Christian Conference of Asia | Home | About CCA | e-Letter | Programs | Resource | Contact Us | CCA News and Updates     About CCA Program Clusters: » Ecumenical Formation, Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment » Faith Mission and Unity » Justice, International Affairs, Development and Service Special Programs: » HIV/AIDS Concerns   Sound the Bamboo [CCA Hymnal]   20 March, 2012 Tribute to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, of blessed memory To: The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church Your Eminences and Graces, Respected members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with great sorrow that we received the sad news of the passing away of Pope Shenouda III, spiritual head of the Egyptian Coptic Church on March 17, 2012. The Christian Conference of Asia shares your grief and sorrow at the loss of your beloved Patriarch who served the Coptic Church for four decades with wisdom, courage and compassion.His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, brought to his office not only his erudition and intellect, but also the piety and serenity of monastic life and the years he spent in solitude as a hermit. We understand that he inspired the growth of the church both within and outside Egypt and courageously stood for the rights of the country’s Christian Minority.  The Papal funeral His vision and zeal for fellowship and unity of all Christians led him to visit   Rome in 1973 and sign a Declaration of Common Faith with Pope Paul VI.  Hailed as the first meeting between Alexandrine and Roman pontiffs since 451 AD, this event will go down in history as a journey of faith and love. He sought the friendship and co-operation of other Orthodox Churches in the Middle East and accompanied the Christians of the Middle East through many challenging and critical moments in the recent past. We learn valuable lessons from his life that was spent in advocacy and dialogue for peace and reconciliation, especially to promote Christian –Muslim unity and Israeli – Palestinian peace, and take pride in the fact that he was awarded the UNESCO’s Mandanjeet Singh prize for Tolerance in 2000. He inspired co-operation and accord among the people of Egypt regardless of the religion they profess saying "We Christians and Muslims are like organs in one body, which is Egypt." We appreciate his strong convictions about the role of young people in the church and uphold his statement "A church without youth is a church without a future.” We hold in high esteem his regard for women and his faith in the gift of women’s ministries in the life of the Church that led to his bold decision to resume the ordination of deaconesses after an interval of several centuries and to encourage women to enter Theological colleges and communal Councils. At this time of grief, when the Church is overwhelmed at the loss of such an illustrious, wise and saintly leader, we offer our solidarity and prayers for peace and guidance, keeping in mind the difficult period that the Christians and the people of Egypt are going through. Let us strive to live his legacy of a way of life that fearlessly reached out to build bridges of love as he believed that “Love generates love and separation generates separation." May his soul rest in peace. Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang General Secretary posted by communications on Wednesday, March 21, 2012   15 March 2012 Korean Christians pray for a "World without Nuclear weapons and Nuclear Power"  God of freedom and liberation!   Facing the 93rd anniversary of the 1919 Independence Movement, we remember our ancestors, who believed in the God of the Exodus and courageously rose up toward a future of life.   With the sincere faith of conscience, and the hope of a joyful life for future generations, they declared this nation's right to life, freedom and independence, and they prayed for true peace in Northeast Asia and the world.  But now at the start of the 21st century we witness, with worried and fearful hearts, that this beautiful peninsula is covered by the dark cloud of nuclear weapons and power plants.   In this land where Rachel's lamenting over historical pains has not ceased, and where the scars of suffering and wrongful death have not healed, once again we see the shadow of death hanging over us.   On the current world historical stage, North Korea has chosen nuclear weapons and South Korea has clung to nuclear energy. The Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia have become the world's most dangerous nuclear minefield, surrounded by nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants. O God, hear our prayers of lament and repentance! We lament the foolishness of humanity, which despite the experience of two world wars in the 20th century, is still caught in the vicious cycle of increasing wars and weaponry.   We repent that human greed and selfishness has led us to pour astronomical amounts of money and resources into the arms race, even as countless children are starving to death in our global village.  