Lembang, West Java, Indonesia Upholding - - NCC

Upholdingthe Integrity of Creation

Volume 47 Number 2 December 2012

Christian Conference of Asia

Lembang, West Java, Indonesia

2 CCANEWS December 2012

Editorial

Sowing the Grains of Peace

One of the unforgettablesayings of my grandma,which has signifi cantly

infl uenced me is: “do not leave any single grain of rice in your plate!” When as a little girl I asked her, “why?” she briefl y replied: “the farmers will cry.”I continue to contemplate onthis wisdom and share it withour children and grandchildren. As a farmer herself, my grandmaknew that the grains of rice being shared as the family members sit together on the mat or around the table are the fruits of the sweat and tears of the farmers. This makes the time of sharing food very important and even sacred in many cultures in Asia. It functions not only to feed the stomach, but also as a moment to remember and be grateful to the bountiful grace of God through the works of the farmers that sustain life of many.

Such simple but profound traditional wisdom is almost forgotten in our modern world that is driven by advanced technology. Many children todayhave no opportunity to see how the farmers produce rice or wheat or potatoes or anything that forms a part of their daily food. They have been detached from the production process. Many have lost the sacred moment of remembering andconnecting themselves with the farmers who are the producers of food. One of the ironies of our world is the fact that some people throw away food easily or indulge in the habits of over-eating, while

many are starving. The “consumptive” and “throw away”culture is becoming a prevalent life style of many people, which is detrimental not only to their own body, to other human beings and to all creatures, but it also destroys nature, and this kills life.

Our ecological crisis is becoming more and more alarming. It is much more complex than we often think. The human greed for economic profi t provokes the unprecedented exploitation of nature. The Asia Pacifi c AGAPE consultation on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology in 2009 believed that “the interlinked economic and ecological crises are manifestations of a larger ethical, moral and spiritual crisis. For it is in putting absolute faith in ‘free markets’, in worshipping wealth and material good, and in following a gospel of mindless expansion and consumerism that human beings have exploited their own sisters and brothers and have ravaged their only home. Therefore, overcoming the crisis requires nothing less than a radical spiritual renewal. We reaffi rm, according to our Christian tradition, that such a transformation must be founded on the Biblical imperatives of God’s preferential option for the marginalized (justice) and the sacredness of all Creation (sustainability).”

Further, the CCA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur in 2010 adopted Climate Justice Policy guidelines titled “We Can Make a Difference.” The CCA had conducted a consultation on Ecology in Siantar-North Sumatera, Indonesia from 1-5 November 2012, to once again encourage its member constituencies to begin or continue to address the interrelated issues of ecological and economic crises. This is an urgent missional task and an integral part of our spiritual accountability to our Creator. Indeed, the churches can make a difference, when they seriously consider the environmental crisis as an integral part of their spiritual life, do not delay to take concrete actions and be tirelessly engaged in “sowing the grains of “sowing the grains ofpeace”peace”- no matter how small our actions are, as our commitment to God who provides justice and peace for all.

As we celebrate the 55th Anniversary of CCA this year, let us thank the Creator and Sustainer of life for all. May the peace of God which is beyond human understanding be with us as we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

Henriette Hutabarat LebangGeneral Secretary

One of the unforgettablesayings of my grandma, which has signifi cantly infl uenced me is: “do not leave any single grain of rice in your plate!” When as a little girl I asked her, “why?” shebriefl y replied: “the farmers will cry.” I continue to contemplateon this wis-dom and share it with our children and grandchildren.

3CCANEWS December

Volume 47 Number 2 December 2012

Offi cial publication of the Christian Conference of Asia

PO Box 183, MuangChiang Mai 50000Thailand

Tel: + 66-53-243-906-7Fax: + 66-53-247-303 Email: [email protected]: www.cca.org.hk

Editor-In-Chief : Henriette Hutabarat LebangGeneral Secretary

Editor:Susan Jacob

Editorial Committee:Grace MoonSunila AmmarAlphinus KambodjiJanejinda Pawadee

Cover Photo: The Lembang Fault is a large

active fault situated less than 10 km from the

major population centre of Bandung. Geological

evidence has suggested that large earthquakes

have occurred on this fault in the past, and

therefore may occur in the future.

Source : Internet

Disclaimer:Opinions expressed in the articles of this publication

do not necessarily refl ect the policies or positions

of CCA

In this issue

EditorialSowing the Grains of Peace 2

Theological Refl ectionsEcological Justice: Nuclear Power after Fukushima 4

Under the LensIntegrity of Creation: Web of Life 7

In Special FocusNational Christian Council in Japan 12Keep on Walking Together: Following Jesus Christ 12

CCA in FocusEmbracing and Embodying God’s Hospitality Today 15CCA @ 55: Anniversary Celebrations at Taiwan 20Creating Sanctuaries of Life for All 21Child Traffi cking: A Challenge to Faith Communities 22Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth 22Building an Inclusive Community: Partnership of 23Men and Women in God’s MissionHuman Rights Advocacy: Rights of Migrant Workers 24Towards Sustainable Peace, Security and Reconciliation 25in MyanmarHuman Rights, Protection Mechanisms and 25Ecumenical AdvocacyPromoting Ecological Justice: Asian Churches’ Response 26Healing and Reconciliation in Post War Sri Lanka 27Mission in the Pluralistic Contexts of Indonesia and Timor Leste 27Basic Ecumenical Course 28Safe Havens: HIV &AIDS Competent Churches 28 and CommunitiesAsian Theological Refl ection and Perspective on HIV & AIDS 29Getting to Zero on World AIDS Day 30

In the news in CCA 31In CCAFrom Member Churches and CouncilsCampaigns for Peace and Human RightsFelicitationsVisitsFarewellObituaries

Cover PageOnly when 36


Theological Refl ections

Ecological Justice : Nuclear Power after Fukushima

Rev. Dr. Kanan Kitani Doshisha University, Japan

When Zeus hid fi re fromhumans, Prometheusstole it from the Olym-

pian gods and gave it to humans,for which act both he and they were severely punished. Prometheus was bound to the Caucasus Mountains where an eagle devoured his ever-regenerating liver day after day.For humans, Zeus sent out Pandora, the fi rst woman, with a box fi lled with all the evils.

Nuclear power is often comparedto the fi re stolen by Prometheus, an act that brought both civili-zation and disruption to humans. Indeed, nuclear power brought us both: a new source of energy and a new implement of war.

Among other nations, Japan hasunfortunately experienced bothaspects of nuclear power. In 1945, two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan that killed about 434,000 people. The numberof causalities is still mounting, as there are still long-suffering survivors who were exposed tothe radiation from the bombing.In 1954, a Japanese tuna fi shingboat, was exposed to and contami-nated by nuclear fallout from the United States’ thermonuclear test at Bikini Atoll, near the Marshall Islands. At the test site, 23 sailors on the Daigo Fukuryu Maru were exposed to nuclear radiation.

From the 1980s to the recent nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan has weathered a series of accidents that occurred at nuclear power plants around the country. A major fi re accident at the Monju Nuclear Power Plant, in the Fukui Prefecture, occurred on 8th December 1995, due to a sodium leak, and the plant has been out of operation since the accident. On 30th September 1999, a critical accident occurred at Tokaimura JCO, Ibaraki Prefecture in the Uranium reprocessing facility, killing two and exposing 667 civilians to radiation. A steam explosion at Mihima Nuclear Power Plant, on 9 August 2004 in the Fukui Prefecture killed fi ve workers and injured six more. The latest of course is the Tsunami that fl ooded and damaged four active reactor plants at the Fukushima Daiichi Power plant, in the Fukushima Prefecture on 11th March 2011.

As we have witnessed, what happened at Fukushima was defi nitely the watershed event in recent history of nuclear energy. Following the nuclear disasters at Three Mile Island in 1979 (INES Level 5), and at Chernobyl in 1986 (INES Level 7)2, Fukushima (INES 7) made us re-acknowledge that nuclear power is uncontrollable.

Although the nuclear disaster at Fukushima was a consequence of an earthquake and a tsunami, the destruction could have been minimized if the electric power company had adequately gauged its risk. In Japan, destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunamis, occur several times per century.

That is to say, the earthquake and tsunami that occurred on March 11, 2011 were natural disasters, but the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant was a human-generated disaster. It was the consequence of poor maintenance, lack of preparation for natural hazards, and misjudgment in prioritizing the conservation of nuclear reactors over human life.

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fi sh in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26, NIV)

1 City of Nagasaki: http://www1.city.nagasaki.nagasaki.jp/gentai/irei_tuitou/houan.html City of Hirochima: http://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/2The International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES). It was introduced in 1990 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in order to enable prompt communication of safety-signifi cant information in case of nuclear accidents. The level 7 is the highest scale of all.

5CCANEWS December

3 “Shiyozumi Kakunenryou wo Mongol ni Chozou,”47 News: http://www.47news.jp/CN/201107/CN2011071801000391.html

Disadvantages of Having a Nuclear Power PlantMore than a year has passed, but the situation inFukushima does not allow optimism, because theaccident site is so highly contaminated, that even a skilled task force cannot go inside to investigate what really happened to the reactors. We have not yet fi guredout how to decontaminate the land or to dispose thecontaminated debris that remained after the tsunami. It is false advertising to claim that the nuclear power plant is inexpensive and safe or that it generates CO2-free electricity. It is costly, it produces nuclear wastes, and it is unsafe (Koide 2011a; 2011b).

(a) Cost: The price of electricity is high in Japan compared to other countries because the immense construction and maintenance costs for nuclear power plants are added to the bill. It costs six to seven billion USD to build one nuclear reactor; it costs 700,000 USD per day to maintain the Monju Nuclear Power Plant, even though the reactors are not in use due to the repeated accidents. Furthermore, mining and processing the nuclear fuel consumes electricity that releases CO2.

(b) Waste: The production of nuclear power creates vast amounts of spent nuclear fuel, which will be stored for one million years deep in the ground. It is impossible to keep monitoring the waste for such a long time. Soon, the metal barrels that store contaminated wastes will rust and start contaminating the immediate environment.

(c) Safety: After what happened at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, it is obvious that humans are incapable of handling nuclear power. We learned that it is not at all safe to operate nuclear reactors because they are merely devices created by imperfect human beings.

Nuclear power plants also are potential terrorist targets, as just one gram of the plutonium can kill 500,000 people. If the environment were polluted by radiation, children would suffer the most signifi cant impact because their radiation sensitivity is four times higher than that of adults.

Nuclear Waste: a threat to the poor and the impoverishedIn fact, all nuclear power plants in Japan are built in impoverished rural regions. The people who have to suffer from having nuclear plants in their region are the people who are poor and socially vulnerable. At a cost of risking the lives of others, people who live in urban areas enjoy their high-tech lifestyles. The

people who had to sacrifi ce their means of making a living after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant were the underprivileged. Most farmers were forced to abandon their lands and their domestic livestock. One dairy farmer took his life inside his barn 3 months after the disaster. He had to give up all of his cows, as they were contaminated by the nuclear fallout, which made it impossible for him to earn a living. This incident high-lights the vicious nature of nuclear power plants.

Today, the Japanese government is searching for land outside the country to store the nuclear wastes produced at nuclear facilities in Japan3. By this it is clear that the government is trying to maintain the operation of nuclear reactors while dumping the contaminated nuclear wastes in other fi nancially challenged countries. People in those countries do not even benefi t from the nuclear power plants, as they do not use the electricity they produce. After all, the nuclear power plants are built upon inequality and injustice.

What happens, if we were to keep the nuclear wastes in an apartment with no drain system, and pile up the waste in rooms where unprivileged tenants live? In the end, the whole apartment itself would be damaged and unfi t for habitation. This apartment model should not apply to the earth on which we live. It only leads us down the path of destruction.

Three Types of Historical Perspective: Linear, Circular, and HelicalIt is often said that the biblical view of history is linear (Jongeneel 2009: 103). From Genesis to Revelation, it is a straight line from the creation to the end. On the contrary, the Asian historical perspective has tradition-ally been more circular than linear (Fleming 2002: 92-94). As we, as agricultural people, live closer to nature, we try to harmoniously coexist with it. Thus, we know how harsh nature can be; we know nature is untam-able; and we know how tiny we are when facing natural threats.

Japanese intellectual Shinichi Nakazawa, who gives credit to polytheistic religion over monotheistic religion, criticizes that the Bible claims God created the earth outside the ecosphere, putting humans above the earth. Nakazawa suggests that nuclear power is also used by human beings based on the mindset of monotheistic religion, which puts them above the ecosystem. Nakazawa’s suggestion is both right and wrong. When talking about environmental problems, the people who take a linear historical perspective often cite the Bible verse of God’s creation in Genesis and mankind’s authority over the earth: Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fi sh in the sea and the birds in the sky, over


the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Gen 1:26)

If we cite this verse to claim proper treatment of nature, it implies that we understand ourselves as the rulers of the earth, a relationship created by God. However, Asian Christians do not necessarily accept either perspective. We have learned how to humble ourselves before the untamable power of nature.

