Oikosnet Global Blog

Mitri Raheb receives prestigious German media award

2012-01-13T19:43:00.002Z

Mitri Raheb, director of the Diyar Consortium in Bethlehem (member of Oikosnet Middle East, MEATRC) will receive the prestigious "Deutscher Medienpreis", together with three other "silent peace builders" on February 24 in Baden-Baden. The laudatio will be held by former German president Roman Herzog. Congratulations!
http://www.deutscher-medienpreis.de/
http://www.mitriraheb.org

Citizenship and Politics in a Latin America in movement, theme of gathering of the Ecumenical Network of Lay Centers-OIKOSNET

2011-06-10T17:25:00.002+01:00

Oikosnet global board will meet in Argentina

2010-12-10T09:05:00.001Z

The next Oikosnet global annual encounter will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from March 18th to March 25th in Buenos Aires/Argentina at the Catholic house of "Obras Misionales Pontificias".

Apart from the normal business agenda, the global board will have a four-day workshop on a Strategic Plan and a Financial Sustainability Plan for four to five years (2012-2016). The workshop will be led by Centro Regional Ecumenico de Asesoria y Servicios (CREAS – in English: Ecumenical Regional Centre of Assessment and Services), located in Buenos Aires.

Oikosnet Asia news

2010-11-26T08:48:00.001Z

ACISCA/OIKOSNET ASIA:

News - November 2010

The year 2010 has been very fruitful and successful with various national and international programs. In 2010 we had 4 international, 5 national programs, published 2 books and General Assembly.

International Programs:

Workshop on Composite Heritage – CCDB, Dhaka, Bangladesh, December-January 2010
Christian Spirituality: Empowerment of Poor Communities – SPI, Manila, Philippines, September, 2010
Peace Building in the Context of Asia – April, 2010, Bangkok, Thailand
ACISCA General Assembly, SCS, Bangkok, Thailand, November 8-10, 2010

National Programs:

National Interfaith Conclave on “Rediscovering the Roots of Harmony, VIDS, Vellore, India, July, 2010,
Workshop cum Training on “Food Security in the Context of Bangladesh, CCDB, Dhaka, Bangladesh, July, 2010.
National Peace Building Training, MBM, Bali, Indonesia, September 2010
Peace, People and Promise-Role of Religion, ISSA, Pune, India, September, 2010
Capacity Building of Young Christian Leaders, KKFI, Manila, Philippines, October, 2010

ACISCA/OIKOSNET ASIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY, November 7-11, 2010

ACISCA is managed by executive committee which is elected by its General Assembly for four years. The Chairman of Nomination Committee, Dr..Jegadish Gandhi presented unanimously selected and proposed list of members for the next Executive Committee (2010-2014) as follows:

1. Dr. John Zechariah-Chairman India

2. Mr. Marvin Parvez-Vice-chairman Pakistan

3. Rev. Nengah Suama-Secretary Indonesia

4. Mr. Jose Clemente-Treasurer Philippines

5. Mr. Prokirty Chowdhury, Bangladesh

6. Dr. Anitha Mahendiran and Indian

7. Ms. Nancy Nicolas-Members. Philippines

Since there was no proposal for new names to any post from the floor, the approval of the announced list of the next Executive Committee was proposed by Mr.Sudhkar S.Ramteke and it was seconded by Rev.Dr.M.J.Joseph. Members unanimously accepted and approved above executive committee for the year 2010-2014.

John Zechariah

Chairman Oikosnet Asia

==================

Oikosnet global will launch itw own YouTube channel soon ...

2010-07-30T10:10:00.000+01:00

... take a sneak preview here!

Vesper Society launches its own YouTube channel

2010-07-30T10:07:00.000+01:00

San Francisco-based Oikosnet North America (ONA) member Vesper Society launches its own YouTube channel, take a lok here!

Pictures from the Oikosnet Board meeting in Munich

2010-05-21T14:26:00.001+01:00

Statement of the Oikosnet global board regarding the decision of EED on terminating support

