Monday, July 11, 2011

Ban on WYD delegates in Myanmar

The Church in Myanmar has slapped a ban on four dioceses from sending delegates to upcoming World Youth Day celebrations in Madrid after several youths sought political asylum at the last gathering in Australia in 2008, reports ucanews.com.

The decision to impose the ban was made by the bishops, said Father Gerald Pho Khwa, youth director of the National Catholic Youth Commission.

Five young people from Hakha, Kalay, and Banmaw dioceses failed to return from Australia, while another from Myitkyina diocese initially claimed asylum but later changed his mind and returned to Myanmar, according to Church sources.

This year, the bishops and youth directors in each diocese are being asked to guarantee that their youth delegates do not abscond at the August 12-16 Madrid celebrations.

"I hope those delegates affected can understand our decision." 

But the reputation of the Church and our young people are at stake, Father Pho Khwa said.

Anthony Htoi San Aung, youth director of Myitkyina diocese, criticised the ban.

"This is very unfair. Church leaders should examine the problem and find a better solution rather handing out punishments like this," he said.