God, awaken us to realize that our true security lies not in nuclear weapons but in trusting you and respecting our neighbors.  O God, who watches the empires rise and fall!  Grant wisdom to our governments and corporations, that they may turn away from their worship of the idol of unlimited economic growth, which makes the strong prey on the weak. May they instead choose the way of cosmic truth: the life of conviviality with all living beings, humans and nature.   As we confess and repent of our sins of greed and consumerism in pursuit of nuclear power, grant us humble hearts and simple lives.  Awaken us to know that true wealth is found not in the accumulation of material goods but in a creative, sharing life. May we learn that nuclear weapons and nuclear energy are not compatible with peace. Lead us to be free from nuclear preoccupation. Awaken us to know that our true strength is not in nuclear power but in love and justice. O God, hear our prayers! Grant us the courage to go through the narrow gate that leads us to life, not the wide gate that leads to destruction.   May we leave to our children not a painful and terrible heritage, but a life that uses natural energy from your created sun, wind and water.  O God, lead us Korean Christians not to export nuclear power plants, an act that is contrary to your command of justice and love, but to live as your apostles of peace, teaching your life and peace.  Remembering that on the cross our Lord shared the suffering of the nuclear radiation victims, and hoping that a new heaven and new earth of life and peace may be realized from Mount Halla in the south to Mount Paekdu in the north, throughout Northeast Asia and all the earth, we pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen. National Council of Churches in Korea (Committee for Ethics of Life); National Alliance of YMCA in Korea; Korea Church Women Ltd.; Ecumenical Youth Council in Korea; Bible Korea; National Association of Pastors for Justice and Peace;Christian Solidarity Network for Anti-Nuclear Movement This Prayer was offered at the Worship Service during which the Faith Declaration of Korean Christians for a "World without Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Power” was stated. The declaration is a timely one because of two events: the anniversary of the Japanese Fukushima Nuclear Reactor disaster on 12 March, 2012 that jolted the world back to the reality of the vulnerability of earth and humanity and the Nuclear Security Summit to be held, from March 26-27, 2012, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. This summit gains significance not only because it will be attended by 47 Heads of states and   International organizations including the UN, IAEA, EU as well as INTERPOL, but also because it is being held with the shadow of the Fukushima disaster looming over it.  As the Republic of Korea prepares to host and co-ordinate this momentous event, the Korean Christians have published a Faith declaration “For a world Free of Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear power.'  This is based on the premise that Nuclear energy and weapons cannot co-exist with peace; Nuclear energy cannot help to overcome global warming, Nuclear waste contaminates earth and therefore destroys life. It calls for liberation from a nuclear culture that is based on greed and consumerism and advocates solidarity for life. posted by communications on Friday, March 16, 2012   12 March, 2012 Pastoral letter to the Churches in Japan  as the world pauses to remember Japan's moment of grief... Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,  It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to all of you, at a time when you are recalling the painful memories of grief and loss in the catastrophe that hit your beloved country last year.  Location map of tsunami and quake affected areas All of us from the CCA family are deeply moved and stand with you in sorrow, bowing with reverence to the Japanese people who suffered the powerful earthquake that unleashed deadly Tsunami waves, triggering the world’s worst nuclear crisis and resulted in widespread destruction and death. We stand with you in solidarity and offer our prayerful support, in seeking the courage to pick up the strings of life and bravely face the future; the strength to lovingly restore families and communities; and the faith in God’s infinite wisdom and love that passes all human understanding. We pray for perseverance and an undying spirit of hope as the nation struggles to make the country a better and safer place to live in. May the Lord be a refuge in these times of struggle, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18        Sincerely yours        Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang       General Secretary  posted by communications on Monday, March 12, 2012    MARCH 8, 2012  INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8, 2012 "Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone" Proverbs 31:31 Say it with flowers   CCA celebrated International Women's day with a special worship and reflections on the strengths and blessings that women were gifted with and how they used it to their utmost in adverse situations and in any position they were placed. Paying tributes to mothers, the person remembered most with affection and emotion, women in the family and other women  encountered in life, the staff prayed for strength and courage to renew in themselves the image of God and to help them build communities of just peace.   