oppose such actions.
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