WASHINGTON (October 3, 2007)–The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sent a letter of support to the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Myanmar addressing the recent outbreak of violence that has overtaken that nation during the past two weeks and offered prayers for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The USCCB also sent a letter expressing the bishops' concern to the U.S. ambassador of the Union of Myanmar, urging a peaceful solution "in order that there will be stability, peace and non-violence." Both letters were signed by Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, Florida, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on International Policy.

The letters were sent in the wake of wide-spread protests against the military government of Myanmar that led to a government crackdown. The non-violent protests against the 45 year old military dictatorship have been met with an increasingly violent response.

The U.S. Bishops' letter to the bishops of Myanmar concludes with assurances that "in union with Pope Benedict XVI we are offering prayers that the current conflict will be resolved peacefully for the welfare of the people of your nation."

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