A power point presentation of women and children in Asia was presented, and special tributes were paid for the women who died in conflict and made success stories also. Please see EGY section for more photos and news. posted by communications on Friday, March 09, 2012     CCA e-Letter - 29/2/12   CCA e-Letter 29 February 2012 To: - Member Churches and Councils - Officers and Members of the General Committee - Members of the Program Area Committees - Ecumenical Partners and Friends Dear Ecumenical Friends, Greetings of Lent! Pastoral Visit The General Committee that met in 2011 had decided to have a pastoral visit to Aotearoa- New Zealand after the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February 2011. Rev. Tara Curlewis, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia and I arrived in Auckland on 22 February 2012, around the time when the people of the country observed two minutes of silence, commemorating one year of this shocking experience. We continued our trip to Christchurch in the evening. We spent three days in Christchurch, visiting the local parishes and various groups that have been responding to these calamities and met the church leaders as well as ecumenical friends. Further, we spent two full days in Auckland to worship with the local congregations, met other leaders of CCA member churches and attended an ecumenical meeting. We were welcomed warmly by all, and left Auckland on 28 February 2012 feeling enriched and energized by this visit. We saw the devastating impact of the earthquake in the life of many people in Christchurch and heard the stories of the churches continuing to respond to the needs of the people for basic needs as well as pastoral care. We expressed the solidarity of Asian churches with brothers and sisters of the churches in Aotearoa-New Zealand. We learned that in the midst of the mounting tasks, the churches have realized that they need to work together, closer than ever before. They also have discovered that their call is not only to 'work in the communities but to work with communities'. An ecumenical strategic group representing various denominations in Christchurch meets from time to time to discuss together future steps in addressing the post-earthquake situations. We heard from many who are involved in these endeavors that this devastating earthquake has made them aware of emerging mission challenges in that kind of a situation and has urged them to explore different ways of being church as the body of Christ in such adverse circumstances. A sense of urgency on the need to share limited resources was felt by many, a realization that can enhance the building up of communities. Our deep appreciation goes to Rev. Prince Devanandan, present member of CCA General Committee representing the churches in Aotearoa-New Zealand who organized this visit, and ecumenical friends in Christchurch, especially Rev. Barbara Stephen, Rev. Gard Cant and Rev. John England who facilitated our programs and many other friends who offered us warm hospitality. Let us continue to support the churches in Aotearoa New Zealand and the people, especially in Christchurch as they rebuild their lives out of their experience of brokenness and a lingering sense of uncertainty and fear concerning their future. Travelling to Aotearoa-New Zealand during Ash Wednesday and being there a few days in the first week of Lent has been a meaningful experience for both of us as we begin to see the signs of hope for resurrection beyond the challenges of the cross, in the journey of our sisters and brothers in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Such faith may also inspire us as we walk in these holy weeks. Another calamity Many of us may be aware that on 6 February 2012, a devastating earthquake hit the island provinces of Negros and Cebu followed by a landslide in the central Philippines causing death and widespread damage to buildings, roads and bridges. Let us continue to uphold the people in the Philippines in our prayers, and support the churches in the country as they respond to these calamities. We also hear of another earthquake of 5.9 magnitude that struck southern Taiwan on Sunday, February 25, 2012, causing minor damages. The Asian continent has become more and more fragile. Our mother earth is groaning. We are constantly reminded to care and heal the pains of our planet, as God's gift, by making intentional and concrete efforts in adopting a way of life that is ecologically sound and responsible. Conciliar ecumenism A Global consultation of the General Secretaries of the NCCs and REOs was held in Beirut, Lebanon from 5-10 February 2012. The consultation focused on the theme "Conciliar Ecumenism", referring to the Christian councils and