Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar

CHURCH

Cardinal Bo announces revocation of suspension of Radio Veritas Asia

Myanmar's Cardinal Charles Maung Bo revokes the suspension of Radio Veritas Asia, and says the Catholic broadcaster gives voice to the faith and Gospel across the Asian continent in various languages.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences, has expressed his gratitude for the revocation of the suspension of the Radio Veritas operations in Manila, in the Philippines.

The Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, shared his reactions with Vatican News in a statement.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Radio Veritas Asia is a continent-wide Catholic radio station, broadcasting in English and at least 20 Asian languages, based in the Catholic-majority Philippines. It has become known as "the voice of Christianity in Asia."

Myanmar

Meanwhile, the Cardinal's own country has been grappling with its own continued challenges.

According to a team of United Nations investigators, there has been an increase in war crimes perpetrated by Myanmar's military.

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, or IIMM, said in an 8 August report, there was strong evidence that the Myanmar military and its affiliate militias have committed combat-related war crimes, including sexual violence and mass execution, "with increasing frequency and brazenness."

The Cardinal of the troubled-nation, however, is determined to ensure Christianity in Asia maintains its voice.

Proclaiming Good News in Asia

In the Cardinal's statement, he said, "I am glad to announce hereby the revocation of the suspension of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) operations in Manila, which I was compelled to do due to certain situations that emerged."

"As these matters are being duly addressed by the concerned authorities, and resolution of outstanding issues are in sight, and in consideration of the important mission of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA)," he said, "it is imperative that we continue to go forward with the work of RVA in proclaiming the Good News in Asia through the means of communication."

Cardinal's appeal

The Cardinal explained that an FABC-appointed Committee of Bishops had been appointed "to look into certain outstanding concerns of RVA," and "has listened to the members of the FABC OSC, PREIC, the Donors, RVA leadership, the Language Services, and other stakeholders."

The Committee, the Cardinal confirmed, "is expected to present its report and recommendations to the FABC Central Committee for further decisions concerning RVA."

"In the meantime," Cardinal Bo stated, "I appeal to all those who are associated with the work of RVA to continue their services with whole-hearted commitment."

“In the meantime, I appeal to all those who are associated with the work of RVA to continue their services with whole-hearted commitment.”

Cardinal Bo concluded by praying for God’s blessings on the Church in Asia, and local pastors and faithful, so "that we may be able to faithfully and without fear proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all Peoples of Asia."