Stephen Than Myint Oo has been to prison, suffered torture and released without conviction. The shadow of his prison record followed him for years, even while studying theology. But his faith and a slowly emerging commitment to democracy and civil society were ignited by an experience of angels, which reinforced a mission plan he had as Archbishop of Myanmar for a tiny Anglican minority within a Buddhist country to take their place in the nation. This is his story.
'Alan Nichols captures the fortitude and determination of a quiet man, dedicated to his people throughout the country. Stephen lives through the pages as a man who ensures that his work and that of his church is for the benefit of all the people of the country. He is a true interfaith spirit, with a reach far beyond the numbers of the Church of the Province of Myanmar.'
Christopher Lamb
Chair, Australia Myanmar Institute, and Australian Ambassador to Burma/Myanmar 1986–89
'Archbishop Stephen’s gentle, devout and wise leadership is a great example for the worldwide church. He’s a quiet hero.'
Rev. Dr Paul Barker
Church Missionary Society Australia theological teacher and mentor in Asia
'Alan Nichols’ accessible, educative and easy-to-read book introduces readers to an authentic and moving example of Christ at work in Asia, in this case among the people of Myanmar, in the unique, devout figure of Stephen Than, both thinker and actor.'
Rowan Callick, OBE
Asia-Pacific Editor of The Australian newspaper
'This story draws the reader in to the life of a steadfast Christian leader who, after suffering in prison, becomes a consolation and humble guide to his people.'
Dr Marie Joyce, OAM
Hon. Fellow, Australian Catholic University, and Member of the Refugee Tertiary Education Committee
'This is a book for people of all faiths. Despite his experience of jail and persecution, Archbishop Stephen maintains a vision for the whole of his country in a spirit of peace and reconciliation.'
Ms Myint Myint San
1988 Generation student
'I have witnessed Archbishop Stephen’s courage in taking a minority church into civil society in a very adverse environment. This book explains how and why.'
Archbishop Dr Philip Freier
Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne and Primate of Australia
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