FOLLOW US
In the News: 7th Asian Conference of Religions for Peace Meets
Written by Theophilus Bela, Secretary General, Indonesian Committee of Religions for Peace
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Manila, Philippines, October 17 – 21, 2008
The Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) was born of the Second World Assembly of Religions for Peace held at the Catholic University in Louvain, Belgium, in 1974. It was formally founded in Singapore in 1976 and since that time, the organization has sought to promote understanding among various religions in Asia to build peace, justice, and human dignity through cooperation. As the regional affiliate of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, the ACRP blends spiritual values and social action, inspired by the work of people such as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and Mahatma Gandhi of India.Since its formation, the multidenominational conference has initiated various projects such as the Boat People (Vietnamese refugees) rescue project; the launching of the Human Rights Center in New Delhi, India, and Bangkok, Thailand; the creation of the Peace Education Center in Seoul, Korea; humanitarian help for tsunami victims in Aceh, Indonesia; and also humanitarian help for victims of the earthquake in Bantul, Jogyakarta, Indonesia.
Since its formation, the multidenominational conference has initiated various projects such as the Boat People (Vietnamese refugees) rescue project; the launching of the Human Rights Center in New Delhi, India, and Bangkok, Thailand; the creation of the Peace Education Center in Seoul, Korea; humanitarian help for tsunami victims in Aceh, Indonesia; and also humanitarian help for victims of the earthquake in Bantul, Jogyakarta, Indonesia. To assess the progress of its work, especially in promoting interfaith dialogue and action, the ACRP convenes periodic assemblies. The Seventh Assembly of ACRP was convened at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.
Co-sponsored by the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas and the Interreligious Dialogue Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, the October 17-21 Assembly of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace focused on the theme "Peacemaking in Asia." About 400 delegates from various religions all over Asia participated in the assembly. They represent various faith traditions - Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Shinto religions in more than 30 countries, including Japan, Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, North and South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Religion, key to peace
The theme of peace is central to all religions. These were the words of Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado, former undersecretary of the Vatican-based Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, in his keynote address during the inaugural ceremony of the 7th General Assembly of ACRP held on October 17 at the University of Santo Tomas.
Archbishop Machado, head of the Diocese of Nashik, India, emphasized the role of religion in building and promoting peace not only among Asian countries but also in different parts of the world.
"To build peace , collaboration of religions is necessary. Believers across religious boundaries need to multiply voices by crying in season and out of season, against hatred, violence, aggression, and war," he said
In a meeting with Pope John Paul II on January 24, 2002, Archbishop Machado recalled the different religions' commitments to peace by strongly denouncing violence and terrorism through "peaceful and fraternal coexistence between people of different ethnic groups, cultures, and religions."
Archbishop Machado then called for believers and religious leaders to have interreligious dialogue that will reconcile differences in beliefs, ideologies, and culture and will increase understanding and trust among individuals.
These differences notwithstanding, people should make way to understand the role of religions to promote peace in the world, he said.
Elusive but not impossible
In his welcome remarks during the formal opening of the ACRP General Assembly Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, described peace as an elusive dream but not impossible to achieve if people continue to seek and pursue it. "Peace is the work, result, and fruit of solidarity," Lagdameo said, quoting the late Pope John Paul II.
Dr. William Vendley, secretary general of Religions for Peace International, then appealed to people from different religions to "do together what our religions call us to do."
Ambassador Yasuhi Akashi, representative of Japan on peace process in Sri Lanka, echoed Dr. Vendley's statement, saying that comprehensive efforts should be undertaken to facilitate a "culture of peace." "There is no such thing as cheap peace. You should work hard for peace making and peace keeping," Akashi said in his keynote speech.
ACRP Philippines president Lourdes Mastura for her part underscored social tolerance as a key toward a peaceful life.
ACRP moderator Dr. Mir Nawaz Khan Marwat meanwhile exhorted nations to unite in order to "defeat violence and achieve the mission to to have peace."
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon capped the well-wisher's hour by commending the ACRP for "its commitment to bring peace in Asia and to the world."
Focus on common values
Recognition and reactivation of common values will pave the way toward a peaceful and harmonious relationship among Asian countries.
This was the focus of speeches of the representatives from different countries during the session on "Peacemaking in Action," the theme of the third plenary session of the 7th General Assembly of ACRP. This was held on October 18 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.
