Religious Leaders from Asia and Australia Issue "Ten Commitments"

February 21, 2006

Source: UCA News

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=18787

On February 21, 2006 UCA News reported, "Religious representatives from Asia and Australia have committed to use the "peaceful" elements in religion to counter violence and terrorism. The 200 participants from 17 countries, who met Feb. 12-13 in Jakarta, also said at the end of their meeting that they are committed to uprooting 'all kinds of corruption by upholding moral legitimacy.' The Bahai, Buddhist, Catholic, Confucian, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Sikh, Taoist and Zoroastrian representatives issued 'Ten Commitments – Message from the East Asia Religious Leaders Forum' at the end of their meeting... They stated their commitment 'to improve religious and spiritual education as the basis for empowering plural and multicultural communities in building ... harmonious societies.' They will 'enhance mutual understanding and respect among peoples of different faiths and religions to overcome prejudices, intolerance, and hatred,' their message said. The representatives planned to 'promote peace education through schools, communities and families, especially among the younger generation.' Their message added that they would 'consolidate and strengthen moderating forces and peaceful spirits of religions to counter the threats of violence, extremism and terrorism,' and would 'support peace building efforts and conflict resolution processes... in areas of conflict in local communities and among nations.' Meanwhile, they agreed to work to improve the quality of life by increasing participation in eradicating 'poverty, inequality and racial and ethnic discrimination, diseases and environmental degradation.' They pledged 'to advocate justice, liberty and equality in the social, political and economic life at the local, national and global levels.' They also pledged 'to uproot all kinds of corruption by upholding moral legitimacy, anti-corruption measures and ensuring social controls.' In order to advance these various causes, the participants said they would 'optimize networking efforts and cooperation among religious leaders and communities in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous East Asia.'"