Then, what might be the Asian Christians historical perspective? We can say that it is helical. While living in the cycles of nature in the cycle of the seasons, in the cycle of being born and returning to the earth we wait for the fulfi llment of the Kingdom of God. Additionally, we do not have to read the signs from the Bible whenever a major natural disaster happens.

With this helical understanding of the world, Asian Christians have the potential to be the mediators between both groups of people who have either linear or circular historical perspectives. As we are all living together in the globalized society, which properly means a mono-polar world centered around the United States, it is important to ask ourselves what we can do to provide for a better future. After all, the ecological problem is not a one-nation issue.

The Japanese government rewrote the Atomic EnergyBasic Law on June 20, 2012, adding a line saying

that nuclear power contributes to “national security.”This proves that, ensuring the presence of nuclear power plants on Japanese land is very much a politicalact rather than one of environmental care.

Theological Reasoning against Nuclear Power through Asian Christian DiscourseWe theologians do not know how to deal with the problem of nuclear power in a technological way, but if the problem is very much related to Christianity, we have work to do. Especially, we Asian theolo-gians, who have a unique understanding of the world, are called to provide our own theological reasoning against nuclear power and ecological injustice. As we embrace both linear and circular perspectives of hu-man history, we are able to see the importance of liv-ing in harmony with nature and awaiting the kingdom of God, which might happen tomorrow or a thousand years from now.

In order to argue against ecological injustice, we do not need “new theology.” The fundamental teaching of Christianity, which is to live by love (love for God, love for neighbor), always gives solutions to our problems. To strive for ecological justice is not about “saving the earth,” but it is about “saving ourselves,” “saving our children,” and “saving our friends and families,” in the correct sense. It is all about looking after each other. And when we love and care about each other, the kingdom of God will be fulfi lled within us, not somewhere else but on this planet.

Rev. Dr. Kanan Kittani is a Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS); Member of CCA-FMU Program Area

Committee and CATS VII Continuation Committee; Associate Pastor at the Kamo Church, UCC Japan

7CCANEWS December

Habits die hard and disciplineof any kind is diffi cult to follow. People continue to livein the false hope that nature’scapacity is unlimited and that they will enjoy fresh air, cleanwater and healthy, fertile soil in spite of the pollution they cause.

Today, tropical rainforests and other natural ecosystems are being lost or damageddue to agricultural expansion,

Under the Lens: Integrity of Creation

Web of LifeThe earth does not belong to humanity: humanity belongs to the earth. All things are connected like

the blood that unites one family. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. We did not weave the web of life: we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.” …..

Chief Seattle

We believe that the “Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” He has graciously given this beautiful and marvelously designed habitat

to us human beings, not only for sustenance, but for us to enjoy, explore and cherish. The earth is endowed with an unimaginable diversity of fl ora and fauna, fast fl owing rivers, deep and calm oceans, mountains, forests, valleys, grasslands, deserts, marshlands, all depending on the climatic conditions, the rainfall and so many other factors that is really not visible or easy to comprehend. All the living, non-living and climatic conditions at any given place on earth are marvelously interconnected. A geographical area along with this interconnected network forms an “Ecosystem”. These ecosystems with it’s rich natural assets like plants, animals, land, water, the atmosphere and humankind, are the resources on which families, communities, nations and future generations depend. They form the links between all organisms on earth, binding each into interdependent ecosystems, in which all species have their role. This is the web of life.

Every centimeter of the planet is part of an ecosystem. They are either part of a forest, a mountain, desert or grassland system, or a marine or fresh water aquatic system. The Marine Ecosystems are the largest ecosystems which covers nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface, containing 97% of the planet’s water with high amounts of salts and minerals dissolved in them. In contrast the Fresh water Ecosystem covers only 0.8% of the Earth’s surface and contains 0.009% of its total water and is home to almost 41% of the world’s fi sh species. The faster moving turbulent water contains greater concentrations of dissolved oxygen and supports greater biodiversity.

Maybe the most familiar natural ecosystems are the backyards or parks near our home. The ones on which life on earth most heavily depends, are the Agro ecosystemslike the farms where we grow our food and the livestock production systems, Forest ecosystems where we hike, cut timber, and hunt and get rare medicinal plants, honey and other forest produce, Freshwater ecosystems like the lakes, streams, and rivers we fi sh in, boat on, transport our goods over, and rely on for drinking water; Grassland ecosystems where we graze our cattle, Coastal ecosystems like the beaches where we play, the marine

waters we trawl, the reefs and atolls or islands that line coasts in tropical waters and buffer our coastlines, and Urban ecosystems such as cities and suburbs are very signifi cant ecosystems, where a greater concentration of economic and educational opportunities are offered and where nearly half of the world’s populations live.

Gifting Human well-beingThe biodiversity in these ecosystems is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution and what is amazing is that life is still continuing to evolve. The basic requirements for hu-man well-being have been the gifts of these ecosystems for millions of years. Human well-being generally means basic materials to lead a good life, like food, clothing, shelter, security and safety, ensuring good health and social relations. The goods and services provided by these ecosystems form the foundation of our economies. Agriculture, forestry, and fi shing are responsible for 50% of all jobs worldwide and 70% of the jobs in East Asia, and the Pacifi c. In 25% of the world’s nations, crops, tim-ber, and fi sh still contribute more to the economy than do industrial goods. Ecosystems also purify our air and wa-ter, help to control our climate, and produce soil-services that can’t be replaced at any reasonable cost. Natural ecosystems also provide places for religious expression, aesthetic enjoyment, and recreation. Every year, millions of people make pilgrimages to outdoor holy places, va-cation in scenic regions, or simply pause in a park or a garden to refl ect or relax.

Biodiversity in Crisis : Stretched to the limits and more…

Poster of Earth Day 1970


the development of transport, urban growth, the diversion of rivers for irrigation, and pollution. Aquatic systems are polluted by excessive fl ows of nitrogen compound fertilizers and phosphoric acid into fresh water or the sea in coastal areas, resulting in the deteriorating quality of water. Climate Change results in increasing earth surface temperatures, rising sea levels that threaten numerous species with extinction, the risk of disease outbreaks and negative impact on agriculture. Thus it is increasingly important and urgent to ensure harmonized approaches between human activities and nature for the purpose of conserving biodiversity.

Since the fi rst Earth Day in 1970, many global conferences have been held on these issues, and many nations have signed the declarations that were made. However the imbalances between the developed north and the developing south and the impositions of restrictions on the developing countries who in reality are the victims, have hindered actual progress in this area. Time is running out for planet earth and yet some powerful nations are into denial. The action and the campaigning has to shift to a wider arena involving action at the grass root levels, school children, corporates, the media and faith communities.

This is precisely what we hope that the United Nations had in mind when it decided, to declare 2011-2020 the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, with a vision of “Living in Harmony with Nature” Their mission is to “take effective and urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity in order to ensure that by 2020 ecosystems are resilient and continue to provide essential services, thereby securing the planet’s variety of life, and contributing to human well-being and poverty eradication.

Where do we begin? Life on earth faces a crisis of historical and planetary proportions. Therefore as a follow up of the UN decla-ration it was thought fi t to identify those areas on earth that were the most damaged and had to be attended to with the highest priority, for conserving what little of the bio-diversity that was left. These areas were named as Bio-diversity Hotspots. Each of the 34 hotspotsidentifi ed, faces extreme threats and has already lost at least 70 percent of its original natural vegetation. Over 50 percent of the world’s plant species and 42 percent of all terrestrial vertebrate species are native to these 34 biodiversity hotspots.

Asia-Pacifi cSurprisingly 13 important hotspots that required immediateattention were identifi ed in Asia–Pacifi c region which is composed of large land areas as well as islands dot-ting the Pacifi c seas. Small descriptions of these sites are included here in order to introduce the richness of these places that can well be called the crucibles of life,

their location and the causes for biological degrada-tion. Most of them hold interest for us as we live in these spots, and we hope that this overview will help trigger our friends in Asia and Pacifi c to come together and join us in all that we can do together to save our habitats.

The 13 endangered hotspots in Asia-Pacifi c are unique and include the world’s highest mountains the Himalayas; Indo-Burma; the islands of Japan; the archipelago of New Zealand; the amazing islands of the Philippines, Southwest Australia; the spectacular diversity of the Sundaland, the forests of the WesternGhats in India and Sri Lanka; and the rich diversity in Wallacea.

The HimalayanRegionStretching in an arcover 3,000 kilometres of northern Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan the NWand NE India, southeastTibet (China), and northern Myanmar, the Himalayan hotspot includes the world’s mountain peaks that are higher than 8,000 meters including Mt. Everest, as well as several of the world’s deepest river gorges.

Despite their apparent remoteness and inaccessibility people have lived in the mountains of the Himalayas for thousands of years. Greater access to the globalmarket has increased the demand for natural resources in the area which encouraged immigration from outside and movement within the region. Population growth, widespread logging resulting in severe erosion; use of fi re, over grazing, poaching and hunting, and unplanned and poorly managed tourism has led to environmental deterioration. Other threats to biodiversity and forest integrity include mining, the construction of roads and large dams, and pollution due to the use of agrochemicals.

Indo BurmaIndo - Burma is one ofthe most threatened biodiversity hotspots.Only about fi ve percentofnatural habitats remainin relatively pristine condition, with another10 to 25 percent of the land damaged, but ecologically functional.

It is narrowly redefi ned as the Indo-Chinese sub-region,beginning in eastern Bangladesh and then extendsacross north-eastern India, south of the BrahmaputraRiver, to cover nearly all of Myanmar, part of southern

9CCANEWS December

and western Yunnan Province in China, all of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia andVietnam, the vast majority of Thailand and a small part of Peninsular Malaysia.

Apart from similar problems that prevail in the other hotspots, aquatic ecosystems in many areas here are under intense development pressure. The con-struction of dams on the river, transforms certain sections into large ponds, resulting in the reduction of the crucial factors of temperature and oxygen content, the increase of river-bed erosion and water turbidity downriver; and occasional or regular fl ooding of sandbars, sandbanks and other habitats.

Japanese ArchipelagoThe Japanese Archipelagocomprises more than 3,000islands, and covers the land area of the nation of Japan and a number of smaller is-land groups. It has a wide variety of climates and eco-systems. Japan is located at the intersection of three of the Earth’s tectonic plates, and the slippage of these plates generates forces that result in numerous volca-noes, hot springs, mountains and earthquakes. Clear-ing of forests for ski resorts, golf courses, more roads and the loss of coastal regions and wetlands to devel-opment pose threats to the ecosystems here.

New ZealandNew Zealand hotspot covers 270,197 km² on three mainislands (North Island, SouthIsland and Stewart Island) and several smaller sur-rounding islands. Although people came to New Zealandrelatively late–only about700-800 years ago–human impact on the land and natural ecosystems has been extensive. Today, invasive species pose the most se-rious threat to the fl ora and fauna of New Zealand’s islands. Habitat destruction, through deforestation and wetland drainage, is also a key problem.

PhilippinesMore than 7,100 islands fall within the borders of thePhilippines hotspot covering 297,179 km² in the west-ern-most Pacifi c Ocean. The country is identifi ed as one of the world’s biologically richest countries and also as one of the most endangered areas. It is one of the few nations that in its entirety is both a hotspot and a mega diversity country. The archipelago is formed from a series of isolated fragments that have long and complex geological histories, some dating back 30-50 million years. With at least 17 active volcanoes, these islands are part of the “Ring of Fire” of the Pacifi cBasin.

Logging and clearing of foreststo accommodate a growing population has left only seven per cent of the original,old-growth, closed-canopiedforests intact.

Demands of a population of80 million people with liveli-hoods depending on natural resources; and severe rural poverty have put enormous pressure on the remaining forests.

SundalandThe Sundaland hotspot covers the western half ofthe Indo-Malayan archipelago, an arc of some 17,000equatorial islands, and is dominated by two of the largestislands in the world viz. Borneo and Sumatra. Thetopography of the hotspot ranges from the hilly andmountainous regions of Sumatra and Borneo, to the fertile volcanic soils of Java and Bali, the former dominated by 23 active volcanoes. Granite andlimestone mountains risingto 2,189 meters are the backbone of the Malay Peninsula. Apart from the problems existing in all the other hotspots, Rubber, oil palm, and pulp production are three of the most detrimental forces destroying biodiversity in this region.