Values such as love, compassion, environment concern, alienation of racism, and respect for and acceptance of other religions are factors that everyone has to work for, to achieve peace in each community. "We have to realize the common values and put our energy together with other Asian people to be able to accomplish this," said the Secretary General of WCRP Japan, Rev. Keishi Miyamoto.
Miyamoto added that, "we should acknowledge that we are brothers and sisters under one Supreme Being and that violence to one is violence to all." He also said that Asian leaders have t focus on and respond to the urgent issues on economic disparities, ethnic conflicts and terrorism.
Another speaker, Ven. Master Ren Farong, president of the Taoist Association of China, said that peace can be achieved by following the attribute of Dao which is "to do nothing but follow the rule of nature and harmony." He said that if people will let nature, or people's innate values take its course, then things will fall in their proper place.
"All local wars, regional conflicts, and environmental degradation in the world were caused by human errors," said Ven. Master Ren.
Meanwhile, Theophilus Bela, Secretary General of Indonesian Committee of Religions for Peace, said that religious leaders play important roles in the pursuit of peace because it is their mission as leaders . Bela also considers the conducting of peace gatherings as the most important aspect in promoting peace. "Through peace gatherings, Christians and Muslims in Indonesia have managed to live peacefully together with no tension or conflict," Bela shared.
In this session, the speakers expressed their belief that peacemaking is made through healing the past, and building a future together; and that the initial step toward this is through activities such as interfaith dialogues.
"We are a homogeneous nation that should live harmoniously," said Rev. Kwang Jun Kim, Secretary General of the Korean Conference on Religions for Peace. Kim shared that the Korean peninsula is actively supporting the constant struggle of their people for independence and maintaining peaceful relations with the world.
According to Lawrence Chong, chair of the Asian Coordinating Team, it is everyone's responsibility to do something as "part of a network," and he called this "engaged participation." He also mentioned that "peace is not a privilege but a right." "Despite the diversity of religions, we share common aspirations and goals. So, if we want changes, it must begin within us," he reiterated.
Another speaker, Dr. Deepali Bhanot, outgoing ACRP Women's Committee Chair, who discussed the "Resolution of the Pre-Assembly Women's Conference," said that building and strengthening of the network between Asian countries is another vehicle towards peace building. She emphasized that the utmost desire of every nation is to oppose war and enjoy peace. As Bhanot quoted Mahatma Gandhi, "We should be the change that we want to see in ourselves."
Dr. Lilian Sison, secretary general of ACRP-Philippines was unanimously elected as ACRP chair for the Women's Committee, succeeding Dr. Deepali Bahnot from India. Sison once served as Assistant to the Rector for Academic Affairs of the University of Santo Tomas, and she is the current dean of the Graduate School of the oldest university in Asia.
Commission reports
Pursuing reconciliation, promoting peace education, building communities, working for sustainable development and the continuing for social justice has been the highlight of the five commission discussions held on October 19th, the third day of the 7th ACRP General Assembly.
The output of the first commission meeting was reported by Father Johannes Hariyanto, S.J., rapporteur of Commission I and the Secretary General of the Indonesian Conference of Religions for Peace. The report focused on peacemaking through shared security and conflict transformation. According to the report, recognition among countries is vital for a better future since conflicts from the past could not just forgotten and they become confined forever in history.
"In many places, religions play a significant role in the bloody conflicts, but in reality they are just used as the justification," stated the report wherein most nations experiencing political and economical conflicts today are ACRP members.
Commission I was composed of Chair Rev. Makoto Uematsu from Japan, Master Xue Cheng from China, and Narayanapillal Vasudevan from India as co-chairs, and Kingsley Rodrigo from Sri Lanka as keynote speaker.
The second commission report, "Peacemaking through Human Rights and Peace Education," was presented by Father Bento Neves Rodrigues, Commission II rapporteur and member of the India Conference of Religions for Peace. The report said that religions and their leaders should be in unity to achieve peace since Asian traditions are rooted on human dignity and human rights. The group was composed of Prof. Jin Web from China, Commission II chair, with Prof. Kazi Nurul Islam from Bangladesh and Dr. Kanchana Bandaragshi from Thailand as co-chairs.
The report of the third commission covered the issue on "Peacemaking through Common Values and Community Building," which was reported by Sister Mi Sook Han from South Korea. In her report she disclosed the six ethical norms, also known as basic common values, such as (1) to treat others as you would like to be treated, (2) to treat every human being humanely, (3) to have respect for human life, (4) to be honest, (5) to act faithfully, and (6) to be responsible for the happiness of others.
