History, Dialogue and Inter-Religious Relations
Historical Perspectives of Inter-Religious Relationship in Asia
5- 6 August 2014
The Christian Conference of Asia in collaboration with the Historical Society of Asian Christianity and the Society of Historical Studies of Christianity in Japan are jointly hosting an International Seminar on “Historical Perspectives of Inter-religious Relationships in Asia: Challenges for the Churches and the Ecumenical Movement" from 5-6 August 2014, at Holiday Inn, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Seminar has brought together theologians, historians, church leaders and research students to articulate and share their studies on inter-religious issues in Asia and the challenges for churches and ecumenical movements; and to explore ways to build a network of Asian church historians.
Asia is a vast region with diverse cultures and a long history of civilization. It is a continent with varied nationalities, ethnicities and indigenous peoples. For many centuries, Asian people have lived in the context of ethnic and religious plurality, where the attitudes of respecting the differences and promoting the spirit of harmony are central to peoples’ way of life. However of late, this peaceful co-existence is being shattered creating tensions and conflict that often erupt in violence and attacks on people and places of worship. Rev. Dr. Philip L. Wickeri, Advisor to the Archbishop on Historical and Theological studies, Hong Kong, delivered the keynote address. ‘A Christianity that can help churches to overcome conflict’, he said, ‘is the one that sees Christianity as part of a common good.’ It should,’ he added, ‘ ideally be a Christianity with a theology that emphasizes love, justice and peace; that in practice emphasizes dialogue, engagement and co-operation with other faith traditions; that accepts a secular framework for religious practice, so that Christians live with a common human identity and not just a religious identity; whose mission is one of social involvement and cultural engagement; and looks at the value of indigenous cultures in Asia in promoting the harmony and value of unity.
Greetings were brought by Rev. Dr. H H. Lebang, General Secretary, CCA; Prof. Haruki Onishi from the Society of Historical Studies of Christianity in Japan and Prof. Kim Heung Soo, from the Historical Association of Asian Christianity. Thematic Presentations were made on inter-religious issues in various countries and how they are addressed. The Seminar is still in session.