2010-05-14T08:51:00.002+01:00

Oikosnet is presently facing one of the biggest financial challenges in its history. In March 2010, EED made the decision to end its long relationship of over 20 years with Oikosnet. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of participants around the world who benefit from our programs, we invite EED to re-examine their decision to end this rela-tionship.
Oikosnet is the global ecumenical network of lay centers and movements of social concern, which brings together about 300 different organizations across five continents. The Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED) and its predecessors had a long and positive relationship with Oikosnet because EED understood the broad vision of the work. EED nurtured and supported the development of this worldwide network for more than 20 years. In recent years, in partnership, Oikosnet and EED created a mutually agreed upon list of improvements in the structure and programming and content of the common work. Oikosnet responded to the concerns of EED by creating a new legal body, establishing new headquarters in Latin America, and organizing additional global courses for lay leaders. Despite our positive changes, in March 2010 Oikosnet received a short letter from EED stating that 2009 was the final funding year!
Oikosnet is distressed and disappointed by this drastic decision. Our global centers are committed to con-tinue to provide hundreds of thousands of people around the world with services, training for advocacy-work, safe spaces for programming, empowerment of grass root movements and more.
In recent years, our centers accomplished critical work:
 Initiated and improved the Muslim-Christian dialogue in Pakistan and Egypt.
 Improved the communication between centers in different parts of Africa, both through appropri-ate training and capacity building (together with funders other than EED).
 Developed a very successful conflict management tool, Dialogue for Peaceful Change. This tool is being applied in more than 30 countries. Oikosnet provided the new pool of trainers and coaches. We have now more than 450 facilitators, 25 trainers, and 5 coaches.
 Trained individuals to work within empowerment and capacity-building organizations involved in many grass-roots movements (poverty, HIV/Aids, justice, etc.).
 Supported the lobby and advocacy of peace and justice issues (position of women, policies on trade, role of religion) at local, national, and international levels.
Oikosnet will continue to support a structure that enables regions to become more sustainable financially. This restructure takes time and is extremely difficult in the present economic environment. The sudden cut in funds places the continuation of the work of Oikosnet at great risk.
We ask EED to continue their investment in this partnership.
We invite EED to reopen channels of communication with Oikosnet in order to continue the common task of establishing cross-cultural relationship and creating significant social change in our world.
Munich May 12, 2010,
Serop Megerditchian, president Oikosnet, Oikosnet Middle East
German Zijlstra, coordinator Oikosnet, Oikosnet Latin America
Kofi Amfo Akonnor, Oikosnet Africa
John Zechariah, Oikosnet Asia
Jean Richardson, Oikosnet North America
Wolfgang Lenz, Oikosnet Europe
Nuha Khoury, Oikosnet Middle East
Sally Simmel, Oikosnet North America
Mehboob Sada, Oikosnet Asia
Jaap van der Sar, Oikosnet Europe
For further information, please contact the coordinator: German Zijlstra german.zijlstra@oikosnet.org

Quo vadis EED - how a donor ditches a longtime partner

2010-05-09T19:29:00.001+01:00

EED quo vadis - how a donor ditches a longtime partner -

news

2010-03-02T03:59:00.001Z

Dear Global Oikosnet Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to announce:

    - WORKSHOP ON PEACE BUILDING IN ASIA
    - AT STUDENT CHRISTIAN CENTER, BANGKOK
    - APRIL 6- 10, 2010.

Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA welcomes you to attend this workshop. Please contact me if you are interested to attend.

issa.zechariah@gmail.com

John Zechariah

Chairman Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA.
===========

ACISCA/OIKOSNET NEWS FOR SHARE POINT

2010-02-22T09:34:00.001Z

DEAR FRIENDS WITH GREAT PLEASE I SHARE THE FOLLOWING OIKOSET ASIA NEWS.

JOHN ZECHARIAH

CHAIRMAN OIKOSNET ASIA.

---------------------------------------

(News from CCDB, Bangladesh)

Consultation Meeting of Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha (BBCS) - 2009

First time the inception of HOPE Foundation, the Church leaders of Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha gathered for consultation meeting. There were Ten Anchalic (regional) Presidents, Vice presidents, Secretary and Chief Pastors from all parts of Bangladesh.

The Consultation was inaugurated by All Bangladesh Central Sangaha President Mr. Joynata Adhikari. In his inaugural message he articulated we need to review what we had planned to achieve. How much have we reached our goal? We have gathered not to make decision but to evaluate our work, mistakes and where have we gone wrong? We have to comprehend Christ in us. Let's turn from dark to light. Jesus Christ is our light.

The consultation process continued by Dr. Matthews Swaroj Biswas's paper presentation "Church and Values" followed by "Planning and development of Church". These two papers have been very inspiring and fruitful dealing with real life situation. "Church and Values "dealt purely the norms and forms of Christ's qualities which church body must reflect as Christian. On the other hand, "planning and development of church" inspired doing everything with Lord Jesus Christ.

It was a rare opportunity for HOPE Foundation to dedicate the Center library in Memory of Susanta Adhikari in presence of church dignitaries and leaders from all over Bangladesh. He has been a development leader for National, International and Church. Further, he was a dreamer and foundation pillar of a center such as HOPE Foundation. We are inspired and pleased to dedicate the library in his name as "Susanta Adhikari Memorial Library"

A comprehensive activities report has been presented on Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha (BBCS) by Acting General Secretary of BBCS and Director of Social Health & Education Development (SHED) Board. In addition to that Ten (10) Ancahlic (regional) Church leaders presented comprehensively their activities written reports followed by Sunday School Program (Children ministry) moderator's detail activities reports in power point. The majority appreciated the action reports. Women moderator touched some glimpse of activities and plans. Youth and publication moderators were absent. However, General Secretary high lighted some of their activities accomplished and future plans. After the presentation of all reports a session was given for discussion and clarification for over all understanding of the activities and development.

To create awareness and dissemination of information among the church members, laymen's and clergy's are given orientation on the impact of Climate Change. Rev. Martin Adhikary presented a paper on climate change context to Bible. It has been resourceful for laymen's and clergy's to understand the contexts and relationship with the Bible.