Western Ghats (India), and Sri LankaThe Western Ghats of south western India and thehighlands of south western Sri Lanka,separated by 400

kilometres, are strikingly simi-lar in their geology, climate andevolutionary history. TheWestern Ghats are the chain of moun-tains running parallel to India’s western coast, Do-zens of rivers

originate in these mountains,including the peninsula’sthree major eastward-fl owingrivers that are important sourcesof drinking water, irrigation, and power.

Sri Lanka is a continental island separated from southern India by the 20-meter-deep Palk Strait. While dry evergreen forests occupy almost the entirety of the “dry zone,” the rainforests dominate the lowlands of the wet zone and the central hills. Extremely high population pressure with all the other problems relating to the other hotspots in both countries, have seriously stressed the region’s biodiversity.


S W Australia The Southwest Australia Hotspot occupies some 356,717 km² on the south western tip of Australia, in the state of Western Australia. Vegetation in the province is mainly woody, comprising forests, woodlands, shrub lands, and heaths, but no grass-lands. It is interes-ting to note that only 30% of the original vegetation remains in more or less pristine condition. The primary causes of habitat loss are the same as in all other hotspots discussed.Another major threat tothe plants have been the spread of root disease, or “jarrah dieback” and large scale mining for bauxite.

Wallacea The Wallacea hotspot spreads over the central islands of Indonesia east of Java, Bali, and Borneo, and west of the province of New Guinea, and the whole of Timor Leste. The hotspot, which occupies a total land area of 338,494 km², includes the large island of Sulawesi and also the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, and the Lesser Sundas (which encompasses Timor Leste,and the Indonesia region of Nusa Tenggara). The fl ora and fauna of Wallacea are so varied that every island in this hotspot needs secure protected areas to preserve the region’s biodiversity. In the last century, the human population of the hotspot has quadrupled, and development has grown along with it thus exerting tremendous pressure on natural resources.

Is There a Way Out? There most certainly is!The relationship between biodiversity and human population is very complex. However, high human population will not be a threat to biodiversity, if they are aware of and can adopt eco-friendly approaches. Factors like education, consumption, economic development and cultural practices that have a major impact on the relationship between biodiversity and where people live can be monitored, modifi ed and improved to conserve Biodiversity.

Ignorance has caused the destruction of many old ecosystems. A basic remedy would be to address this lack of awareness, in order to save the precious little that remains, by letting the people in these ecosystems know, how their activities have been negatively impacting the ecosystems. Governments can be advised to take ecological issues and concerns seriously, so that policies can be framed accordingly.

Churches, all education institutions, corporates and civil society can address this issue on a war footing. Children can be taught to do simple things, beginning at home, church and school. Already the call for green economy and green churches has caught the attention of adults and children. Lobbying at grass root levels is as important as lobbying at international levels. Addressing lack of education, especially among girls, in areas of high biodiversity; providing basic health services, and improving physical access to rural areas to promote economic development, will help to raise awareness, and enhance the quality of life.

It is noteworthy to mention that most of the critical hotspots are concentrated together in developing countries, giving the poor no choice but to depend on the natural resources that these ecosystems offer. The poor have little chance to improve their lives in a devastated environment and conversely, the natural environment cannot survive the pressure of people who have nowhere else to go.

A statement from the participants of the workshop on “Promoting Ecological Justice: Response of Asian Churches”, conducted by the CCA in Indonesia, this November, states: “It would also be right to mention that in the Asian context, this crisis exposes the integral connection between economic imperialism and ecological imperialism, where the developed countries impose on the vulnerability and poverty of societies and communities in developing countries, as they look for cheap labor, and lack environmental protection laws. These challenges are the present permanent features of the Asian region; however, this could be signifi cantly altered if we all share our common responsibility to be good stewards of this creation that has been entrusted to us. It is high time to realize that the whole humanity is accountable for the well-being of this earth and the Universe.”

An action plan at the culmination of the workshop included: concerted efforts by networks of churches, faith based organisations, NGOs and experts in the fi eld to create awareness; adopt ecological concerns in the life and ministry of the Church; encourage the concept of “Green Church and Eco-Reformation”; advocate against the usage and installation of human-made destructive innovations that destroy human community and sustainability like nuclear power plants, Mega dams, deforestation and displacement of indigenous etc; and saying no to MNCs. The participants called on the churches to encourage self-reliance and establish Eco-justice in God’s creation.

Poverty and the Millennium GoalsThe central problem of the new century therefore boils down to the billion dollar question of how to raise the poor to a global quality of life while preserving as much

11CCANEWS December

of the natural world as possible?

At the18th meeting of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in Doha, Qatar, (26th Nov-7th

December) things are at a standstill. Though several recent reports show that greenhouse gas emissions have reached a record high, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at rapid pace, and global temperatures are rising faster than predicted, the opportunity to keep temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius-the threshold to avoid irreversible damage to nature and humankind—is slipping through our fi ngers, by the reluctance of stake-holders to arrive at a decision that is agreeable and just to all.

Although many meetings have already gone into theearly hours of the morning, important decisions continue to be delayed. Decisions ripe for agreement have been postponed for another year, including adecision on REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforesta-tion and Forest Degradation “plus” conservation,the sustainable management of forests and enhance-ment of forest carbon stocks), that would boost efforts to end deforestation under REDD+. Some developed countries have indicated that they will continue to support developing country mitigation and adaptation actions and, implicitly, to sustain funding for thoseactions, but few have put numbers on the table.

Susan JacobBibliography: Internet sources:

Conservation InternationalEarth on edge:Bill Moyer’s Report

Meanwhile, an Inter-religious Conference on Nuclear Issues was held from 4-5 December 2012 in Japan and was attended by 87 participants. They saw and heard the effects of the March 2011 Earthquake, Tsunami and the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant incident upon the people and environment. In a statement issued by the participants, they urged the government to stop all nuclear power plants; uphold the right of self-determination of nuclear power plant survivors, and their right to live safely. They also urged that in accordance with the principles of prevention, the Government should administer convalescence, food testing and health checks to protect the lives of citizens, particularly children, and release this information without fail and that nuclear survivors should not be separated from one another.

As the world gears to undertake the most formidable yet urgent tasks of the millennium with the help of the agenda of the Millennium development goals in which eradication of poverty and education of children especially the girl child, are major concerns, let us pray that this decade and beyond will be dedicated to saving the environment, upholding the integrity of creation and preserving the Web of life ….

Lake Toba, Indonesia, the world’s largest crater lake and the largest lake in Southeast Asia, is in an environmental crisis characterized by widespread deforestation, drought, rapid

decline of the water level in the lake, water quality degradation, and loss of biological diversity


Special Focus

Keep on Walking Together: Following Jesus Christ….

The year 2013 will mark the 65th year of NCC-J in its journey in the service of the people and churches in Japan. NCCJ, with a membership

of 30 churches and associates, has been faithfully following the maxim “Keep on walking together, following Jesus Christ” for the last 64 years, and crystallized this as the theme for the 38th General Assembly 2012-2014. Surely in the aftermath of the painful experiences of the triple disasters that changed the outlook of the people of Japan and the world, this theme has gained more signifi cance and value.

But fi rst an affi rmation of Gratitude from the NCC-J 500 Days after the Great East Japan EarthquakeWe would fi rst like to thank all our ecumenical friends in Christ, for calling and writing letters of prayer and support, immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck an expansive area, in the north-eastern part of Japan, last year. Indeed, we were shat-tered by the tragic news as moment-to-moment media updates gradually revealed the extent of the disaster. Overwhelmed with so much to handle and no direct disaster experience, we were at a loss as to how we should start taking action. Your immediate response at that time truly encouraged us as well as those who lost their loved ones, homes, and communities. We do not know how to adequately express our appreciation for your heartfelt help.

The earthquake, tsunami, and especially the accident at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant affected Japan and the lives of millions within this country in many signifi cant ways, namely, economically, demographically, environmentally, and spiritually. However, through this experience of great hardship, your unanticipated and overwhelming support reawakened us to the fact that we are truly united in Christ; this awareness has brought new meaning and energy to our ecumenical activities. And although Japan still struggles to recover, and will for the foreseeable future, with God’s grace and the support of this worldwide fellowship in Christ, we at NCC-J are reassured of the strength to help our country into a new future.

NCC-J: The beginnings

Christian Council of Japan (CCJ), the predecessor to NCCJ, was founded in 1923 as a liaison among domestic Protestant organizations, and as a gateway to overseas churches. During WWII, however, implementation ofthe Religious Organizations Law meant that all Protestant churches were legally required to unite; CCJ was dissolved following the foundation of the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ) in 1941. After the end of the war, the departure of some denominations from UCCJ, the rising necessity of a liaison among domestic churches and renewed contact with overseas churches resulted in the founding of National Christian Council in Japan in May 1948.

Though Christians make up a little less than 1% of the population of Japan (about 800,000), they have infl uenced this country in many ways through education, welfare, human rights, women’s concerns, and peace advocacy.

With mutual respect for the uniqueness and diverse ecclesiological viewpoints of each member church and associate member, the NCC-J strives to promote solidarity by sharing common concerns and striving to be witnesses of Christ; uphold human Rights of thedisabled, the indigenous and the marginalized, emulatingJesus Christ in helping those who are weak and in trouble in a pluralistic society; engage in Internationalco-operation with the WCC, ACT Alliance and the CCA in promoting human rights, building communities of peace and providing support and humanitarian aid in times of natural disasters; and to encourage Inter-reli-gious dialogue and cooperation to bring about mutualunderstanding and religious cooperation on suchissues as peace, human rights and nuclear power.

Ecumenical Prayer Service on the Anniversary of the Great earthquake in Japan

13CCANEWS December

NCCJ networks with other Christian councils, particu-larly in other Asian countries, and is a member of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) as well as being a related organization to the World Council of Churches. Working ecumenically and with people of other faiths in Japan and abroad, NCCJ is striving to bring justice and peace to our world today. The highest decision-making body is the General Assembly, which is convened eve-ry third year.

NCC-J and Just PeaceInter-Religious Conference on Article 9

The Constitution of Japan, which came into effect in 1947, is called “The Peace Constitution” because of its declaration, to renounce war, as laid out in Article 9. As an advocate of the Constitution, the NCCJ acts to protect it by actively taking on the role of peace-maker in order to realize a world in peace. It keeps a careful watch on the Government, and opposes any decisions that curb the fundamental rights of the citizens and any amendments to Article 9.

It promotes efforts to network and build relationship with the people of Asia through Asian churches and with other religions, to collaborate on these crucial issues to help human beings to live in harmony on this shared Earth. Since 2007, various religious groups from Asian and Western countries have gathered for the Inter-Religious Conference on Article 9. NCCJ, as one of the co-organizers, has been involved with the conference since its inception. The third conference that was held in Okinawa last October took serious note of the proliferation of American military bases concentrated on the small islands of Okinawa and the huge defense budget, despite having a constitutional article that renounces war.

At the same time, the NCC-J also regrets the fact that CCJ did not take a stand against the Government in the invasive historic WWII, and confesses their sin against God and the people of the Asia Pacifi c region, and pledges to continue to work toward building a peaceful society based on righteousness and trust.

Raising awareness on Nuclear Power PlantsThe Fukushima disaster that struck in 2011, neces-sitated action cutting across religions, geographic, political boundaries and other differences, to raise awareness on issues related to nuclear power plants, the major risks and the long term damages that it wreaks on the local people and environment. As decided by Churches and organizations from Asian and Western countries that met in Seoul in May 2011after the Great Earthquake, an Inter-religious conferenceon nuclear power was held in December 2012, in the Fukushima region in December. This endeavor is ex-pected to have a wide and effective impact on nations world-wide.

JEDRO: Dealing with disaster, destruction, death and devastation: Lessons learnt from March 11 the Triple Disaster

After the Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing tsunami and nuclear accident of last March 11, also referred to as the “3.11 Triple Disaster,” NCCJ established the Japan Ecumenical Disaster Offi ce (JEDRO) in late June 2011 in response to the human devastation wrought by it.

The National Christian Council in Japan (NCCJ) has for many years responded to disasters abroad by issuing coordinated calls for donations through NCCJ member denominations, churches and organizations, but did not develop institutions and expertise in the area of disaster response. The scale and nature of the Triple Disaster confronted the Christian community with many challenges such as material, economic, institutional, spiritual, theological and political. But perhaps the greatest challenge was to understand the interrelationship between these, and to discern priorities amid sometimes competing needs. The challenge was aggravated by the stretched and limited resources of the 1% Christian minority presence in Japan which was further divided by denominations.

