Ministry of Religious Affairs (Burma)
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1947 |
| Jurisdiction |
 Burma |
| Headquarters | Naypyidaw |
| Minister responsible | Soe Win |
| Deputy Minister responsible | Maung Maung Htay |
| Child agencies |
Department of Religious Affairs Department for the Promotion And Propagation of Sasana International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee |
| Website |
www |
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Burmese: သာသနာရေးဝန်ကြီးဌာန, MORA) in Burma allows freedom of religion but supports the purification, perpetuation, promotion and propagation of the Theravada Buddhist Sasana and promotes Myanmar traditional customs and culture.[1]
History
The Ministry of Religious Affairs came into being before the Union of Myanmar regained its Independence in 1947.
On 2 March 1962, the Revolutionary Council government reorganized all ministries.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs became a department of the Ministry of Home and Religious Affairs. On 18 September 1988 the State Law and Order Restoration Council formed the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, also under the Ministry of Home and Religious Affairs. On 20 March 1992 the ministries of Home Affairs and Religious Affairs were separated.
A cabinet meeting on 26 June 1998 confirmed that the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University would be formed under the Ministry.[1]
The Minister, Major-General Sein Htwa, was Chairman of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Council and responsible for the inauguration. In September 1998 he welcomed Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt when he visited the University, and explained what was being done in preparation for opening the university.[2] The grand inauguration ceremony was held on 9 December 1998 at the Mahapasana Cave on Kaba-Aye Hill, Mayangone, Yangon.[3] In May 1999 at a meeting of the council Sein Htwa noted that the university was new and there had been some difficulties, but they had all been overcome.[4]
Departments
Department of Religious Affairs
This department has the following responsibilities:
- To ensure that all people living in the Union of Myanmar can freely believe in any religion and freely practice that religion.
- Since the great majority of the people are Buddhist, to purify, perpetuate and propagate the three kinds of Sasana of the Buddha namely, Pariyatti, Patipatti and Pativedha.
- To preserve and promote the traditional and cultural heritage of Myanmar.[5]
Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana
This department is responsible for supporting missionary activity within Myanmar and abroad. It also undertakes translation of Pitakas and compilation of Buddhist Treatises. The State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) and the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay) fall under this department.[6]
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University
This university, which opened on 9 December 1998 with 12 local students and 42 students from abroad, has the goal of propagating pure Theravãda Buddhism throughout the world. The university offers diploma, BA, MA and PhD courses in Buddha Dhamma.[7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Ministry of Religious Affairs". Ministry Of Religious Affairs. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
- ↑ "Secretary-1 inspects preparations for opening International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University". The New Light of Myanmar. 13 September 1998. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
- ↑ "Objectives". Ministry for Religious Affairs. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
- ↑ "International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Council holds meeting". The New Light of Myanmar. 21 May 1999. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
- ↑ "Department of Religious Affairs". Ministry of Religious Affairs. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
- ↑ "Department for the Promotion and Propagation of Sasana". Ministry of Religious Affairs. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
- ↑ "International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University". Ministry of Religious Affairs. Retrieved 2012-02-19.