Peace Forum - CMI
When the pre-emptive strike, “Shock and Awe”, was imminent on Iraq late in 2002, the Columban Centre for Peace, Ecology and Justice decided to take its own pre-emptive action for peace by approaching local Councils to hold public forums on issues of peace and non-violence.
Our concern had been growing about the climate of fear and uncertainty in our country because of the violent international situation. We were already involved in the direct ramifications of the high profile of Islam because of the work of the Columban Centre for Christian Muslims Relations.
In partnership with that Centre, we decided to approach Local Councils, proposing a public forum dedicated to community education on the issues of peace and non-violence in a multi-religious society. We posed two questions:
Are Christians and Muslims so fundamentally opposed to each other that they are a major cause of division and conflict within society?
and
Do Christians and Muslims share common convictions about peace and non-violence that can inspire them to work towards mutual understanding and so model and promote peace and harmony in society?
We wanted to counter the popular perception that religion is the cause of violence. We wanted to demonstrate that the authentic practice of religion is about peace and reconciliation. We also wanted to encourage people to learn peace-building skills in dealing with the human reality of conflict.
The peace forum is a practical demonstration of dialogue and understanding between believers from different religions and is consistent with the public commitments made by the leaders of the different world religions in Assisi on the 24th of January 2002.
It provides an opportunity for the public to share and to ask questions about how Christianity and Islam impact on relations at the local level, and to reflect on how they can build communities of peace and mutual understanding at a neighborhood level.
Many Local Councils see this as an initiative that fits in with their Community Development Plan. We have been delighted with their response. In partnership with Affinity Intercultural Foundation and the Councils, we have conducted ten of these public forums with the latest one in Griffith being the first held outside of Sydney.
The format is four speakers, two male, two female, two Christian, two Muslim. The talks address divisions in our society. We speak about peace and active non-violence from the perspective of Christian and Muslim scripture and belief. We include the positive role of the authentic practice of religion in growing a culture of peace. We acknowledge examples of where we have failed to live up to the message of both our faith traditions. We talk about the cultural differences and the cultural influences of both the past and the present on Christianity and Islam. We give details about practical peace initiatives, including where Christians and Muslims work together and engage with each other.
Question time follows and after that refreshments. We find that the question time reveals the truth of the saying “We see things and people, not as they are, but as we are.” The questions usually fall into two areas: misconceptions, or how individual people of good will, who very often feel powerless, can bring about change. The people who attend seem to be coming because they want to learn or they want to grow a culture of peace. A few come because of their entrenched position, the “us and them” people who are not open to the truth of others. Their questions are responded to with respect. The refreshments afterwards offer a place for dialogue. A program booklet with simple ideas for action is provided for people to take home and hopefully implement.
The planning process is different in each Council area according to their structures and community needs. Most Councils involve community groups and faith representatives in the planning. Some have inter-faith groups already. There is much learning along the way as problems are solved together. Some of the positive results have been:
Where there had been vindictive opposition to the building of a Muslim prayer hall, local members of the planning group met afterwards with some of the protagonists in order to break down misunderstandings. This was followed by another inter-faith forum. In one area a local inter-faith women’s network was formed and has been active since then. One Council is exploring ways of learning more about the application of non-violent conflict resolution within the Council. One person organized their series of Spirituality in the Pub talks around the theme of “Healing a Broken World” and included the topic of active non-violence.
How much could we achieve if we really worked at living out our beliefs by growing a culture of peace? T Pope Benedict wants this, saying at his installation “At the beginning of my pontificate I address to all of you, and to believers of the religious traditions represented here, as well as to all those who seek Truth with a sincere heart, an intense invitation to become together architects of peace, in a reciprocal commitment of understanding, respect and love.” If there were peace studies in local communities and a Department of Peace at the national level, we would all develop skills in conflict resolution and peace making. We could put the resources that are used for war into dealing with poverty, injustice and environmental degradation.
Peace brought about by violence does not endure and there is no peace without justice. If we want lasting peace we must begin with ourselves. We need to think globally and to act both locally and globally