The report of the third commission covered the issue on "Peacemaking through Common Values and Community Building," which was reported by Sister Mi Sook Han from South Korea. In her report she disclosed the six ethical norms, also known as basic common values, such as (1) to treat others as you would like to be treated, (2) to treat every human being humanely, (3) to have respect for human life, (4) to be honest, (5) to act faithfully, and (6) to be responsible for the happiness of others.
The commission was headed by Rev. Elga Sarapung from Indonesia with Rustom Russi Chadlali from Singapore as co-chair, and Bishop Ma Yinglin from China and Indira Manandhar from Nepal as members.
Meanwhile, Commission IV discussed "Peacemaking through Sustainable Development and Social Justice." It was reported by Bishop Don Norbert Marchall Andradi. The report revealed that "good governance is the key to sustainable development."
The theme for Commission V was "Peacemaking through Healing the Past and Building the Future." It primarily dealt with the present situation in Mindanao, and its proceedings were reported by Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha, the Vice Director of the Mahidol Research Center for Peace Building.
The report discussed the six dimensions and the operative values such as personal and family integrity, promotion of human rights and democracy, poverty eradication, intercultural understanding and solidarity, disarmament and cessation of hostilities, and environment protection. These dimensions were proposed as a result of the group's pursuit for culture of peace that will provide constructive ideas for healing the conflict of the past and building the nations' future.
New ACRP Leaders
During an Assembly, the presidents and secretary general of ACRP are elected. During the 7th General Assembly of ACRP Dr. Sunggon Kim from South Korea was re-elected as Secretary General of ACRP. The Assembly also elected six presidents of ACRP for the coming five years:
- Prof. Dr. Din Syamsuddin, Muslim, Indonesia
- Rev. Nichiko Niwano, Buddhist, Japan
- Venerable Master Ren Farong, Daoist, China
- Hadja Lourdes Salma Mastura, Muslim, Philippines
- Prof. Dr. Narayanapillai Vasudevan, Hindu, India
- Prof. Dr. Desmond Cahill, Catholic, Australia
From the six presidents of ACRP, Din Syamsuddin from Indonesia was elected as the new Moderator by all delegates of the assembly. Thus, Dr. Mir Nawaz Khan Marwat from Pakistan was replaced by Din Syamsuddin as Moderator of ACRP. After ten years as moderator of ACRP Mr. Marwat was elected as Honorary President of ACRP in Manila.
The Secretary General and 6 Presidents are the Executive Board of ACRP. In addition, ACRP has a Governing Board, which consists of 57 religious leaders from all member countries.
Indonesian delegation
The Indonesian delegation consists of 16 religious leaders coming from all religions of the country: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, and Confucianism. Din Syamsuddin is the head of Indonesian delegation. Since his formative years Din Syamsuddin, who is now just 50 years of age, had attended the general assemblies of ACRP and the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) all over the world. He is also the first Indonesian to become the moderator of ACRP. Since 2006 Din Syamsuddin has also a function as a Honorary President of WCRP.
The Indonesian delegation wishes to express its thanks to the host chapter from Philippines, the former Moderator, Dr. Mir Nawaz Khan Marwat, Secretary General of ACRP, Dr. Sunggon Kim, and all members of ACRP for the kind and successful cooperation during the assembly in Manila.
The Declaration of ACRP
The assembly made the following recommendations:
1. Each national chapter to design and present to the next executive meeting in 2009 its action plan for helping to bring peace and social cohesion to their country
2. Each national chapter to establish in one of its universities a Center for Dialogue, and for these Centers for Dialogue form an Asian network for peace, provide specialist studies including of religion, do research, and provide advice to ACRP/WCRP
3. Each national chapter to work to establish local interfaith bodies in towns and cities to encourage interfaith interaction and cooperation
4. Each national chapter to address through selected strategies the healing of spiritual and psychological wounds in the aftermath of a conflict
Theophilus Bela
Secretary General of Indonesian Committee of Religions for Peace (IComRP)
President of Jakarta Christian Communication Forum (FKKJ)
Catholic layman
Ambassador for Peace
office :
FKKJ
Graha Bethel, 2nd Floor
Jalan Ahmad Yani kav. 65 Jakarta 10510 Indonesia
phone +62-21-8477943, 8476603, 4265723 Fax +62-21-4265903
mobile phone +62-816 180 6644 email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Australia
UPF-Australia Convenes Mutual Prosperity Summit
Melbourne, Australia—The Mutual Prosperity Summit focused on “Rethinking Our Economic Models.”