When the triple disaster struck, NCCJ lacked the institutional framework and necessary staff to effectively and responsibly channel the funds and assistance offers that fl ooded in from ecumenical partners around the globe. Recognizing the need for an agency, or offi ce, that could serve as a liaison between international ecumenical partners eager to help and NCCJ member churches and organizations, and encouraged by partners who gathered for a Solidarity Meeting held in Seoul, Korea on May 7-8, 2011, NCCJ established the Japan Ecumenical Disaster Response Offi ce (JEDRO) in late June 2011.

With the establishment of JEDRO, NCCJ started to identify disaster response projects proposed by Christian organizations and collaborators and appeal for grant funding. “Touhoku HELP” and “Response

Participants of the Article 9 Conference at Okinawa


NCC-J: A journey of hope and courageNCC-J: A journey of hope and courage

The Japanese economy has been in recession for decades. Due to this, the country’s social structure has undergone great change with increased unemployment among the young as well as a growing gap between the haves and have-nots. This crisis has affected NCC-J also forcing the downsizing of the organization in terms of personnel and fi nances. However, we take this reformation as an opportunity to get back to the basics of NCC-J. In April this year, NCC-J launched the 38th General Assembly with new executive members. This new team is challenged to navigate NCC-J through these trying times in a direction benefi cial to all members.

We embark on this journey with prayers to the Holy Spirit for endurance and guidance.

We are fi lled with hope in our Lord for our future prospects. Please continue to pray for Japan and NCC-J.

Thank you and God’s peace to you all.

to Fukushima Nuclear Accident,” the fi rst two major projects, received pledges quickly and enabled Touhoku HELP’s work described above. It also enabled the purchase of radiation measurement equipment that can detect radioactive elements in foods and other materials for use by schools and community groups in Fukushima.

The needs of Touhoku survivors have shifted with thepassage of time, from the initial focus on food andshelter, to the lingering effects of grief and loneliness,to the long-term challenges of economic recovery and radioactive contamination. Many valuable lessons have been learned by the church in Japan, but the constant shift of needs and priorities challenges the church to review and re-learn these lessons in order to serve and witness effectively. Recognizing that available resources cannot meet every identifi ed need,we must continue to listen for the Lord’s wisdom in our every prayer and conversation.

Preparing to measure Radio-active elements at ARI

Current Moderator of NCCJ Rev. Kouichi KOBASHI (right) meets with team members of the Non-Japanese Survivor Support Project.

Cafe de Monk a colllaborative Buddhist-Christian project for spiritual and pastoral care NCCJ offi cers at a memorial site

15CCANEWS December

CCA in focus

Asian Theologians who met at Seoul, Korea for the Seventh Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS VII), called for a serious commitment

to recognizing God’s hospitality and embodying it in churches, between churches, among religions and in the midst of creation.

Affi rming the belief that God is the ultimate host of the whole creation, and that as “recipients and agents our hospitality is simply an overfl owing of God’s abundant hospitality and our joyful and thankful response to it”,the participants spoke of a hospitality in a theological and moral sense, which is, spiritual, just, warm and welcoming, beyond mere physical comforts and fi nancial considerations. Regretting that Christians have not necessarily been the ideal and just hosts in the past and present, they urged the churches to embrace God’s hospitality and become effective witnesses in a discordant world.

CATS VII comprising 26 women and 46 men, challenged churches to take up a prophetic role in the advocacy for justice and human dignity of all individuals, especially the marginalized, the indigenous and migrant workers, by shedding assumptions of superiority and embodying God’s gracious hospitality to the richness and spiritual treasures of other religions; pursuing the role as peace builders through active theological and spiritual engagement, dialogues and confl ict resolutions; a serious commitment to ecological justice and environmental theology; and confronting gender discrimination, and all kinds of violence against women and children in society and churches.

Women attending CATS for the fi rst time expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet with other women theologians and pastors in the forum. They believed that theologians and pastors should begin by refl ecting on the hospitality practices of their own churches, institutions, families and communities, and consider how visible gender equality is before God, and where is transformation or change needed.Stating that hospitality is universal with diverse expressions in different cultures and contexts, they emphasized that hospitality is for all creation, including people, creatures and the natural environment.

The CATS experienceThe CATS experienceKorea, the Soul of Asia, welcomed 70 Asian Theologiansto the serene surroundings of the Methodist TheologicalUniversity (MTU), to deliberate on the theme “Embracingand Embodying God’s Hospitality Today” says Rev. JosephDeva Komar, from Malaysia. Referring to CATS VII as

A view of the participants at the CATS VII

Embracing and Embodying God’s Hospitality TodaySeventh Congress of Asian Theologians CATS VII

A mural at MTU depicting Christ’s hospitality


a ‘pedagogical journey’, he said that the participants, “were immersed in refl ecting and engaging themselves in analyzing the different challenges facing the Asian landscape, so that plausible missional directives for relevant action be arrived at.”

While appreciating CATS, for the wide range of topics in tandem with the theme, and the ample time and opportunities provided for sharing and presenting concerns unique in each national context by way of presenting different theological papers, he said that he was impressed by the way these conversations on current concerns “continued beyond the walls of the auditorium to the fellowship table, at the lobby and for many also in the privacy of their rooms.” The statement he said, “sought to encourage, remind of excesses and affi rm that “Embracing and Embodying God’s Hospitality Today” is not an option.

The Seventh Congress of Asian Theologians was hosted by Methodist Theological University (MTU) in Seoul. The Opening worship was conducted by the MTU and Rev. Dr. Hong Ki Kim, the president of

the MTU delivered thesermon. Rev. Dr. HenriettaHutabarat Lebang GeneralSecretary of CCA and Rev. Dr. Sung Mo Moonchairperson of the KoreanAssociation of TheologicalSchools welcomed the delegates and sharedthe greetings of theirinstitutions.

The theme ‘Embracing and Embodying God’s Hospitality Today’ was discussed by Rev. Dr.

Analects of Confucius: “Is it not a pleasure, having learned something, to try it out at due intervals? Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar? Is it not gentlemanly not to take offence when others fail to appreciate your abilities?” Rev. Dr. Heup Young Kim

Our hospitality should foremost be a grateful response to God’s own hospitality toward the whole creation… we have been slow to recognize the spiritual wealth that Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs and others bring to us. We develop a sense of self-sufficiency with the given Christian tradition that we fail to be guests at the rich table of religious plurality.” Dr. Thomas Thangaraj

Ecumenism is based upon the ecclesiology of baptism, Eucharist and pastoral ministry, not on a conceptual ecclesiology, but on a corporal one, which allows for various types of ecclesial consciousness in order to direct all members to the Kingdom.” Dr. Antoine Arjakovsky

Heup Young Kim during theinaugural worship; Dr. AntoineArjakovsky spoke on Eucha-ristic Hospitality from a Chris-tian View Point; Dr. Thomas Thangaraj on God’s Hospitality on the Perspective of InterReligious Relations and Rev. Dr. Ivy Singh dealt with God’s Hospitality on the Perspective of Ecological Justice.

Interestingly, while Dr. HeupKim drew insights from Con-fucius’ theories and contextualized God’s hospitality fromthe Asian viewpoint, Dr. ThomasThangaraj drew insights from

ancient Tamil poetry of Thirukural that dates back to 1st century CE. He brought new insights into the story of a boy who went as a guest to the mountainside to listen to the teaching of Jesus. He was miraculously transformed into a host for fi ve thousand or more people, when he offered his fi ve loaves and two fi sh to Jesus and thus became a host that day. Dr. Thangaraj believed that when we are mutual hosts in settings of interfaith encounters, we can boldly expect miracles of transformation to happen. And miracles will!

Dr. Antoine Arjakovesky spoke more on inclusiveness at the Eucharistic table as a way of expressing God’s hospitality, while Dr. Ivy Singh presented “Re-visioning Hospitality as a Green Theological Paradigm” as an alternative consciousness that creates new challenges and provides new directions against the threat of climate injustice and all that is contributing to make this earth inhospitable.

Rev. Dr. Hong Ki Kim

Dr. Ivy Singh

17CCANEWS December

“God’s hospitality is not restricted within the church, rather extended to neighbours of other faiths and cultures and God’s entire creation.” Dr. Ivy Singh

The inter-religious dimension, migrant issues and Ecological Justice aspects were brought out well in the Panel Presentations. Inter Disciplinary Discussions on Biblical Studies, Contextual Theologies, Homiletics and Liturgy, Mission and Culture, and Religious Education, group discussion on various thematic issues such as Migration and Multi Cultural Society, Christian Unity, Inter-religious Relations, Peace and Confl ict Resolution, Ecological Justice including Nuclear Energy and GenderIssues were given space and time, providing ample opportunity for meaningful participation and a rich exchange of views and theological insights.

Experiencing KoreaAppreciating the Sunday worship in Korean churches and exposure trips, Rev. Prince Devanandan said that

“worshipping with friends in Korea was a wonderful experience as it not only gave a feel of contemporary church services in Korea, but also added an extra di-mension to our Asian experiences.” It also gave the opportunity to learn a little of Korean history and the life of the church amidst it. For example, Saemoonan Presbyterian Church of Korea, that was established by a missionary, P. J. Underwood, was the fi rst organised church in Korea dating back to 1886.

Exposure visits to various ministries in Seoul also was a learning experience. Apart from the usual pastoral ministries there were also places that provided employment for refugees from North Korea. Of particu-lar interest was a 125 year old Methodist Church which started the fi rst school for girls, when educating girls was not the accepted norm. So the fi rst girls who received education were destitute children, orphans, and from other exploited communities.

CATS VII says, Rev. Joseph, gave many opportunities to renew and build new friendships and partnerships. Asian churches and ecumenical bodies saw the need to work together for much of the struggles and brokenness

had commonalities across many Asian nations. The beauty of the theme, he said, was exemplifi ed by the host who ensured that the participants were taken care of in every possible way. Churches and different ecumenical bodies hosted us to traditional Korean cuisine which was relished by all us. Theological students from MTU as friends took the participants to different cultural and religious sites in Seoul. On the fi nal night everyone let their hair down during the cultural celebration concert.

The grand fi nale of the Seventh Asian TheologiansConference was the Closing worship. Special remem-brance and prayers for the re-unifi cation efforts in Korea were included.

Sharing the Asian heartbeatCATS VII recorded deep gratitude and appreciation of the local Korean churches and congregations, as well as the faculty, staff and students of the Methodist Theological University, for their wonderful hospitality. “Theirs,” they wrote in the message, “was the setting and nourishment for our refl ections and conversations. It compared the hospitality which we are to embraceand embody to that of the Triune God, which is thesupreme expression of self-emptying and self-giving, as manifest in the incarnation, ministry, cross, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Upholding Jesus as the model of Christian hospitality that is given and received, the Women’s Forum called on all theologians, to incarnate those same gifts as guests and hosts of divine hospitality. They said that when we open our homes and hearts to welcome the stranger, we open our lives to the generosity and grace of God.

The message from the house concluded on a note of humility, hope and unconditional sharing:“Our message of hospitality, which we declare here and carry with us as we journey back to our many nations and churches, is one of courageous vulnerability and faithful gift of ourselves to our neighbors and to one another”.

A moment of relaxation while sightseeing

Hospitality: Korean style

Hotspots

Grace MoonPhoto Credit:

With gratitude to Mr. Kim Wan Soo and Mr. Gwak Hyun Jin

Millions of birds disappear because of Climate Change

Typhoon Sanba lashes S Korea after battering Japan

Dust storm that hit Griffith NSW Australia, 2002

Climate change and food secur

ity

Breathtaking view of Himalayas


Upholding the IntegrityUpholding the Integrityof Creation . . . . of Creation . . . .Upholding the Integrityof Creation . . . .

Tornado near York in western Australia

Floods destroy crops in Pakstan

Rawalakot, Pakistan

Earth Quake in Christchurch

paddy fields in kerala

ocean acidification threatens food security

19CCANEWS December

. . . . is our Responsibility




CCA celebrated it’s 55th Anniversary with a Thanksgiving service at the Hsinchu Presbyterian Church, Hsinchu, Taiwan, among ecumenical friends and well wishers from the churches in Taiwan, members of the General Committee and Asian Church leaders.

Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera from Sri Lanka, leading ecumenist and friend of the CCA, brought greetings to CCA on the occasion of the 55th celebrations. The CCA, he said, “had its modest beginnings in 1957, in Parapat, in Indonesia. Between then and today, the CCA has made a fairly vital contribution to this large, highly populated, vibrant continent known as Asia, through the churches and through its individual leaders; we need to be thankful to God for the ability of the CCA to have sustained the ecumenical vision, to have brought together churches and leaders who have themselves

sustained the ecumenical vision in their respective countries and for Asian theologies, for Asian spiritualities, that havebeen recognized and identifi edand articulated through the work of the CCA. I also like to draw your mind to something signifi cant about the CCA as we celebrate its 55th anniversary today. In this journey which began in Indonesia and which

was carried forward through the leadership and initiative of many male General Secretaries, today, we have with us the fi rst woman General Secretary of the CCA, who is also an Indonesian”

He called on the Asian Church leaders to use thisopportunity “to look back-wards, to think of things we have done, that we ought not to have done, and also

CCA@ 55: Anniversary Celebra-tions at Taiwan

think of the things that we should have done, but did not do. We have remained comfortable within the scandal of denominational division all these 55 years; we have engaged in quarrelling and petty power struggles within the life and work of the CCA that has also marred our witness and obstructed the purposes of God. The call today is a penance call; of gratitude for this long, interesting and challenging journey, and one of humility and repentance. Some of the things that have obstructed the purposes of God in and through the life of the CCA, must never, ever happen again,” he said.

He urged the churches to be ‘Selfl essly engaged’ with Asian Culture, the poor and the oppressed, to be willing to die and bear fruit. He urged the churches to engage with the people by being present among them and by raising their voice against injustice and the abused with moral courage and integrity.

Words of welcome were graciously rendered by Rev. Dr. Pusin Tali, PCT Moderator; Rev. Chang Te-chien, President, NCC Taiwan; and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan. Dr. K B. Rokaya, President CCA, brought greetings to the churches in Taiwan. The Thanksgiving service was enriched by the beautiful singing by the Hakka Presbytery Choir and made colorful by Ms Dongi and Yushan Seminary students, who sang and danced to indigenous tunes. The 55th anniversary was marked with power point presentations showing the history of CCA for the last 55 years and a few rare photos of an era gone by.

Rev. Prince Devanandan was the Master of Ceremonies,while Dr. Natalie Lin accompanied him with translationsin Chinese.

Prayers for the countries of Asia were read out as part of the liturgy. Arch-Bishop Sebouh Sarkissian of the Armenian Orthodox Church, Iran, General Committee member, brought thanksgiving prayers and blessed the congregation on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the CCA.

Rev. Duleep de Chickera

CCA in focus

Asian Church Leaders Theological ConsultationMs Dongi and Yushan Seminary students

21CCANEWS December

Creating Sanctuaries of Life for AllAsian Church leaders Theological ConsultatThe

Asian Church Leaders Theological Consultationbrought together 60 Asian church leaders,representing member churches and councils of the Christian Conference of Asia and other ecumenical and fraternal organizations from 20 countries in Asia, at the Presbyterian Bible College in Hsinchu, Taiwan from August 22-26, 2012, for an Asian Church Lead-ers Theological Consultation on ‘Called to Prophesy, Reconcile and Heal’ They offered the best of their thoughts and erudition, on a range of theological dis-courses on political, social, economic and ecological concerns and trends that are emerging in the Asian region and the consequent challenges for the Mission of the Churches in the region. The Consultation also gave an opportunity to refl ect on the theme of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), at Busan, Korea in 2013, ‘God of Life: Lead us to Justice and Peace,’ and to identify the distinct contributions of the churches in Asia.

In a statement that ensued after extensive discussions on topics such as Poverty, Wealth and Ecology; Rule of Law and Human rights; Living in Pluralistic Asian communities; Listening to the Groaning of all Creation; Situation reports from Asian countries and Responses from Asian churches; the august body said,” The continent of Asia, was becoming home to more than 60% of the world’s hungry people, and climate injustice is further worsening the situation through growing food insecurity and water shortage. Asia, is in the process of becoming the world’s largest refugee camp as a consequence of climate injustice, war and violence, and neo-liberal development projects.”

They called attention to the plight of indigenous communities, migrant workers, internally displaced people, and stateless people that exposed the futility of the dominant rhetoric of human rights; pointed out that violence, social exclusion such as casteism, and patriarchy, with religious legitimization, unleashed a regime of hegemony and violence in the lives of women and children, dalits, indigenous communities, and LGBT friends. They also referred to a continued obsession with nuclear weapons and reactors, occupation of communities and war on them, resulting in genocide and ecocide; colonization of our commons such as water, forest, and land and the subsistence communities justifi ed in the name of Gross Development Project and shared good.

In these circumstances, the Call to Prophesy in Asia today is an invitation to critique the dominant consciousness, and to build alternative communities of resistance envisioned by the vision of the reign of God. In a continent of hunger, exclusion, and destruction, prophetic vocation begins with a deeper engagement with the groaning of the victims.

Cautioning that Reconciliation, informed by the propheticcritique of the victims, is the resilience not to reconcile with the prevailing order they said that the call to reconciliation is a call to be eternally vigilant about unjust reconciliations. “In Asia today, we witness partial blossoming of reconciliation when communities at the margins and their social movements, supported by civil society organizations and churches and other faith based groups, engage in historic struggles to bring about reconciliation between communities and the wider community of creation.

Manifestations of reconciliation that we witness hopefully in Asia today are: the campaign for a nuclear free Asia; the initiative for the reunifi cation of Korea; the release of Nobel Laureate Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi and the journey of Myanmar into democracy; the potential in a renewed articulation of the Tamil struggle for dignity and self-determination in Sri Lanka, the advocacy of human rights in West Papua; the struggles of the Dalits, indigenous people and other socially excluded communities for dignity, self-determination, and identity; the advocacy of, and mission and hospitality to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; the innumerable protests against global capitalism the bold refusal of women to be adapted passively to the patriarchal structures, and the rainbow communities (inclusive human communities) that welcome the strangers, the stigmatized, thedisabled, the elders, the children and the other.” They recognized the partial yet committed attempts of the Asian Christian communities to become the Gospel of reconciliation in the Asian context through their public witness and presence in the public sphere.

Affi rming that Healing, embedded in God’s love for the fullness of creation, is the journey toward the restoration of the entire creation as a manifestation of God’s love for life in its abundance, they urged the churches to engage in the journey of healing the wounds of others.

They concluded by saying that the ministry of prophesying, reconciling, and healing is imperative in creating sanctuaries of life for all as manifestation of God’s hospitality which is God’s heart that is open for all to reside in the promise of life. The Biblical refl ections were led by Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, HG Bishop Theophilos Mar Kuriakose, and Ms. Johanna de la Cruz. The resource people who facilitated the consultation were Dr. George Zachariah, Mr. Basil Fernando, Ms. Athena, Bishop David Price, Rev. Dr. Septemmy, Dr. Lalrindiki, Rev. Saw Shwe Lin, and Mr. Kim Dong Sung,

The participants recorded their heart felt gratitude and appreciation of the local hosts, the Presbyterian church, specially the profound task of processing VISAs, the logistics, church visits, local celebrations and sight-seeing and the great hospitality of the Bible institute.


“How can you say that children are the hope of tomorrow, if they are victims today”, asked Rev. Irma from the Philippines. She was speaking at a workshop on “Child Traffi cking: A Challenge to Faith Communities” held at Chiang Mai by the CCA- EGY cluster. Human traffi cking is the second largest organized crime in the world that claims millions of innocent victims every year. In Asia alone, this trade which is rapidly growing, results in one to two million children being sold every year into prostitution, and forced into a life of sexual slavery. Extreme poverty, illiteracy, gender bias, domestic abuse, war and internal confl icts, craze for material goods and a better standard of living, contribute to these unfortunate conditions. Traffi cking normally refers to recruitment of children, by force or deception, for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labor, or similar exploitative purposes, from within a country or from across the border, giving them temporary shelter, and transferring or receiving them. All child victims of traffi cking are highly vulnerable because they are no longer in the protection of their families and communities.

Though Asian churches have traditionally promoted children’s spirituality through Sunday school ministry, many of them have not yet actively engaged in creating awareness or pursuing child ministries in communities to address the issues of physical and sexual abuse of children, human traffi cking and protection of children at risk. CCA addressed this void by approaching it as a gender justice issue of violence and abuse of the dignity of children and women. Capacity building programs by experts working on these issues and strengthened by theological and biblical insights, were planned as sub-regional and national programs, with the expectation that these programs would convince church leaders, both lay and clergy, about the need to challenge these unjust practices, and recognize them as urgent concerns by churches and communities all over Asia.

The fi rst of this series was organized by CCA- EGY, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during May 2012, the major aim and focus of which was to build the capacity of Asian churches to challenge child traffi cking, and to promote child rights, especially their inalienable rights to a life of dignity.

17 participants including women, men and youth, representing national councils of churches, church

based organizations, child rights activists and youth workers from 8 countries attended the training program. The Draft CCA Policy on Child Protection based on the social, theological and ecumenical imperatives that compels all religious and faith communities to take care of children, was discussed. The policy “affi rms and acknowledges that children are bestowed with special rights due to their special and unique needs and recognizes the responsibility to uphold their rights, especially their inalienable right to protection. Out of our deep theological convictions and spiritual refl ections we understand that it is our calling to build safe environments, in our families, churches and communities, where men, women, children and adults, including those who are hurt and suffering, may fi nd love, care, healing and wholeness. We are called on to provide a peaceful and just environment for children, to encounter God, and to grow in faith and wisdom.”

CCA member churches are urged and encouraged to commit themselves in raising awareness on child protection issues and to actively develop, implement,monitor and evaluate their own policies, as a sign of commitment of Asian churches to promote a better world for children.

Building a Better World: Partneringwith Youth

Sowing the Grains of Peace

The United Nations celebrated yet another International Day of the Youth (IDY) on 12 August 2012, the theme of which was “Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth”. The UN considered it a global call to action to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth, because today they face pressing global challenges such as high levels of unemployment, risky working conditions and marginalization from decision making processes. Partnerships with the United Nations, governments, the private sector, civil society,

CCA in focus : GenderJustice and Youth empowerment

Child Traffi cking: a Challenge to Faith Communities

sowing the grains of peace

23CCANEWS December

Building an Inclusive Community:Partnership of Women and Men in God’s Mission

November 19-23, 2012 Bangkok, Thailand

A Gender awareness workshop on ‘Building an Inclusive Community: Partnership of Women and Men in God’s Mission’, was held at the Christian Guest House at Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop, which is the fi rst in a series of three workshops scheduled for the years 2013-2015, aimed at encouraging and facilitating Asian churches in promoting gender justice and building an inclusive community of God’s people.

These initiatives take into account the Gender inequalities that have deep historical roots all over the world, particularly in Asia. These inequalities limit the rights of women to choose and decide on issues that matter most in her life and force her to be hemmed in by social, traditional and cultural taboos. The struggle for gender equality continues to be viewed as a women’s struggle. Men have more often been viewed as part of problem, but it is important that they are seen as part of the solution. Cultural stereotyping of roles and behavior also prevent men and women from understanding each other and living normal lives.The Churches in Asia have been slow to recognize and accept gender as a critical issue within the church. Life in its fullness for all, demands that churches take this matter seriously and in earnest.

These signifi cant workshops that are to be held in each sub-region will promote theological refl ections on the partnership of women and men in prophesying, healing and reconciling in church and society; provide space to re-examine gender roles within the family, church and society; build capacity in promoting gender justice in the life and ministry of the churches and communities and provide opportunities for shared ministry and new ways of together being Church. The workshop was facilitated by Rev. Dr. Philip Vinod Peacock and Rev. Dr. Yong Ping Jin, both experts in the fi eld, and Ms. Sunila Ammar, Exec. Secretary EGY.

academia and philanthropists can help increase opportunities for success by leveraging comparative advantages, resources and shared interests. CCA also has been concerned about being inclusive so that young people can contribute to the betterment of society. Though the UN does not acknowledge the impact and infl uence religion and religious communities can have in the life of the young, CCA believes that Youth form an integral part of Asian churches and society, and can contribute signifi cantly to the goals of social transformation and peace building. However, their contributions and capabilities are often ignored and unrecognized by both church and society. Training and nurturing the youth in peace building skills is greatly lacking. Asian churches and ecumenical movements need to nurture these peace building skills and inspire a prophetic zeal among the youth, as they are not only leaders of the future but also are the leaders of today.

However, the reality is that youth of developing countries are challenged by limited resources, inaccessible and unaffordable education and health-care, lack of training in life skills, unemployment and poverty. They are the most vulnerable victims of economic injustice, consumerism, and other forms of human rights abuse, religious confl icts and civil wars. The pluralistic context of Asia adds another dimension to the complexities of life, as it churns out feelings of differences, misplaced ideologies of religious or racial supremacy, and is manifest in violence, extremism and injustice. This vulnerability has to be addressed to give them confi dence to take up leadership roles and this can be done best by the church, the family and the community.

As a response and commitment to the youth, CCA plans an ongoing series of ecumenical leadership development programs aimed at just-peace building by encouraging the youth to participate in developing their Biblical knowledge and relating it to the Asian context. The fi rst of the series was organized on Justice and Peace Building with the theme “Justice Now: Sowing the Grain of Peace” from 16-22 July 2012, in Hope Center, Dhaka Bangladesh.

