Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA: Consultation on Gaza Conflict

National Consultation on Gaza Conflict – Search for Sustainable Peace

March 18 – 19, 2009

ICSA Guest House, Chennai, India.

Total 26 participants and 5 resources persons attended.

National Consultation on Gaza conflict was organized with main objects:

1. To understand that conflict is over resources, rights and survival not a religious (as per Nuha Khoury from Bethlehem).

2. It is very sensitive and dangerous. It will involve whole of Middle East, even rest of the world.

3. ACISCA stands for peace, justice and equality

4. To express our solidarity with the people of Palestine, Israel and Oikosnet friends in Bethlehem and Middle East.

The old question is – to whom belongs Israel? 2000 years ago, as the Roman Empire destroyed Judea and the Old Jerusalem; the Jews fled to Europe, Africa and Asia and became important traders. Around 680 AD Muslims occupied the Holy Land – and 1000 years ago the Pope ordered the Christians in Europe to evict the Muslims from the Holy Land, because it belongs to the Christians and not to Muslims – and the first crusades fought against these Muslims in the Holy Land and since this time we have war in this part of the world. The Muslims are convinced they are the owners of this land - as many as Jews returned to the Holy Land again, in the year 1948 – this land get a new name – Israel. This land is important for 3 religions – for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Dr. John Zechariah explained various issues concerning Gaza Conflict in his opening address:

1. Israel – Palestinian conflict issues:

Divisive History

1. Occupation, Land and Settlement
2. Palestinian State
3. Refugees
4. Palestinian Terror
5. Israel Repression
6. Israel Security
7. Water
8. Jerusalem

Current Issues in the Israel – Palestinian Conflict:

1. Death of Yasser Araft
2. Hamas election victory
3. Recognizing Israel
4. Palestinian Unity and Quartet boycott
5. Collapse of the Palestinian authority
6. Truce and violence
7. Security
8. Provisional State versus Final Status
9. Qassam Rockets
10. Kidnapped Soldier
11. Israeli Security Handover
12. The “Security barrier” (Apartheid Wall)
13. Prisoners
14. Disengagement
15. Safe Passage and open borders
16. Israel Outposts
17. Peace Proposal

2. Is there a connection between Bible prophecy and the war in Gaza?

3. The headlines in recent days are worth considering and disturbing.

4. Can Israeli actions in Gaza be justified?

5. Scripture Interpretations/Comments for peace:

6. How to Achieve Sustainable peace:

Just as the head of the largest evangelical body in the world, I like to avoid blaming either side for the current outbreak, instead I would urge international community (Global Oiksonet) to pray and make all possible efforts to end this complicated and dangers hostility. Meditation is better than Mediation.

7. Challenges for this consultation:

1. How can we find solution for daily realities in the region?

2. Israel – Palestinian Conflict/war, can we call it a “Just War”

3. Does the religion play a role in this conflict?

4. How important Jerusalem in this conflict?

5. What is God’s intention? Is God neutral in this matter?

6. Is outside interference necessary?

7. How can we get everlasting peace in the region?

The consultation also discussed other important issues regarding the Gaza conflict:

1. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Azariah, Former Bishop of Madras Diocese, Church of South India

Opening remarks

2. Dr. P. Jegadish Gandhi

Gaza Conflict: Concerns and Cohesions in Peace Making

3. Rev. Dr. Charles Singaram

Gaza Conflict: General View

4. Dr. John Zechariah

Reflection of Oikosnet Centers on Gaza Conflict

5. Rev. Dr. David Joy

Understanding Gaza Conflict with a Christian Perspective which is board based

and unbiased.

Dr. Felix Sugirtharaj and Rev. Oommen Varkey led us in morning devotion

Mr. Sudhakar Ramteke and Mr. K.I. Ninan Chaired the sessions and gave their comments.

Statement and Resolution was passed

Contact: Dr. John Zechariah, issa.zechariah@gmail.com

Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA: Directors Meeting

Directors Meeting 2008

Peace Building in the Context of Mission and Ecumenism in ACISCA/OIKOSNET ASIA.

