Issues

The Issue of Ethno-Confessional Relations in Burmese Society

Aida Simonia

Religiia i obshchestvo na Vostoke, Issue II (2018), p. 136-167.

 
Myanmar is a Buddhist country − 87% of the population practice Theravada Buddhism. But 6% of the population also profess Christianity and 4% Islam. The author analyzes the history of Christianity in Burma and the current situation of Christian communities in the Buddhist society, their active participation in the political life of the country. The relationships between the different faiths in the country are complicated, but it was always assumed that Burma is quite tolerant in matters of religion. Clashes in Rakhine state that happened in September-October of 2017 led to the Exodus of 600 thousand refugees. But despite the fact that the Rohingya people are Muslim this crisis has no religious background. It is rather ethno-territorial conflict and has its roots in the colonial past. The Christians of Myanmar, especially the Catholic community, have their own opinion about this issue. Pope Francis considers all of mankind his brothers and sisters, intends to visit Myanmar and Bangladesh.

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Keywords: Myanmar, Pope Francis, cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Aung San Suu Kyi, Rakhine (Arakan), Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Rohingya.

Volume: 136-167