Ecumenical body seeks to heal and reconcile in troubled Asia
Despite persistent religious and political conflicts in Asia, a regional grouping of churches and Christian organisations is upbeat about the fate of the world's most populous continent, whose peoples it is seeking to help heal and reconcile.
More than 380 church leaders and ecumenical guests from Asia and other parts of the world are gathering in the Malaysian capital from 14 to 21 April for the Christian Conference of Asia's 13th general assembly. In Kuala Lumpur, they are seeking to plan their strategies around the theme, "Called to Prophecy, Reconcile and Heal".
The church grouping chose the theme because "deep-seated differences over political and economic systems, ethnicity, gender, religion, beliefs and cultural traditions have prevented [Asian] countries from seeking and working towards a shared destiny," CCA general secretary Dr Prawate Khid-arn said.
The CCA consists of almost 100 member churches and 16 national church councils in Asia.
Dr Prawate said he hopes and prays that the gathering's theme will help delegates and guests to address the issues of Asian people "crying out for justice, peace and a sustainable society".
The delegates and guests will also participate in Bible study, worship, public testimonies and lectures during the six-day meeting.
The Malaysian national capital was chosen as the assembly's venue because, " Malaysia is a microcosm of Asia," the Rev. Thomas Philips and the Rev. Hermen Shastri of the Council of Churches in Malaysia said in a joint statement.
The clerics said Malaysia's national history reflects the influence of the great civilisations and cultures of Asia. They also cited how Malaysia served as "a meeting point between West and East Asia", and that around the country are rich cultural and religious legacies, which make Malaysia "truly Asia".
Maurice Malanes, ENI
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