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Christian Conference of Asia
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Letter of Solidarity to the CCA Member Churches in Pakistan
August 25, 2012
To
The Member
Churches and
National Council of Churches in Pakistan
Greetings of
Peace!
It is with great shock and disbelief
that we received the news about Rimsha, a Christian girl with Down syndrome, in
Pakistan, who may be punished by death after she was seen holding burning pages
of the Quran. We are also dismayed that she has been arrested under the
blasphemy law in Pakistan, which states that defaming Islam is a capital
offence. The news reached us during the Asian Church Leaders Theological
Conference, convened by the CCA, at Hsinchu city in Taipei from 22 - 27 August
2012. All the 56 participants are equally distressed about this news, have
prayed with deep concern and convey feelings of solidarity to all the
Christians in Pakistan.
It is unfortunate that this incident has
been blown out of proportion by the public who have not taken the time or the
effort to consider the vulnerability and innocence of this helpless girl who is
now in a state of shock and to make matters worse is separated from her parents
who are also under protective custody, fearing the anger of the public. We also
view with concern the religious tensions that have forced Christians to
temporarily flee Mehrabad, the Islamabad neighborhood where Rimsha resides, and
the disruption it has caused in the lives of people.
While expressing our solidarity with
the churches in Pakistan and those who are always under the threat of the law
that hangs over them as a Damocles’ sword, we hope and pray for a review of
this draconian Blasphemy law that does not take into account the helplessness
of differently-abled children who are defenseless and unaware of any act of
theirs. We would urge the Church and Civil society to call for a revision of
not only the Blasphemy law but all such laws that discriminate and punish people
on the basis of religion and gender, so that democratic institutions remain
just and fair and can function without fear or favor. Please
let us know if we can do anything to be of assistance.
In solidarity and prayers,
Sincerely
Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
posted by communications on Tuesday, August 28, 2012  CCA@5522 August 2012 CCA Celebrates Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on the 55th Anniversary with Churches in Taiwan
Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, from Sri Lanka, brought greetings to CCA on the occasion of the 55th century and told the Asian Church leaders to use this opportunity to look back and learn from our mistakes, and repent for what should have been but wasnt done with humility. He called for an engagement of churches in 'Selfless engagement' that was willing even to die and bear fruit.
The Church service was enriched by the beautiful singing by the Hakka Presbytery Choir and made colourful by the Ms Dongi and Yushan Seminary students, who sang and danced to indigenous tunes.
The 55th anniversary was marked with a slide show showing the history of CCA for the last 55 years and a few rare photos of an era gone by.....
Prayers for the countries of Asia were read out as part of the liturgy.Arch-Bishop Sebouh Sarkissian of the Armenian Orthodox Church, Iran brought greetings to CCA on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the CCA.
posted by communications on Saturday, August 25, 2012
23 August 2012
Tribute to Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi SJ,
Bishop Emeritus of Kaohsiung in Taiwan
We mourn the
sad demise of Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi SJ, Bishop Emeritus of
Kaohsiung in Taiwan, at the age of 88, after a prolonged battle with
cancer.
We understand that Cardinal Paul, who was appointed as the first Cardinal in Taiwan in 1998 by Pope John Paul II, focused on education, building a strong laity and presenting Christ to the Asian people as his key ministries.
We the Christian Conference of Asia take pride in
his conviction that the church's mission of love and service must begin with
"a genuine regard and respect for all the peoples of Asia, their religions
and cultures."
His belief that the Spirit of God is at work in
the world only in the recognition of the "truth and grace" present in
other religions, while continuing to witness to "the fullness of
revelation in Jesus Christ," strengthened the Interreligious Dialogue
Commissions that he was actively involved in. This thought will also remain a
guiding principle to all of us in the ecumenical world.
We are
inspired by his close interaction with eminent Buddhist leaders and his
tireless efforts in bringing unity and peace among the major religious groups
in Taiwan. We are saddened that in his passing away we have lost a
visionary of peace and unity, but we are sure that his humanitarian spirit and
the memory of his dedicated life will live on.
May his soul rest in peace.
Sd/-
Dr.
K B Rokaya, President CCA
Ms. Arun Vanrasmey, President
CCA
Rev. Dr.
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang General Secretary, CCA
posted by communications on Thursday, August 23, 2012
posted by communications on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
22 August 2012
Asian Church Leaders Theological Consultation; General Committee meetings and Thanksgiving Service
The CCA General Committee and Executive Committee Meetings are being held at Hsinchu city, Taipei, Taiwan from the 18-22 August 2012.
The 55th Anniversary of the CCA will be marked by a 'Thanksgiving Service' in fellowship with the Churches in Taiwan this afternoon.
This will be followed by an "Asian Church Leaders Theological Consultation" addressing 'Emerging Issues in Asia Today' from 23-26 August 2012.
The CCA records its appreciation of the generous hospitality rendered by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.
posted by communications on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
“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
8 August 2012
To: CCA Member Churches and
Council in the Philippines
Dear Friends,
Our heart goes out to you in prayer and anguish as we hear and
see reports of severe flooding in Manila and surrounding areas. It is of great
concern that 780,000 people have been displaced and have fled their homes as Manila continues to be battered by torrential
rains that have paralysed the city. We are anxious about landslides and release of
water from dams that have endangered the lives of many communities.
It is quite distressing to note
that a city that was battered by storm Saola just recently is once more experiencing
heavy rains that are aggravated by tropical storms in the vicinity, and are
predicted to continue throughout the day.
We pray that
Jesus is with you in the boat that is tossed by storms, and that He will calm tempests
and heal the battered and the wounded. We also
remember in prayer Japan and Taiwan who also recently bore the brunt of
torrential rains and storms.
The CCA family
joins me in prayers and solidarity with people of Philippines.
Sincerely
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
posted by communications on Wednesday, August 08, 2012 |