December 26-29, 2008

Students Christian Center, Bangkok, Thailand

 

Human history reveals the fact that human beings always wish to live in peace, tranquility and prosperity. Building peace has been an illusive goal of civilizations throughout history. The inherent nature of humans to secure their own vested interests has played a very negative role in alienating humans from each other. God created humans to propagate love, peace and uphold the human dignity and justice, but unfortunately, the same became a victim of hatred and prejudices, which destroyed the social fabric.

 

“Peace” is common word that we could find every where in our daily life and in all situations. All religious Holy books and teachings deal with peace. For example in Christianity we say “Shalom”, in Islam “Salaam” and “Shanty” in Hinduism and Buddhism.

 

Once, Mother Theresa said, “Peace is not something you wish for, it is something you make, something you do, something you are, something you give away.”

 

Dr. John Zechariah in his opening address highlighted:

 

1. What it means to build a Lasting Peace:

2. Peace Making and Peace Keeping:

3. Peace Building Measures:

4. Difference in Western and Eastern Approach:

5. The Role of Ecumenism:

5. The Mission and Ecumenism of ACISCA/Oikosnet Asia.

 

The theme was well presented by resources persons and discussed with great interest and meaningfully;

 

Dr. John Zechariah, Chairman ACISCA (Opening Address)

Peace Building in the Context of Mission and Ecumenism in ACISCA

Dr. Prawate Kidran, General Secretary CCA

           Wider Ecumenism and Spirituality in the Context Peace in Asia

Rev. Dr. Chuleephan Srisoonthorn

Developing Leadership toward Peace Building

MI. Chaturapit Chompunut

            Present and Future Social and Economic Reality in Asia

 

Mr. Sudhakar Ramteke, Dr. Felix Sugirtharaj and Ms. Priscilla Atual expressed their views on the theme.

 

Monday 29^th was ACISCA business session.  The proceedings of the meeting already sent to center’s directors.

Contact: Dr. John Zechariah, issa.zechariah@gmail.com

Oikosnet Asia: Leadership training for youth

Training on Spirituality and Responsible Leadership for Christian Youth at ACISCA centers in Asia.

December 13-18, 2009

Total 25 participants and 5 resource persons attended

Kappatiran - Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc and Social Pastoral Institute Manila, Philippines.

The world needs – men and women who are more than just managers of people, money and organizations. Leadership is always crucial to the church’s worldwide enterprise. But at the present moment, it seems to me good leadership is essentially urgent.

Every leader today should ask “Who is going to take my place? Who is God rising up? How can I help and encourage the new leadership”? In pursuit of growth and prosperity, we have lost the biblical principles in selecting, training and encouraging right leaders for the church and organizations. ACISCA strongly believes in youth capacity building and considers it has tool to promote efficiency and development for our organizations and churches. I am sure such training will benefit and fulfill our mission and objectives.

We can describe leaders from several perspectives, each of which casts a different light on what goes into the complex task of leadership responsibilities.

A good Christian leader may serve as a Visionary, Influencer, Passion infuser, Team builder, Victorious sufferer, Fighter, Helper and giver, Determined Man or Woman of Integrity, Stabilizer, Compromiser, Encourager and Servant-leader (Dr. John Zechariah).

The training was well organized by Ms. Priscilla Atual and Paul Edward Muego and Social Pastoral Institute staff. The following topics were presented and discussed:

1. Dr. John Zechariah, Chairman ACISCA

Spirituality and Responsible Leadership for Christian Youth at Ecumenical Centers of Asia

2. Rev. George Buenaventura - Biblico-Theological Reflection

3. Dr. Angeloto Manalili – Community Development Framework

4. Joey Clemente – Reflections on Empowering and Transformative Spirituality

5. Rainer John Rosal Torres – Third Look at Jesus

6. Dr. John Zechariah – Ecumenical Leadership Formation

7. Norma Dollaga – Youth Ecumenical Movement

Apart from lectures and discussions we visited communities in Manila and had useful sharing and learning experience.

ACISCA believes in Youth Capacity Building. Therefore, this training was organized to improve efficiency, commitment to fulfill vision for our organizations and to become effective leaders for

21^st Century.

Contact: Dr. John Zechariah, issa.zechariah@gmail.com