The focus of the program was on nurturing the youth with the Asian Biblical perspectives of peace and justice through participatory Bible studies, identifying crucial issues of justice and peace in the their countries and sub-regions through country reports and discussions on challenges to peace in Asia. Inputs from the resource persons helped them to develop skills to analyze and address confl icts with a Biblical perspective. These programs are expected to empower the youth and equip them to be good leaders, adept and skilled at negotiating and nurturing peace.


Migration is a growing global phenomenon, and the International Organization for Migration estimates that there are some 80 million people

around the globe who live and work as migrant workers. The discovery of oil in the 1950s and the more recent colossal infrastructure development in the Arabian Gulf has been accompanied by a rapid infl ux of laborers to this region, mainly from South and South East Asia, Africa and neighboring Arab countries. These migrant workers have brought necessary foreign technologies, knowledge and skills to the region and in effect have become the primary labour force together with unskilled, domestic and irregular workers. However, while the sending and labour-receiving countries in the Arabian Gulf benefi t from migrant labour, their exploitation and abuse remain a reality.

Migrant workers in many countries, especially in the Arabian Gulf countries, often face gross violations of their rights, are exploited and at times suffer violence leading to death. The most vulnerable are the female domestic workers and the unskilled and irregular laborers, who have to work long hours without taking rest, and bear with deplorable and inhuman working and living conditions. In addition they get irregular pay, their travel documents are confi scated and are victimized by unscrupulous agents and employers. Many of them also undergo physical and sexual abuse, and even rape. This is compounded by their lack of knowledge of the local language and migration procedures as well as ignorance of their basic labour rights.

However, against the backdrop of these dismal and appalling circumstances, progressive action on the part of various human rights organizations, intervention by the UN and advocacy on the part of other nations has led to the promulgation of employee-friendly laws in several Gulf countries. Though slow in implementation, these new laws are a ray of hope with several built in safeguards that provide protection for temporary migrant workers against contract fraud, illegal recruitment fees, passport confi scation and restriction of movement, ensure timely payment of monthly remuneration, work-hour limits, health care and safety regulations as well as new administrative procedures for the equitable treatment of contract workers.

Human Rights Advocacy : Rights of Migrant Workers

An international consultation on Ecumenical Advocacyfor the Protection of the Human Rights of Migrant Workers in the Arabian Gulf Region was held at Santhi Giri Ashram, Alwaye, India, from 28 April to 3 May 2012. The event was organized jointly by the World Council of Churches Commission of Churches on International Affairs (WCC-CCIA) and the Christian Conference of Asia. The Consultation was attended by thirty participants, representatives of churches and migrant-serving institutions and organizations from sending and receiving countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

A similar regional workshop on “Regional and Global Advocacy on Rights of Domestic Migrant Workers in Asia” was held at the Bangkok Christian Guest House, from 25-26 October 2012. Participants representing churches from the “sending countries” (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Philippines) and “receiving countries” (Hong Kong and Korea) shared their knowledge and experiences of domestic migrant work. This was also organized jointly by WCC CCIA and CCA.

The Consultation in India provided a platform to discuss the problems and concerns related to the rights of migrant workers in the Arabian Gulf countries. In their deliberations, participants in the consultation refl ected on the role of churches in addressing concerns regarding the rights of migrant workers, how best to raise awareness about their working and living conditions and that of their families in the Arabian Gulf states, and how to fi nd collaborative ecumenical approaches among churches in labour-sending and labour-receiving countries, so as to stand in solidarity with migrant workers facing exploitation and violations of their human dignity and rights.

CCA in focus

25CCANEWS December

Towards Sustainable Peace,Security and Reconciliation in Myanmar: Churches’ Participation

Yangon, Myanmar 2-6 August 2012

“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 Confl ict issues, on topics ranging from Myanmar’s Political Transition and Current Situation; Reconciliation and Justice as Essential Imperatives for Sustained Peace; Peace building and Confl ict 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 refl ections on Peace and Reconciliation were essential parts of this consultation. The participants, who were 40 in number, deliberated on best practices for 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 strategies for Churches’ participation in Peace building.

At the regional consultation in Bangkok, Rev. Yohana Taruk, a pastor of Toraja Church from Indonesia, presently serving a local congregation in a remote area where many migrant workers from Toraja come from, was herself a domestic migrant worker working in Hong Kong some years ago. Sharing her experiences she said that “everybody has a dream, and I also had one. But not all dreams can be achieved immediately.”

The consultations drew the attention of the Church and church leaders to the problems of migrant workers, and the responsibility of the ecumenical community in welcoming the stranger.

Human Rights, ProtectionMechanisms and Ecumenical Advocacy.

Human rights is never partial

It is not possible for people to demand their individual human rights while neglecting or abusing the human rights of other people or other groups of people. “If the human rights of an individual is violated, it is a violation not only of the human rights of that individual but of the whole community where he or she belongs to,” said Mr. Basil Fernando, an expert on human rights in Asia and a former director of Asia Human Rights Commission. This understanding is rooted in the concept of the image of God in each person in the context of communal life, which is also ingrained in Asian culture.

His presentation and understanding has inspired thirty participants who attended the Training on ‘Human Rights, Protection Mechanisms and Ecumenical

Ecumenical leaders with Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi


Promoting Ecological Justice: Asian Churches’ Response

Consultation on Ecology, Economy and Accountability

Advocacy’ program that was held from 20-25 October 2012 in Bangkok Christian Guest House. This program was organized by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches and the program unit of Justice, International Affairs and Development and Service (JID) of the Christian Conference of Asia

Rev. Ebenezer Joseph, General Secretary of NCC Sri Lanka, led the Bible study. He emphasized that the compassion of God should be the basic conviction and motivation for churches to care for and uphold the dignity of those who are marginalized, tortured and exploited.

Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, Director of WCC-CCIA, Ms. Christina Papazoglau, Executive Secretary of WCC-CCIA and Ms. Janejinda Pawadee, Consultant for CCA-JID, resource persons of the program, facilitated awareness building and understanding of the human rights situation in Asia, international human rights and protection mechanisms, rights of women and children, the struggle of minority communities in Asia, and assisted the participants in discussing possible ways to move ahead to accompany the Asian churches for human rights protection and global advocacy.

“The Asian Region is the world’s most vulnerable region that is prone to environmental threats and disasters, which can be linked, directly or indirectly to ecological imbalances and climate change” was the collective opinion of 50 participants who attended a consultation on “Promoting Ecological Justice: Asian Churches response.” in North Sumatra, Indonesia from 1-4 November 2012. They represented Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Philippines, India and Sri Lanka.

A statement issued by them referred to the Asian situation saying, “There are strong indications thatextreme natural disasters such as Tsunamis, earthquakes,tropical cyclones, tornadoes, snow avalanches, thun-derstorms, intense rainfall, heat waves, prolonged dry spells, and severe dust storms are likely to be more frequent and intense in these areas. The well- known green-house effect gives rise to rapid increase in temperatures in the arid areas, rising rainfall concentration, variations in rainfall, increase in global sea level, signifi cant variability associated with the El Nino events and many more.” They regretted to note that the victims of these crises are the poor, the

marginalized and the underprivileged in the Asian region.

The statement also makes a strong reference to the “integral connection between economic imperialism and ecological imperialism, where the developed countries impose on the vulnerability and poverty of societies and communities in developing countries, as they look for cheap labor, and lacks environmental protection laws,” which is especially true in the Asian context. These challenges, the statement affi rms, could be signifi cantly altered if “we all share our common responsibility to be good stewards of this creation that has been entrusted to us. It is high time to realize that the whole humanity is accountable for the well-being of this earth and the Universe.”

Action PlanTaking these issues into consideration the participants called on Asian churches to net-work and co-ordinate with member churches, ecumenical bodies, interfaith organizations, NGOs and experts in the fi eld to imple-ment plans that would help promote ecological justice.

These plans urge all stake holders to: create aware-ness, adopt ecological concerns in the life and min-istry of the Church; encourage the concept of “Green Church and Eco-Reformation”; advocate against the usage and installation of human-made destructive innovations that endanger human communities and their sustainability, like nuclear power plants, mega dams, deforestation and displacement of indigenous people; and resisting MNCs. The participants called on the churches to encourage self-reliance, solidarity among Asian churches, networking, and establishing eco-justice in God’s creation.

The program was jointly conducted by CCA/PGI and the Church in North Sumatra.

Ecology, Economy and Acountability

27CCANEWS December

The island country of Sri Lanka has been scarred by a long and bitter civil war arising out of ethnic tensions. After more than 25 years of

violence, the confl ict is at an end - at least militarily, with the nation and its people struggling to limp back to normalcy. Tragedy, bereavement, loss of property and lack of identity has made it very diffi cult for men, women and children to overcome fear and mistrust. The violence that killed more than 70,000 people, damaged the economy and harmed tourism, created an uncertain and bleak future for most of the people. A signifi cant movement led by religious people and faith based organizations is the most urgent need of the day to help in the healing of painful memories, for reconciliation and rebuilding a nation that was battered emotionally, psychologically. However rebuilding and healing a nation towards a reconciling community is a task that has to be done by both sides that were involved in the war. Unfortunately such initiatives are a bit slow in getting started.

CCA in collaboration with the NCCI Sri Lanka held a consultation for a group of selected people on ‘Reconciling and Healing’ for exchange of experiences and stories, and learn basic skills in confl ict transformation and peace building. It was expected to provide an opportunity to theologize in these contexts and to discuss the role of religion in confl ict resolutions and to nurture youth leadership in peace building processes. Thirty fi ve participants comprising pastors, lay people, women and youth leaders from different denominations in Sri Lanka gathered together for this theological consultation with the theme of Called to Prophecy, Reconciling and Healing organized by CCA – FMU in collaboration with the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka at Meth Arana – Athrugiriya, Sri Lanka from 27 – 29 May, 2012.

Biblical refl ections on how to overcome hatred and despair and to promote healing and reconciliation in the community; historical view on churches response to prophecy, reconciling and healing; a common understanding on how to be reconcilers and healers by dramatizing the situations and certain scenes the participants witnessed and experienced during the civil war, helped the participants to gain a deeper understanding of the agonies and suffering of the victimized and learned of their roles and

CCA In Focus

Healing and Reconciliation in Post War Sri Lanka

Healing and Reconciliation training in Sri Lanka

responsibilities in promoting peace and reconciliation in their communities. Sharing of new insights of women’s role in the process of peace and reconciliation was a major outcome of this program.

The Consultation affi rmed that the church not only has a signifi cant role to play in the peace making process but also has a responsibility in promoting peace; that the role of women in peacemaking should be acknowledged; youth be empowered in peace building skills, need for resource material on Theological insights on peace building; and the formation of a balanced, participatory, collective nation-wide peace movement towards healing and reconciliation.

Indo-Sri Lanka Ecumenical Solidarity network is a major outcome of this consultation. This is being developed by the NCCs in Sri Lanka and India as a forum for ecumenical minded people from Sri Lanka and India, for facilitating expressions of solidarity and support on emerging issues in both countries, and to mutually encourage and sustain the prophetic and diaconal expressions that will refl ect a Christian commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Mission in the Pluralistic Contexts of Indonesia and Timor Leste – Promoting Justice and Peace for All

A roundtable Mission consultation on the theme ‘Mission in the Pluralistic Contexts of Indonesia and Timor Leste Today: Promoting Justice and Peace for All, ’jointly organized by Christian Conference of Asia, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Communion of Churches in Indonesia and the Protestant Churches


Roundtable on Mission in the Pluralistic Contexts of Indonesia and Timor Leste Today: Promoting Justice and Peace for All

1 Beacons of Hope-HIV Competent Churches: A Framework For Action

Safe Havens: HIV &AIDS Competent Churches and Communities

in East Timor was held in Jakarta. Seventy participants representing thirty seven member churches in Indonesia and East Timor attended this sub-regional consultation.

Biblical refl ections to discern the meaning of being church in a rapidly changing society and in the plural contexts of Indonesia and East Timor, set the tone for the discussions. Discussions and sharing of experiences and opinions on the challenges and missions the churches are facing nowadays, such as religious fanaticism, globalization and the growing culture of consumerism, internal confl ict in the communities and weakened leadership in the churches enriched the consultation. This helped in understanding the present context in Indonesia and East Timor societies and the challenges it posed in promoting justice and peace for all, in analysis of biblical texts for Christian witness; and in the identifi cation of mission challenges in both countries. Following the study on the recent ecumenical documents on mission, the participants drafted a mission statement for the churches in Indonesia and East Timor, which is now being translated into English.

