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Christian Conference of Asia
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About CCA
Program Clusters: Special Programs:
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“Towards
Sustainable Peace, Security and Reconciliation in Myanmar: Churches’
Participation”
“One should go beyond the borders of hatred and
jealousy, only then can one think of reconciliation and peace. Reconciliation
will not begin only in one direction. Once reconciliation is achieved, only then
can peace be attained and security can be ensured. A society that cannot
achieve reconciliation will not be peaceful,” said
Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who graced the
international consultation
‘Towards Sustainable Peace, Security and Reconciliation in Myanmar:
Churches’ Participation,' with her presence
and simple words of advice on peace building.
Speaking like a true prophet of peace Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi emphasized the need to go beyond geographical and cultural borders willing to accept others and being open to unity in diversity. She encouraged the participants to look for the good in others, transcending hatred and jealousy, because looking for the good in others is the key to reconciliation and peace in any society and community. Her willingness to meet and dialogue with participants at the consultation and the simple yet profound ways that she shared to promote peace and reconciliation was appreciated by all. The uniqueness of the model that she advocated for is based on the premise that primarily, peace and reconciliation starts with the inner self on a personal level and then radiates into the community and society.
This consultation that was organised jointly by the
CCA, WCC, and the MCC (Myanmar Council of Churches), from 2-6 August 2012, at Yangon, Myanmar brought together
leaders from different
ethnic groups to discuss indigenous and other approaches to Peace building and
also to exchange experiences of International participants, against the
backdrop of the opening of Myanmar to development and change. It included presentations by eminent Church leaders and experts in
Peace and conflict issues, on topics ranging from Myanmar’s Political
Transition and current situation; Reconciliation and Justice as essential
imperatives for sustained Peace; Peace building and Conflict Transformation
Strategies Role of the church as experienced in Sri Lanka, Philippines and
Myanmar; refugees and migrant workers from Myanmar in Thailand; Peace and
reconciliation in Myanmar through understanding local situations; to a
discussion on stateless people in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Biblical and
Theological reflections on Peace and Reconciliation were an essential part
of this consultation.
The participants, 40 in number, deliberated on best practices on peace building and harmony
among ethnic groups in Myanmar; ways and means to develop a programme for peace
and reconciliation from an interfaith perspective; and on strategies
for Churches’ participation in Peace building.
posted by communications on Sunday, August 12, 2012 |