associations that pursue church unity at the national, regional or world level. The meeting was attended by thirty-three leaders from national councils of churches (NCCs) and regional ecumenical organizations (REOs), building on the tradition of the WCC, REOs and NCCs working together to give expression to churches' desire for unity in Christ. There were eight participants from CCA region representing NCC Korea (Rev. Dr. Kim Young Ju), Hong Kong Christian Council (Rev. Po Kam Cheong), NCC Sri Lanka (Rev. Ebenezer Joseph), NCC India (Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad), Malaysian Council of Churches (Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri), Myanmar Council of Churches (Rev. Van Kung), NCC Australia (Rev. Tara Curlewis) and Christian Conference of Asia (Rev. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang). The objectives of the meeting included: (1) build fellowship between councils of churches and strengthen an informal network of leaders; (2) offer an assessment of the ecumenical movement from the perspective of conciliar ecumenism; (3) examine the role of councils and other forms of conciliar ecumenism within the ecumenical movement; (4) seek a renewed theological understanding of conciliar ecumenism; (5) use the experience of councils to examine important themes and current issues, including migration and interreligious dialogue; and (6) establish intentional connections with the various regional assemblies in 2012/13 and the WCC Assembly in 2013 thematically, structurally, relationally and in terms of regionally based preparations. The participants got an opportunity to visit H H Catholicos Aram I, head of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Orthodox Church. He underlined that "Ecumenism is a quality of life that needs to be articulated in all aspects of a Christian's life", and "conciliarity is an essential nature of the church." His Holiness also identified three distinctive trends that require further consideration in conciliar ecumenism, namely, the growing shift from church-centered to people-centered ecumenism, a shift from multi-confessional to confessional ecumenism, and a shift from global to regional and local ecumenism. Installation of a church leader I had the privilege to attend the Installation Service of the 4th Archbishop of the Southeast Asia Province of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Datuk Bolly Lapok, the first Iban and Sarawakian to hold the post. The service was held in St. Thomas Cathedral in Kuching, Sarawak, and West Malaysia on 12 February 2012. His pastoral jurisdiction covers the Anglican diocese of Sabah, Kuching, West Malaysia and Singapore, including the nine nations of Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Nepal. Strengthening ecumenical networks and friendship Mr. Steven Cutting, Coordinator, graduate outreach program of Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Japan, visited CCA office on 28 February, 2012. His visit was to strengthen ties with CCA and to work in collaboration with the ARI training programs especially for grass root leaders on sustainable agriculture through integrated organic farming techniques, community building, and leadership, so that 'each person could live to his or her fullest potential'. We also welcomed a 12 member strong team from one of our ecumenical partners, 'Kerk in Actie' of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands who visited CCA office on 24 February 2012. They spent an hour and a half with us, during which we shared the CCA Vision, Mission and Goals of the CCA, and introduced CCA member constituencies and programs. The group comprising 6 men and 6 women, was accompanied by Rev. Karsten van Staveren from the McGilvery Theological College of the Church of Christ in Thailand located in Chiang Mai. We thank both our ecumenical partners for their kind gesture of visiting us at our headquarters, and for their genuine interest in getting to know each other better and work together enhancing what is expressed in the ARI motto: "That We May Live Together." Obituaries It is with deep sorrow that I report the demise of Rev. Dr. Samson Prabhakar, Director, South Asian Theological Research Institute, Bangalore, India on 19th Feb 2012. A well known educator, Rev. Prabhakar has contributed meaningfully to the Asian ecumenical field and has been a resource person for many of the Theological consultations of the CCA. He was also serving as a member of the Continuation Committee of the Congress of Asian Theologians. We would also like to record our grief at the sad demise of Senior Metropolitan H G Dr. Gheevarghese Mar Osthathios of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in India on 16 Feb 2012. His Grace was a renowned theologian, orator and writer, and has contributed a lot to the ecumenical movement as a member of the 'Faith and Order Commission' of the World Council of Churches, President of the Kerala Council of Churches, Bible Society Kerala Auxiliary and member of the Pro Oriente Foundation that dealt with relations between the Catholics and