The participants affi rmed that the task of the churches is to proclaim the good news to society; and that although church growth could not be neglected, the importance of preaching the gospel of justice, peace, reconciliation and life in dignity for all, should be emphasized. They were of the opinion that churches’ role and responsibility with regard to mission and evangelism is to overcome all the challenges and diffi culties in this globalized society, and that Christian mission should be truthfully based on love and compassion.

Basic Ecumenical Course (BEC)A two-week Basic Ecumenical course (BEC) jointly organized by the CCA Program Unit on Faith Mission and Unity (FMU), National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and Indian School of Ecumenical Theology (ISET) of the Ecumenical Christian Centre (ECC) was inaugurated on 20 November 2012, at the ECC campus. After, an eco-friendly worship service that was held in the garden of ECC, Rev. Dr. Cherian Thomas, Director

of ECC and Rev. Dr. Reji Samuel, the Dean of ISET warmly welcomed the participants and the resource persons. Prayers and greetings were brought by Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, retired Bishop of the Church of Ceylon, and Bible Study leader of the course. Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang conveyed greetings from the CCA members. Resource people at the Basic Ecumenical course included eminent ecumenical personalities like Dr. D. Arthur Jeyakumar, a church historian, Prof. Dr. Ninan Koshy and Fr. Dr. Sebastian Payyappilly. 32 participants attended the BEC which is the wellspring of ecumenical leaders.

What really is a HIV competent church? What are the benchmarks of such a church or community? Dr. Sue Parry defi nes a competent church as one that has developed an inner competence through internalizing the risks, impacts and consequences and has accepted the responsibility and imperative to respond appropriately and compassionately. In order to progress to outer competence there is need for leadership, knowledge and resources. Outer competence involves building theological and institutional capacity in a socially relevant, inclusive, sustainable and collaborative way that reduces the spread of HIV and ultimately restores hope and dignity 1.

A church that is competent has in place systems for Pastoral care, which include home visits, pre and post marriage counseling, ministering to the needs of widows, widowers and single parents, safe spaces for addressing issues like domestic violence and incest. It should have Homilies and sermons on HIV, trained and knowledgeable leaders, publications, periodicals that feature articles on HIV and AIDS; specifi c HIV liturgies for worship which includes silence, contemplation, words, songs, and other activities used to communicate with God in fellowship and in solitude, faith formation and moral education; ecumenical and interfaith cooperation, involving people living with HIV and AIDS, prevention of HIV in a holistic manner, care for PLWHA, care of vulnerable children, counseling, and most importantly stewardship of fi nances and resources.

29CCANEWS December

programs and technical assistance. This visit also gave the opportunity for a meaningful discussion with KCC Leaders Rev. Om Sovy (President), Ms. Kimson Nou (Vice President), Rev. Arun (General Secretary), and AIDS Commission (KCC) to chart programs and activities for the year.

Asian Theological Refl ection and Perspective on HIV & AIDSThe engagement of the Church in developing Theological refl ection, Biblical inputs, prayers, liturgies, homilies, sermons, songs and meditations and inspirational material for the benefi t of PLWHA is one of the benchmarks of a HIV competent church. It would be good to consciously think about how many sermons have addressed the issue of HIV and AIDS, whether there are any HIV-specifi c liturgies, healing service liturgies, or any special prayers for people who are affected by AIDS, such as family members, care givers and children. CCA initiated a unique program for Asian theological refl ections on HIV and AIDS, so that an effort will be made to go deep into Asian spiritualities as they are nearer to the heart and understanding of Asians both at the elite and grass root levels. As this program combines the seminar and writing workshop style, it is called a Seminar-cum write-shop.

Of the three such write-shops that were planned, the fi rst was held in Balewiyata Theologian Institute of GKJW, (Christian Church in East Java) Malang, in May this year. The second write-shop in the region will be held in India in November 2012, and the third in Manila in January 2013. The refl ections and presentations in these three write-shops are to be published by CCA.

The write-shop held at Malang, aimed at developing an Asian-Indonesian Theological Perspective and Cultural Refl ection on HIV & AIDS; to discuss the inter-connectedness of HIV with gender inequalities, sexual orientation, reproductive health, and globalization. 32 participants comprising theologians, HIV & AIDS activists, and gender activists from Indonesia and Timor Leste, focused on topics like Theology of Life, Theological refl ection on the body as ‘Imago Dei,’ on sexual and reproductive health, and Sexual

By conducting awareness and capacity building programs and write-shops, CCA expects member Churches and Councils to build their own inner and outer competencies and resources, and will be able to respond to the mission of prophesying, reconciling and healing.

In Vientiane, Laos, a capacity building program brought together 46 participants (30 females and 16 male) comprising clergy and lay, and youth leaders of Lao Evangelical Church (LEC). This was the fi rst formal Seminar and training on HIV & AIDS for Lao Evangelical Church in collaboration with Lao PDR Government. Apart from gaining basic information and awareness, they refl ected on theological and biblical perspectives of HIV and AIDS and the responsibility of the Church. For the fi rst time Lao Evangelical Church leadership worked with Government agencies, and other civil societies involved in HIV AIDS issues.

The major outcome was a HIV and AIDS Policy statement for the Laos Evangelical Church which has been shared and approved, and the willingness of the Government to work with churches on HIV related issues. They pledged their commitment to continue working for people living with HIV and AIDS, and to help prevent this by teaching life skills and spreading general awareness

Monitoring visits to member Churches and Councils already trained in HIV competency are also part of this program. These visits are meant for accompanying the Churches in their efforts, assisting with technical advice and also keeping abreast of the progress made. One such monitoring visit was made to the Kampuchean Christian Council (KCC) in Phnom Penh, during April this year. It was quite heartening to note that considerable follow up work has been done in terms of training lay and clergy, men, women and youth. They have had seminars in 3 provinces namely Prey Veng, Kampot, and Takeo which was attended by 160 people and one in Phnom Penh that was attended by 35 participants. Signifi cantly, in collaboration with the Methodist Church, KCC also held a training program on Reproductive Health that was attended by 60 women.

KCC plays the role of developing and coordinating member churches to be active in AIDS programs; links with other faith based organizations, and supports poor people living with HIV and AIDS and families affected by HIV & AIDS through assistance in developing income-generating skills, scholarships and providing shelter. KCC is also in the process of developing an Inter-faith Forum in co-operation with other religious leaders (Buddhist and Muslim). Though they have done good follow up work within 3 months it is felt that they will need more support for capacity building

In ligher moments: The Theologian Think tankat Malang


Orientation from a socio-anthropological perspective. The theologians in Indonesia were challenged to refl ect deeply and discover a theological perspective on HIV and AIDS that is rooted in Indonesian culture. After deliberations and discussions, they developed a Theo-logy of life, as an Imago Dei, to celebrate life with all creation. They also concluded that the gender perspective, sexual and reproductive health were important aspects in any HIV & AIDS prevention Programs.

A Music Concert titled ‘Concert Plus - Because I Care’ and a ‘Candle-light memorial service’ was presented by the hosting church, GKJW in collaboration with Narwastu Choir and the active participation of PLWHA. This concert, that was attended by over hundred people, added meaning, music, color and an emotional sense of connectedness, transforming HIV&AIDS from a mere issue to an intense personal human experience, that remains in the mind and heart, making it diffi cult to remain complacent.

Write-shop on Theological Exploration and Refl ection on HIV and AIDSA second write-shop on Asian Theological Exploration and Refl ection on HIV and AIDS was held at the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) in Nagpur, India from, 22-26 November 2012. It was jointly organized by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and was attended by 22 participants from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The aim of this write-shop is to facilitate the churches in south Asia to refl ect theologically on the concerns of HIV and AIDS, and to produce materials to be used as a reference for Asian churches in continuously responding to this crucial concern.

The Policy Guidelines on HIV and AIDS concerns for the Church in India was adopted in its General Assembly in 2008. Since then, efforts have been made to include the concerns on HIV and AIDS in the curriculum of the Serampore College, which gives theological degrees

Walking the Talk in Sri Lanka

Music Concert Plus- Because I Care.

to almost all Protestant and Orthodox theological colleges in South Asia. As no text books were available, especially to enhance the teaching of the course in the theological schools, the NCCI in collaboration with the Senate of Serampore College, have initiated a process to produce such materials. The sub-regional and regional needs were met in this collaborative work of CCA and NCCI.

Warm welcome was extended by Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of NCCI and the inaugural address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang, General Secretary of CCA. An orientation of the program was shared by Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, General Coordinator, Ecumenical Solidarity for HIV and AIDS (ESHA) Program NCCI, and a brief look at HIV in Asia was presented by Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, CCA Consultant for HIV and AIDS. Sessions on the Write-shop were facilitated by Ms. Ella Sonawane and Mr. Rajesh William from Indian Society for Promotion of Christian Knowledge (ISPCK). The participants also engaged in listening to the updates on HIV and AIDS concerns in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Dr. Roger Gaikwad introduced the curriculum of Serampore College on this particular concern and Dr. Wati Longchar facilitated the participants in discussing the Write-shop structure before they went to group works.

The write-shop also gave the opportunity for a coming together of ecumenical friends in festivity, food and sharing talents. Largely attended by local church leaders and Christian leaders, it was a moment of celebration of the ecumenical life and ministry at local, national, and regional levels, and an opportunity to strengthen friendship and ecumenical relationships.

Getting to ZERO on World AIDS Day

A unique Walking Campaign for World AIDS Day was organized by Rev. Leslie and the Youth of the Methodist Church, involving Government Institutions, NGOs and Schools. Dr. A Kambodji, CCA Consultant for HIV and AIDS joined them in a 2 hour walk in Colombo with banners to convey HIV and AIDS concerns.

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General Committee and Executive Committee meetingsTaipei, Taiwan 18-22 August 2012

The CCA General Committee, Executive Committee and allied Meetingswere held at Hsinchu city, Taipei, Taiwan from the 18-22 August 2012.

Hsinchu, which translates as “New Bamboo” is situated on Taiwan’s west coast. On-island, it is known as “the Windy City”, and it lived up to its reputationas the meetings were held with news of an imminent storm and intense rains. The meetings were held at the Bible School in Hsinchu. CCA records itsappreciation of the generous hospitality rendered by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Misuse of the Blasphemy Law and the plight of Religious Minorities in Pakistan: International Hearing in Switzerland17-19 September 2012

Dr. K B. Rokaya, one of the four Presidents of the CCA; General Secretary of National Council of Churches in Nepal, and a member of the National Human Rights Commission in Nepal, participated in an International Hearingon the “Misuse of the Blasphemy Law and Rights of Religious Minorities in Pakistan,” organized by the WCC-Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) from from 17 to 19 September 2012 in Geneva. This hearing was attended by about 100 participants from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, including 23representatives of Christian, Muslim and Hindu religious groups, civil society and human rights organizations from different parts of Pakistan. The hearing provided opportunities for participants to listen, analyze and under-stand the complex situation of the rise of religious fundamentalism and extremism and the misuse of the Blas-phemy Law in Pakistan, which has resulted in blatant violations of human rights. It was held in conjunction with the 21st Session of the UN Human Rights Council sessions.

Ecumenical Enablers training

An Ecumenical Enablers Training held in Timor Lorosae from 1 – 5 October 2012, introduced to participants from the Protestant churches, the ecumenical vision and mission of the CCA, and its role in promoting unity, not only among the churches but also among people of Asia through the reconciling and healing ministries of the church. The participants hoped that CCA will continue to provide more training programs for the pastors and evangelists of the rural areas to improve their pastoral skills. This training is part of the CCA-FMU Ecumenical Enablers Training.CCA has been proactive in training pastors, church leaders, youth and women leaders through very intensive courses in similar contexts in Nepal, Cambodia and Vietnam. The participants highlighted the need for more of such pastoral training programs, and put forth the suggestion that there is a need for a Theological Seminary and a Bible in the native Tetun language.

Annual Meeting of the International Committee of the Fellowship of the Least Coin

The International Committee for the Fellowship of the Least Coin (ICFLC) met at Nassau, The Bahamas, for its 32nd Annual Meeting from 12-20 October 2012. Hostedby the World Day of Prayer National Committee led by Ms. Annette Poitier (Coordinator), Sr. Annie Thompson(liaison) and Ms. Vernita Davis (Bahamas WDP president),the Annual Meeting was an affi rmation of the Bahamianwomen’s 30 years of commitment to the Fellowship of the

In the news in CCA

32 CCANEWS December 201232 CCANEWS December 2012

Least Coin, a business meeting, a contextual encounter, and a spiritual experience among ecumenical friends. The CCA was represented by Ms. Susan Jacob, Communications Consultant. The theme for the annual meetingwas “Solidarity that brings healing.” The beautiful Bahamas and the gracious friendly people was indeed a healing experience.

