As yet unconfirmed reports from military sources in Burma say that there is significant unrest in the army, with reports of mutinying in some areas and claims that a coup is taking place. Meanwhile the death toll of protesters has been growing significantly.

Burma's military junta appears to have cut public internet access to prevent the broadcast of videos, photographs and information about the violent attacks on protesters against the junta's rule - report global news agencies.

The key role of a long spiritual heritage of disciplined and creative non-violence should not be ignored as a factor in current attempts to overthrow brutal dictatorship in Burma, says Gene Stoltzfus, a founder of Christian Peacemaker Teams.

At least nine people were killed in Rangoon yesterday in continuing clashes between the military and demonstrators. They included eight protesters and a Japanese photo-journalist. Monks have been beaten and arrested in the crackdown. But the protests continue.

South Africa's Nobel peace winner and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has hailed the courage and inspiration of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi - as he expressed support for nonviolent direct action against the dictatorship.

The Church of Scotland’s church and society convenor, Morag Mylne, has called for democracy and a “peaceful and speedy resolution” to the civil unrest in Burma after the country’s military rulers began to use force to break up demonstrations yesterday.

The leader of the Anglican church in Myanmar (Burma) has offered support and prayers for the nation as thousands of Buddhist monks are taking to the streets of the capital in non-violent protests - and facing military repression.