graduation of Myanmar Evangelical school of theology
Can you believe it? Today we were the "guests" at the Myanmar School of Theology graduation. This is what ReSource is all about and why this time was chosen to go. What a friendly hospitable culture.
At this graduation there was one student from the Karen tribe and another from the CRC church! All graduates were identified as to their tribe and then church affiliation. The CRC guy was the tallest graduate (figures).
We had lunch with the faculty and I button-holed one of them for a history lesson. So... Myanmar has about 10 recognized tribes and 132 dialects. Many tribes having more than 1 language. Myanmar used to be called Burma when the British ruled it; Burma being the predominant tribe. British rule ended in 1949 and in the 60's the country was renamed.
The tribes don't always get along. For a time there was civil war with the Karen who wanted their own self-actualization but ultimately escaped to refugee camps and are still there today. The Rohinga are not one of the original 10 tribes. The government wishes to recognize them since they have resided in Myanmar for generarions but there are tribes that do not want them. Hence the recent uprising.
And there...you have it. I'm sure it's all much more complicated.
The country also has had little religious freedom until 4 years ago. That this school exists is amazing.
We're visiting some famous pagoda later. I shall let you know...
At this graduation there was one student from the Karen tribe and another from the CRC church! All graduates were identified as to their tribe and then church affiliation. The CRC guy was the tallest graduate (figures).
We had lunch with the faculty and I button-holed one of them for a history lesson. So... Myanmar has about 10 recognized tribes and 132 dialects. Many tribes having more than 1 language. Myanmar used to be called Burma when the British ruled it; Burma being the predominant tribe. British rule ended in 1949 and in the 60's the country was renamed.
The tribes don't always get along. For a time there was civil war with the Karen who wanted their own self-actualization but ultimately escaped to refugee camps and are still there today. The Rohinga are not one of the original 10 tribes. The government wishes to recognize them since they have resided in Myanmar for generarions but there are tribes that do not want them. Hence the recent uprising.
And there...you have it. I'm sure it's all much more complicated.
The country also has had little religious freedom until 4 years ago. That this school exists is amazing.
We're visiting some famous pagoda later. I shall let you know...
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