the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. May their souls rest in peace. Thank you for your attention and looking forward to your continued support and cooperation. Sincerely yours, Henriette Hutabarat Lebang General Secretary posted by cbs on Saturday, March 03, 2012   29 February 2012 CCA Congratulates new office bearers of Myanmar Baptist Convention On behalf of the CCA family, Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang General Secretary, greeted the newly elected office bearers of the Myanmar Baptist Convention. In a letter addressed to the new General Secretary Rev.Yam Kho Pau, she congratulated Rev. Dr. Zaw Win, President; Rev. Mahn Than Tan, Vice President; Ms. Hkawn Sen, Vice-President; Rev. Saw Samson, Associate General Secretary; Rev. Mahn San Thein Tun, Treasurer and Rev.Yam Kho Pau himself, wishing them "strength and blessings as they take on a bigger responsibility and a challenging journey in these troubled times". She prayed that God would continue to richly bless the new team. Myanmar (Burma) has a population of over 58 million, with 4% Christians,  4% Muslims and 89% Buddhists.The Baptists are the largest protestant  denomination in the country. posted by communications on Friday, March 02, 2012    28 February, 2012 Mr. Steven Cutting, Asian Rural Institute (ARI),Japan visits CCA Mr. Steven Cutting, Coordinator of the Graduate Outreach program and International funding of the Asian Rural Institute,(ARI), Japan, visited CCA Chiang Mai on 28 February, 2012. His visit was to strengthen ties with CCA and to propose to work in collaboration with the ARI training programs for grass root leaders on sustainable agriculture through integrated organic farming techniques, community building, and leadership, so that ‘each person could live to his or her fullest potential’.  Founded in 1973 by Rev. Dr. Toshihiro Takami, the ARI brings together about 30 leaders from countries primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific to take part in a Rural Leaders Training Program that is held from April to December every year.   Mr. Steven Cutting was received by Mr. Carlo Occampo, Executive Secretary and Ms. Janejinda Pawadee both from Justice, Integrity and Development and Ms. Susan Jacob, Communications. We thank our ecumenical partners, both the 'ARI' and the 'Kerk in Actie' for their kind gesture of visiting us at our headquarters, and for their genuine interest in getting to know each other better, in keeping with the ARI motto "That We May Live Together." posted by communications on Thursday, March 01, 2012   24 February 2012 Bonding with 'Kerk in Actie', Ecumenical Partner Visit of 'Kerk in Actie'     CCA family with friends from Kerk in Actie A 12 member team from Ecumenical partner ‘Kerk in Actie', Netherlands, visited the Christian Conference of Asia, Chiang Mai, on 24 February 2012. They spent an hour and a half with us, during which we shared a documentary on CCA, highlighting the Vision, Mission and Goals of the CCA, the programs, information about Councils, Member churches and the general structure of the CCA. They visited the CCA Library, shared snacks, sang a few songs and prayed together. The group comprising 6 men and 6 women, was accompanied by Rev. Karsten van Staveren from the McGilvery Theological College of Church of Christ Thailand, Chiang Mai.  Kerk in Actie is the programme for missionary and diaconal work of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands and of 10 smaller churches and ecumenical organizations. It co-operates with almost 1000 partner churches and organizations in more than 60 countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The name 'Kerk in Actie' means Church in Action.The time spent in bonding and knowing each other was a memorable one.  Rev. Grace Moon Exec.Secy. FMU welcoming the  guests from Kerk in Actie        .  posted by communications on Thursday, March 01, 2012   Archives: May 2003 / June 2003 / July 2003 / August 2003 / September 2003 / October 2003 / November 2003 / January 2004 / March 2004 / April 2004 / May 2004 / June 2004 / July 2004 / August 2004 / September 2004 / October 2004 / November 2004 / December 2004 / January 2005 / February 2005 / April 2005 / May 2005 / June 2005 / August 2005 / October 2005 / November 2005 / December 2005 / March 2006 / April 2006 / May 2006 / June 2006 / July 2006 / October 2006 / November 2006 / February 2007 / March 2007 / April 2007 / May 2007 / June 2007 / August 2007 / December 2007 / January 2008 / February 2008 / March 2008 / June 2008 / July 2008 / August 2008 / September 2008 / February 2009 / June 2009 / September 2009 / October 2009 / November 2009 / January 2010 / February 2010 / March 2010 / June 2010 / July 2010 / August 2010 / September 2010 / November 2010 / December 2010 / February 2011 / March 2011 / April 2011 / May 2011 / June 2011 / July 2011 / August 2011 / September 2011 / October 2011 / November 2011 / December 2011 / January 2012 / February 2012 / March 2012 / April 2012 / May 2012 / June 2012 / July 2012 / August 2012 / September 2012 / October 2012 / November 2012 / December 2012 /