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Burmese army attacks third church in two weeks

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – As the conflict in Myanmar rages on, the Burmese military has now attacked a third church in two weeks in the country’s Kayah state, International Christian Concern reports. This attack follows a recent public call from Myanmar Cardinal Charles Bo for an end to assaults on places of worship.

On June 6, the military fired at the Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church near the town of Demoso, causing extensive damage to its walls and windows, but no casualties.

Church officials said all local parishioners had already fled their homes to seek refuge in the jungle, ICC reports. A number of priests and elderly nuns who stayed behind were unharmed in the attack.

Prior to attacking the Queen of Peace Church, the Burmese military attacked the Sacred Heart Church near the state capital of Loikaw on May 23, killing four and wounding eight. On May 26, the St. Joseph Church in Demoso town was attacked and extensive damage was done to the building.

According to ICC, churches and convents are being increasingly sought out by internally displaced Myanmar citizens seeking refuge from the fighting. “More than 100,000 civilians have been forced to leave their homes in Kayah and neighboring Shan state due to the intensified fighting between the military and pro-democracy groups since the February 1 coup,” ICC said.