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.