Striving Together in Love: Towards Common Action

A Common Word to Common Action for Justice Solidarity and Collaboration in Asia, Generating the Needed Synergy Jakarta, Indonesia 26- 28 February 2013 “Love God, Love Neighbor, Love all Creation”

The Conference of Christian and Muslim Leaders of Asia, held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 26-28 February 2013, brought together 141 leaders from both communities, from 16 countries across Asia. The opportunity, time and space for this important dialogue were the outcome of the concerted and tireless efforts of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conferences (FABC) and the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS). The Conference was co-hosted by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI/PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops Conference known as Konfrensi Waligereja Indonesia (KWI). This unique initiative to sit together to chart out a “Common Action to Justice and harmony” is a fitting sequel to the now historic documents titled “A Common word between Us and You”, sent by 138 Muslim Scholars to World Christian leaders including Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI; and the statement of the WCC International Consultation titled “Christians and Muslims Building a common future.”

The participants reflected deeply about the significant role that Religion can play when faced with multi-dimensional challenges on the global scene, and more particularly in the Asian region. They also prepared and adopted a Jakarta Message titled “Striving Together in Love, Towards Common Action.”

Statement Highlights:

The Asian Situation: Narrowing down the concerns in Asia today, it was stated that apart from poverty and environmental degradation, there was ‘the danger that a vision of human realities grounded on Religious Faith is being eroded in these fast changing times’. It also commented on the tensions between classes and communities caused by the schism between the ‘haves and have- nots’ even though the Asian economy is gaining strength on the world scene.

Resolutions

Affirming their commitment to bringing the Common Word into Common Action the participants resolved to, intensify their efforts for peace and justice, to try to prevent violence in contexts of tension and facilitate dialogue or mediate in situations of conflicts. The resolutions made on main areas of concern include:

Religion: affirming freedom of religion as a basic human right that calls for special attention in the pluralistic context of Asia, they said that religious leaders had the responsibility to make people understand that ‘genuine religion is meant to enlighten believers with regard to the nature of God and their duty to their fellow human beings and the rest of creation’. Those who aid and abet tension on religious grounds, have to be ‘guided and assisted rather than condemned and marginalized’.

The statement emphasized that ‘integrating universally accepted values with those cherished in local traditions’ would contribute a lot in easing tensions; for e.g. the Golden Rule about the Love of God and Love of Neighbor, derived from the Common Word, should be shared in all sections of the community.

Economy: while acknowledging the advantages of globalization, the resolution seeks to caution against the “uncritical acceptance of Liberal Capitalism that can lead to situations of gross inequality, especially if it means uncontrolled monopolies and totally un-regulated market mechanisms.” They called for socially responsible economic reforms, and sharing of resources. Stressing that ‘Corruption’ is an evil practice, the participants urged the younger generation to take the struggle against it in all earnestness.

Prevention of conflict: building awareness and broadening the outlook of children from their young age nourishes a culture of peace and prevents conflict. Another dimension would be the 'mission of religious leaders to keep studying the social scenario, interpreting trends and cautioning society about adopting policies that can compromise common interests. This could be of immense help in preventing the outbreak of violence, paving a path for constructive dialogue and suggesting relevant solutions.'

A revival of Asian Cultures: The participants resolved to preserve values that are considered precious in Asian cultures like religiosity, the sense of the sacred, respect for life, attachment to tradition, and concern for the common good.

Healing of memories: Acknowledging the painful events that have taken place in the common history of both communities, the participants, took serious note of the need to forgive, and to forget all past injuries. This they said would lead to a healing of memories.

Others: They also affirmed their concern on Environmental issues, Migrant workers, Respect for human dignity, Promotion of human values and the importance of Dialogue, as a path to avoid conflict.

The Torch is handed overt to the younger generation: In conclusion the participants resolved to preserve and propagate the spirit of collaboration, mutual respect and understanding among people for the benefit of all humankind and the whole of creation. They passed on the torch of justice to the young by saying “It falls on the younger generation to take this mission forward.”

The Conference was much appreciated by all the participants. They recorded their appreciation to the organizers and the host committees and hoped that this forum for Dialogue and understanding would be carried into the common future.

Full text of statement available at http://intersmartsolutions.com/dev/cca-old/home/programs/fmu-news/