Washington, D.C. (1/29/24)—In a significant show of solidarity and remembrance, Rev. Saw Ler Htoo of Calvary Burmese Baptist Church, in collaboration with the Burma Advocacy Group and the American Baptist Churches USA Burma Refugee Commission, will lead a prayer service and protest on Saturday, February 3, 2024, to honor the third anniversary of the military coup that disrupted Myanmar’s democratic processes.
Ambassador Rashad Hussain, a notable figure in promoting religious freedom and reconciliation, is set to address the assembly. Duwa Lashi La, Acting President of National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar Commemorate Plead and Dr. Sa Sa, Minister, Ministry of International Cooperation will also speak to the group. This event stands as a powerful statement of unity and support for democracy and human rights for the people of Burma.
Members of the public are encouraged to join this reflection either in person or virtually via Zoom, which offers a chance for communities worldwide to stand together in a call for peace and restoration of democracy to the people of Myanmar.
The prayer vigil is supported by an array of faith-based organizations including The American Baptist Churches USA, The American Baptist Home Mission Society, The Karen Baptist Churches USA, Kachin Baptist Churches USA, the Chin Baptist Association of North America, Kachin American Baptist Association, The Chin Baptist Churches USA, Wilberforce, and the Baptist World Alliance, exemplifying a unified front from the Baptist community.
Event Details: A protest will be held on at the White House to bring attention to the US government and the International community the many hardships on the people of Burma.
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST
Location: Calvary Baptist Church, 755 8th St, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Coordinator: Rev. Saw Ler Htoo
Zoom Call Information: Meeting ID – 875 7090 1662 Passcode: BURMA
Protest Time: 1:30 PM EST
Location: White House, Washington D.C.
The event will serve not only as a somber remembrance and a prayer gathering but will also reinforce the commitment of various religious communities and organizations to uphold freedom and democracy.
Attendance is open to everyone, and the coordinators anticipate a diverse crowd, uniting in spirit and thought through the bonds of common humanity and shared support for the people of Myanmar.
In a time where the world faces numerous challenges to the principles of liberty and self-determination, this service serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of resilience and the collective efforts towards ensuring human rights and dignity for all.
Rev. Saw Ler Htoo and the organizing partners extend a warm invitation to individuals and community groups, welcoming all who wish to join in this moment of prayer and to amplify the message of hope and restoration both physically and digitally.
More about the Burma Advocacy Group:
The Burma Advocacy Group was formed by the American Baptist Churches to unite the voices of the Burma Diaspora Community in the United States for advocacy concerning humanitarian aid and other concerns. American Baptists have a relationship with Burma/Myanmar that reaches back more than 200 years, and the largest Christian body within Burma/Myanmar, the Myanmar Baptist Convention, is our partner denomination within the country. The Baptist Churches in Myanmar count over one million baptized adult members and are especially represented among the Karen, Kachin and Chin ethnic groups as well as many others.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.