(Angelus News) Attacks on churches and arrests of clergy in Myanmar are becoming increasingly common as the Catholic Church is being targeted for its alleged opposition to the ruling military junta.
The persecution of Catholics is one consequence of a humanitarian crisis caused by an escalation in hostilities between Myanmar’s armed military forces and resistance groups, as the junta seeks to crush opponents of a Feb. 1 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected officials on charges of falsifying the results of the country’s November 2020 elections and inciting public disorder.
In parts of the country where fighting is more intense, civilians are fleeing their villages and seeking refuge in the jungle to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.
For Catholics, stories like those of Father Michael Aung Ling are becoming increasingly common. Arrested June 16 for suspected support of opposition forces in the town of Kanpetlet, the priest was reportedly released following 11 hours of interrogation only after signing a document promising not to support opposition groups.
The same day, six priests and one layperson were detained for allegedly assisting young rebels in the village of Mandalay.
Several churches, where thousands have sought refuge amid shelling and gunfire, have also been targeted in recent weeks.
In response, Myanmar’s bishops have appealed to the military, asking them to allow humanitarian aid to reach people displaced by fighting, and to stop targeting places of worship.
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