|
Christian Conference of Asia
|
About CCA
Program Clusters: Special Programs:
|
21 September 2012 International Day of Peace Peace Initiatives Global Call for Ceasefire and Non-Violence 
Every single minute of the day, news papers and newscasts round the world report violence, war and conflict. What is shocking is such violence has a heavy toll on human life, property and the environment. In most cases these damages are permanent and irreversible. Violence, bloodshed, murder and mayhem has become the order of the day for quite a few decades. War and crime is no more news, Peace is.
People who trigger violence and bloodshed are equally to blame as are the perpetrators of crime. There is no excuse or justification for both. If people are to take up arms and fight, determined to take an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, then as Mahatma Gandhi said, we will all end up being blind. Jesus Christ gave the greatest call for Disarmament when he said "Put your sword back in its place for all who draw the sword will die by the sword," and this is the message that the Church has to convey, that no good comes from violence, for death begets death. Let the church be a haven of peace and Christians be channels of peace.
Peace Initiatives:
The CCA, with member churches and councils, engage in promoting justice and peace through its programs, guided by its vision, mission and goals and the mandates of the General Assembly.
Response to the controversial video
In response to the violence that erupted after the crudely made 13-minute English-language film that was shot in California and circulated on the Internet under several titles including “Innocence of Muslims”, Rev Hermen Shastri, General Secretary of Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM), and member of the CCA General Committee, denounced the video which he described as the “work of irresponsible individuals” that should not “be taken seriously.” He emphasized that the Council of Churches 'denounces anyone who seeks to derogate the religions of others and most especially when they do it with the intent of causing spiritual hurt to believers of the religion.” While cautioning against responding through violent demonstrations because it is to play into the hands of those seeking to upset the good relations between religions, he called for responsible reporting by the media.
Rev. Reuben Qamar, Deputy Executive Secretary, Presbyterian Church of Pakistan on behalf of the Presbyterian church, condemned the Video. He also made it clear that the Church which is the symbol of Love in this world, has nothing to do with this unethical film. This act of a small group to provoke rage should not be related with the entire Christianity. He also brought the attention of the world towards the terrible and weak position of Christians in Muslim countries and how such acts can be exploited by fundamentalists and cause violence against Christians.
Rev. David Das, General Secretary, Council of Churches in Bangladesh, affirmed the same sentiments and reiterated the vulnerability of Christians who are a minority in Muslim countries.
CCA also expressed solidarity with Christians in Pakistan and for the little girl Rimsha who was accused of burning the Q'ran. An active signature campaign and a strong call for a review of the Blasphemy Law was given through the member churches and councils, Ecumenical partners and in collaboration with Human rights organizations. It is heartening to note that the little girl has been released on bail.
CCA along with the WCC has also expressed concern and drawn attention to the plight of stateless people, the helplessness of migrant workers, the problems of Roingyas, and the freedom of the people of Myanmar.
Let us hope that the arms race to "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears (Joel 3:10) is over and a thing of the past, and that we are moving to peace, through this global awakening to the need, significance and importance of just peace. We look forward to the days when people will "Beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks." Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3
May the International Day of Peace result in a cessation of violence, a ceasefire and permanent peace. May there be a Farewell to Arms.....  Heiwa Peace in Japanese AMAN امن PEACE in Urdu posted by communications on Friday, September 21, 2012 |
