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CCA Executive Committee meeting in Chiang MaiGeneral Secretary calls for an "Asian people's Pax Asiana" CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- Dr Ahn Jae Woong, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia, has called on the Asian churches and all peace-loving people to work towards the goal of an "Asian people's Pax Asiana." He urged the expansion of the concept of a people-initiated peace making and a people-oriented peace building to a people-initiated and a people-oriented Pax Asiana, a task for all those who live in the 21st century in Asia, which according to him has a rich tradition of respect for life and the search for a communitarian and egalitarian life. Presenting a report to the CCA Executive Committee held here from 4 to 6 June, Ahn Jae Woong noted that the state-sponsored Pax Romana, Pax Britanica and Pax Americana were false and all had failed in history. "We have to gather all Asian people's wisdom, traditions, customs and experiences for building a people's Pax Asiana in our times" he said. He suggested the Buddhists way of Sangha as an option for building Pax Asiana. He termed the Sangha as a spiritual community where all members shared their understanding of life and stability of community, shared their sorrows and joys and all were connected with each other. "The Buddhist way of Sangha could be an ideal stage of people's Pax Asiana in the future," he added. He urged churches to declare a "People's Pax Asiana" as the catchword on the occasion of the forthcoming 12th General Assembly of the CCA, which will focus on the theme "Building communities of peace for all." The general secretary told the meeting that the struggle against racism, militarism, classism, sexism, discrimination and domination should be the constant tasks of all peace-loving people for building peace in society. He explained peace is not only the absence of conflict but also included "righteousness or wholeness." It also meant liberation and salvation, he added. He termed killings and maimings of innocent people, torture and human rights abuses as acts contrary to justpeace and liberation. On the question of war, he noted that it could never be the ultimate means for achieving peace and justice. He explained that the awareness of violence, non-violence and the struggle for justice as part of the "peace on earth" concept based on biblical teachings. "Without resolving the tension, hatred and hostilities in human hearts, any attempt for peace making effort is questionable," he said. He raised six questions for Asian churches to consider: What can CCA offer as true virtues for the ecumenical movement? How can CCA establish a genuine people's Pax Asiana? How can CCA support the aspirations of the poor and the marginalised people in Asia? When can CCA become financially CCA become financailly self-reliant and build resources in Asia? Where can CCA pursue its ideals in Asia? Who can CCA cooperate with as partners? The ten-page general secretary's report included highlights of CCA programs since October 2003 and plans for the coming months in 2004. The main focus of the executive committee was on the preparations for the 12th general assembly, to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 31 March to 6 April 2005. The main speakers at the assembly will be Dr Sam Kobia, Professor James Haire and Dr Christine Loh. The executive committee also heard a finance report presented by Dr Prawate Khid-arn, associate general secretary for finance. Earlier, Dr Boonthong Poonchareon, president of the Payap University in Chiang Mai and chair of the Local Host Committee for the CCA's 12th General Assembly, addressed the meeting. On behalf of the local organisers, he extended all support and cooperation for the major CCA event in 2005. One of the highlights of the meeting was two bible studies by Dr Anna May Chain, an Old Testament Scholar from Myanmar. The executive committee members attended the Sunday morning service at the Chiang Mai First Church of the Church of Christ in Thailand. Dr Joseph Mar Irenaeus, Suffragan Metropolitian of the Mar Thoma Church and one of the presidents of the CCA delivered the sermon. 
CCA general secretary Ahn Jae Woong presenting a report to the executive committee held in Chiang Mai. Jennifer Dawson, member of the CCA presidium on his right. 
Prawate Khid-arn, associate general secretary for finance presenting the finace report. Bishop Joseph Mar Irenaeus, member of the CCA presidium, on the right, presided over the session. 
Boonthong Poonchareon, president of the Payap University and chair of the CCA General Assembly Local Host Committee addressing the first session of the executive committee meeting. 
Lee Hong Jung, executive secretary, making a point during the discussion. Chuleepran Srisoontorn-Persons, executive committee member from Thailand on the left. 
From right to left: Corazon Tabing-Reyes, Richard M Daulay, Toshimasa Yamamoto, John Gilmore and Boonthong Poonchareon 
From left to right: Victor Azariah, Wong Wai Ching and Israel Paulraj 
Ahn Jae Woong introducing the book, "A history of the ecumenical movement in Asia," at the CCA-WCC relations meeting held on 30 May to 1 June in Chiang Mai. 
Lotus Hotel in Chiang Mai, venue of the 12the general assembly of the CCA. 
Some of the CCA staff and executive committee members heading to the Chiang Mai First Church for the Sunday morning service. 
Mr Prinya Parnthong, deputy governor of Chiang Mai, at a dinner reception organised during the executive committee meeting. 
Dr Anna May Say Pa, on the left, leading a bible study moderated by Rev. Jennifer Dawson posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 13, 2004 |