An Ecumenical Solidarity Visit to Churches in Cambodia

An Ecumenical Solidarity Visit to Churches in Cambodia was jointly organized by WCC - Churches Commis-sion on International Affairs (CCIA) and CCA-JID, from 27 October to 3 November 2012. The visit was pri-marily to meet leaders of Kampuchea Council of Churches (KCC) and to discuss and learn about their min-istries in Cambodia. The visit also included meeting with church leaders in order to encourage and promote ecumenism in Cambodia. The Solidarity team included Dr. Mathews George Chunakara and Ms. Christina Papazoglou from World Council of Churches (WCC), Ms. Janejinda Pawadee from Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), Rev. Chang Jang Weon from Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK), Prof. Revelation Velunta from Union Theological Seminary, Philippines and Ms. Rachel Pradhan from the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

Living letters to China Christian Council

Rev. Po Kam Cheong, General Secretary, Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC) and Rev. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang, General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) visited China Christian Council (CCC) from 26-28 October 2012. They were warmly welcomed by the present leadership of CCC, namely: Rev. Baoping Kan, the General Secretary, Rev. Bao Jiayuan, theAssociate General Secretary, and Elder Ou Enlin, Deputy Director of Overseas Relations Department. (Please see picture on left)

The CCA General Secretary conveyed her heartfelt greetingson behalf of the CCA members to CCC, thanked CCC for theirwarm hospitality and expressed a strong desire of the CCA to strengthen its relationship with CCC. She noted the important role that was played by the church leaders in China especially in the beginning of ecumenical movement in Asia. Further she underlined that a strong bond of churches in China with the rest of Asian churches isconsidered crucial especially in this juncture of time when “we as churches in Asia are facing interrelatedissues that have emerged in our Asian communities. The changing Asian realities demands, more than before,to strongly collaborate in responding to common challenges of globalization in Asia today and inaccompanying the Asian churches to witness Christ from within Asian experiences and spiritualties.” The leadershipof CCC expressed their openness and shared the same need to relate with the churches in Asia, and welcome the visit of their sisters and brothers in Christ particularly from Asia.

Launching of the redesigned CCA website http://www.cca.org.hk//

In this age of technology we are blessed by the advantages of ‘cyber communication’ which is faster, reaches more people, is interactive, provides space to share concerns and to respond prayerfully to them. It shares, educates, informs and keeps people and communities connected as never before. We desired to move on with the times, and have an improved and effective communications system to share the life and Ministry of the CCA.

We welcome the new look of our website, the redesigning and reconstruction of which, is a warm gift from the Students Movement of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC), India; a gesture that we reciprocate with great appreciation and heartfelt thanks. A core team of software experts led by Mr. Benson Samuel and Mr. Stef-fi n Joseph with the blessings of HH Paulose II the Catholicose, worked tirelessly and sincerely to make this dream come true. We also acknowledge with gratitude the pioneering work done by Mr. Chan Beng Seng, former staff of CCA, in envisioning the website, designing and maintaining it all these years.

We do hope you like the new look. However, as this is still in a period of transition, some pages may not be com-plete. We request you to kindly bear with us, as we attend to these in the coming weeks. We would also like to invite you to kindly send us your feedback, opinions and suggestions as we move together to a better tomorrow.


News from Member Churches and Councils

The 13th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia

The 13th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia was held in Adelaide, South Australia from 15–21st July 2012. It was a joyful, prayerful and colorful embodiment of its chosen theme ‘Life Overfl owing’.

Centennial Celebrations of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (PCK),

Seoul from 17-21 September 2012 was held in conjunction with the 97th General Assembly held at Somang Church, in Seoul. The theme “Christians, the Friends of the Least,” included the sub-themes: Friends of the Poor, Friends of Next Generation, and Friends of the Disabled, Friends of Multicultural families and Friendsof North Koreans. 1500 pastors and elders representing 64 presbyteries, and 108 international guests representingchurches and ecumenical partners of PCK from many Asian countries and around the world, as well as leadership and staff of the General Assembly, attended this special occasion.

In her congratulatory greetings on behalf of the CCA and representatives of the partner churches andecumenical organizations, CCA General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang, appreciated the PCK for choosing a challenging theme for the Assembly,especially in the context of escalating hostility among various groups in Asia and further marginalization of the least in the communities around the globe. This theme, she said, clearly underlines the commitment of the PCK to strongly promote an inclusive community in which all are included.

61st General Assembly of the National Council of Churches in Korea

The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) held the 61st General Assembly from 18 - 20 November2012, in Seoul. The theme for the General Assembly was “God of Life, lead us to justice and peace-for the recoveryof the Korean Church’s public image.” In a letter to Rev. Kim Young Ju, General Secretary of NCCK, Rev. Dr. Henrietta Hutabarat Lebang felicitated the NCCK, wishing them peace and joy on theoccasion. Congratulating the NCCK on its ecumenical commitment and tradition of being a strong presencewith in the community at all times, she wrote “At this juncture, in your 89th year of existence, you can look back with pride at all that NCCK has symbolized and achieved, in terms of being a movement of solidarity and unity among member churches; of being a strong presence in the midst of struggles of the Korean people fordemocracy and human rights; and in being a united voice in the realization of social justice within society,especially in promoting peace and unifi cation.”

Catholicate Centennial Celebration of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC), Kochi, India 25 November 2012

The 1960 year old Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC), celebrated the Centenary of the establishment of its Catholicate in Kerala, India on 25th November 2012..A grand rally held at Marine Dive in Cochin, followed by a Public Reception, marked the end of the year-long centenary celebrations commemorating its establishmentin September 1912. The Public Reception was graced by the 14th Dalai Llama H H Tenzin Gyatso, NobelLaureate for Peace, and other eminent religious, political leaders, and ecumenical leaders. Conveyinggreetings on behalf of the Christian Conference of Asia, Dr. Lebang said that it was “a great privilege to beinvited to this momentous and historic occasion of the centennial celebration of the establishment of theCatholicate of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.” She appreciated the Church for its peaceful co-existence with other religions for the last 1960 years, and commended its contributions to the life of the ecumenical movement in Asia in the past and the present.

34 CCANEWS December 201234 CCANEWS December 2012

Partnership for Equipping Future Generations: Asean and Beyond

22-24 November 2012 Chiang Mai, ThailandA Seminar for Partners in the Educational Ministry of Christian Schools in Asia and the Pacifi c wasorganized by the Education Ministry (OEM) and CCT-Policy Management (CPM) wing of the Church of Christ in Thailand. The seminar titled “Partnership for Equipping Future Generations” was attended by heads of Christian schools from Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand. They made a breakthrough in initiating a regional committee that would look into the rejuvenation and revitalization of the system of educationand re-envisioning the objectives of education so that it will not only educate but nurture kingdom values. The participants encouraged maintaining closer relations through a process of communications and connections byforming networks, annual meetings hosted by each member in rotation, a permanent core committee toco-ordinate, exchange programs, sharing of resources and having a website dedicated to the Partnership dream.

Nature’s fury: Floods in Philippines, Japan, Taiwan and New Jersey; Earthquake in Myanmar

Philippines suffered severe fl ooding, especially in Manila and surrounding areas, displacing about 780,000people. Torrential rains paralyzed the city, while landslides and release of water from dams endangered the lives of many communities. Japan and Taiwan were also battered by storms, heavy rain and fl ooding. In a pastoral letter Dr. Ery wrote, “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.”

We also uphold in prayer our brothers and sisters of New York and New Jersey as they bore the brunt of the fury of Storm Sandy.

We also remember our sisters and brothers in Myanmar who suffered in the earthquake that struck central Myanmar last month.

Campaigns for Peace and Human Rights

CCA campaigned strongly against human rights violations, especially the Blasphemy Law in Pakistanunder which 13 year old Rimsha, a Christian girl with Down syndrome from Mehrabad, Pakistan, was arrested under the Blasphemy Law, and the overt hostilities against the Christian community. In a letter of solidarity CCA General Secretary Dr. Lebang wrote, “With more and more incidents directed against churches and Christians, it is, to say the least, very traumatic and life-threatening to the Christian community living there. We, the CCA family assure you of our solidarity and constant support in prayer and spirit, in these troubled times.

CCA also supported the voice of the National Council of Churches in India against the people for the North easternstates.

16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women,

25 November-10 December 2012The CCA EGY is joining the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women which is a global movement ofrefl ection, prayer and action towards overcoming violence against women in church and society, promoted byThe World Council of Churches (WCC), The World YWCA (Young Women’s ChristianAssociation) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF).

It challenges us to refl ect on the collective responsibility of every individual, cuttingacross cultural, social, political and geographic divides, to ensure that violence iseliminated from the world both in word and deed. The EGY Desk plans to havea collection of prayers, poems and refl ections on these concerns. In addition athought on ‘Violence against Women’ will be published on the ‘Ecumenical Formation,Gender Justice and Youth empower-ment page’ on the website till InternationalHuman Rights Day on December 10th.

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Felicitations

His Holiness Bishop Tawadros II was enthroned as the 118th Pope of Alexandria dria and the Patriarch of All Africa, on the Holy See of Saint Mark, on 18th November 2012, at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in a ceremony that was last carried out on 14 November 1971. In a congratulatory letter addressed to the Pope elect, on the occasionof his Enthronement as the Pope of the largest Church in Egypt and Middle East, Rev. Dr. Henriette HutabaratLebang wrote: “It is with great happiness and prayerful thanksgiving that we received the news of your enthronement. We pray that you will continue to be endowed with the wisdom, courage and steadfast faith as you prepareto receive the mantle as the successor of St. Mark the Evangelist, Holy Apostle and Martyr, on the Holy Apostolic Throne of the Great City of Alexandria.

Visits

We were delighted to receive Rev. Martin Kreig Asia Desk, EMW, Rev. Sandy Sneddon, Church of Scotland, andRev. Dr. James Vijaykumar, Global Ministries, Ms. Maike D. from ICCO, Mr. Jec Dan Borlado from Philippines (Member WCC Youth Commission ECHOS), and the Education Ministry team of the Uniting Church of Christ in the Philippines led by Rev. Edna. We appreciate their efforts in improving ecumenical fellowship and strength-ening partnerships.

Farewell

CCA family bid farewell to Mr. Carlos Ocampo, Executive Secretary, Justice and International Affairs, Developmentand Service on 31

st March 2012, and Ms. Sivaporn Srisuppuris (Nook), Support staff for Faith, Mission and Unity,

in June this year. We record our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for their involvement and contribution to the mission of CCA and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Obituaries

It is with deep sorrow that we received the news of the passing away of:

His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian OAM,Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand at the age of 66, on September 22, in Sydney.

Bishop K H.Ting, (Ding Guangxun) on Nov. 22, 2012. He was 98 years old. He was President emeritus of the China Christian Council, and the founder of Amity Foundation.

Rev. Harvey L Perkins, former staff of CCA, passed away on 25th November 2012, at Canberra. He was 93. He is well remembered for his services as Secretary for Inter Church Aid, 1968-1971, in the early days when CCA was still known as the East Asia Christian Conference, and later as Executive Secretary, Development and Service from 1976-1980

HG Mathews Mar Barnabas of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was called to eternal life on 9December 2012. He served as Metrpolitan of the North East American Diocese and later in other dioceses in India.

An Interreligious conference on Nuclear Issues was held in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan from 4-7 December 2012organized by the National Christian Council (NCC) in Japan in collaboration with other religious organizations in Japan. It was attended by 87 participants from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong - China SAR, Thailand, thePhilippines, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the United States of America. An exposure program to the disaster hit site and the area affected by the Fukushima Daichi accident was held on December 4, and a study tour to Aizu Radiation Information Center was done on December 5 morning. The offi cial opening was held on December 5 afternooon with words of welcome from Rev. Koichi Kobashi, the Moderator of the National Christian Council (NCCJ) in Japan, and Rev. Masahiro Nemoto, General Secretary of the Ressho Koseikai, a Buddhist organization in Japan.

Inter-religious Conference on Nuclear Issues,Aizuwakamatsu, Japan

Only when...Only when the last tree has diedWhen the last river has driedWhen earth turns poisonous and deadlyWe will realize we can’t eat money

Only when the last breath of oxygen has been consumedWhen the last flower dies before it bloomedWhen the mighty atmospheres begins to tearWe will realize we can’t live elsewhere

Only when the last rain turns acidWhen the last human is bedridWhen every drop of water turns impureWe will realize not everything has a cure

Only when the last fish suffocatesWhen the last animal body decaysWhen the last remains of these species is a mere boneWe will realize we can’t live on our own

Only when the last piece of history is destroyedWhen the last truth of our existence is ruinedWhen there no longer exists a word called “smile”We will realize we’d been wrong all the while

Documents

Lembang, West Java, Indonesia Upholding - - NCC