(Reported by Mr. Joyanta Adhikari)

(News from Christian Study Center, Rawalpindi, Pakistan)

Training Workshop: "Composite Heritage: An Opportunity for Peace & Harmony"

The four day training of trainer's workshop in Quetta was held at Lourdes Hotel, Quetta from July 25 to 28, 2009. Forty‐two young leaders participated in the training, representing civil society and NGOs of Baluchistan. There were fifteen female and twenty‐seven male participants. Theme of the training was "Composite Heritage: An Opportunity for Peace & Harmony". This workshop essentially enabled participants to understand the role of culture in peace promotion and share with them the basic tool of Composite Heritage for devising and implementing programs for peace and harmony. There were four resource persons facilitating this workshop. Mr. Mehboob Sada (Director) in his different sessions on Composite Heritage introduced this concept with participants in great detail he also shared with them the background and history of the concept and how it evolved into a full fledge project of international importance. He told the participants that how this tool of peace building is changing and transforming lives for betterment. There is perceptible improvement in relations among people with the confliction situations due to the healthy influence of understanding of the concept of Composite Heritage. He rightly articulated the importance of scientific and objective

approach for resolving problems. This approach particularly holds significance when dealing with issues that effect large number of people and more specifically of international nature. He told participants that it is a very minor endeavor by CSC but partners and friends are the really force behind the success of this project and it is hoped that with new friends in Baluchistan networks this cause would get further impetus and outreach in the region. Ms. Romana Bashir (Program Coordinator) in her number of sessions including Peace building Skills, Project Management, Project Writing, Composite Heritage; its forms and formation, Efficacy of Composite Heritage, Threats to

Composite Heritage, and many other sessions shared with participants how youth being the best asset of the country play their part in its development and progress. She helped them getting to know better Composite Heritage, its various dynamics and how it can

be most effectively used in peace building activities. She also discussed with participants how they best organize their potentials through various capacities building sessions like project management; writing and assortments that significantly affect the performance of the project. Her sessions were helpful for participants to familiarize themselves with essential techniques for effectively conducting and implementing projects. They were

given understanding on different aspects of project execution and through what parameters and factors they could get the desirable outcome from the project.

Mr. Nasrullah Khan (Resource Person) in his lecture on 'Present Situation of the Region' focused on Baluchistan and its situation. He said the Baluchistan province being the largest province in terms of area and rich with mineral resources is not playing its due role in issues of national importance. It's sad to say that Baluchistan is the most backward province in the country. He said despite the fact Baluchistan is victim of international, national, regional feuds but people of Baluchistan are intrinsically peace loving and liberal people who are proud of their rich history and traditions. He said Baluchs are now developing themselves and time is not far away when they will be the front runners of bring peace and progress in the country. Mr. Ali Gohar (Resource Person) in his session on 'An Indigenous way of Peace building' said that conflict depends upon variables of attitude, behavior, and situation. All conflicts require transformation. Five conflict management strategies to deal with conflict are:

1) Accommodation

2) Avoidance

3) Collaboration

4) Competition

5) Compromise.

Different theories of Justice are: The Retributive Approach, The Utilitarian Deterrence Approach, The Rehabilitation Approach, The Restitution Approach, and Restorative

Approach.

Alternative Dispute Resolution involves: Adjudication, Conciliation, Facilitation, and

Mediation.

Restorative justice pays consideration to victim, offender, community; focuses on

harm needs rehabilitation and prevention. The feedback of participants was very encouraging and majority of them shared they want to see further consolidation of relations between CSC and their individual organizations to promote peace and harmony in Baluchistan province. Some of their comments are as follow:

EXPECTATIONS:

- It will be a good opportunity to learn and meet other people working on peace issues

- This training will be helpful in enabling participants to play important role in bringing

peace in society

- It would be helpful in disseminating tools for peace building in society

- The information learned from this training will be useful for community at grassroots

Level

RECOMMENDATIONS:

- The program should be conducted in other districts of the province as well and

opportunity to social activists and women should be given to attend the training

- There should be follow‐ up programs of this training and more and more people should

be made part of it

- Video documentary on Composite Heritage would be helpful in developing interest in

the concept and imparting better understanding of phenomenon of Composite Heritage

- Apart from NGOs other stakeholders should also be invited to broaden its network

(Reported by. Mr. Mehoob Sada)

(News from Vellore Institute of Development Studies, Vellore, India)

Transparent India as a New Social Covenant:

A Regional Consultation on "Towards a Transparent Inclusive Indian Society: Challenges Ahead" was sponsored by the Commission on Justice, Peace & Creation (CJPC) of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) of Nagpur and organized by the Vellore Institute of Development Studies (VIDS), with the objective of launching a crusade for a just and equal social order in a campaign for a transparent society at all levels held at Vellore on 17^th October 2009. Elected representatives, administrators, legal experts, church leaders, NGOs, social activists, academicians and students participated in the deliberations of the meet.

Corruption: A Way of Life

While introducing the program Dr. P. Jegadish Gandhi, Director, VIDS said that corruptive practices had shaped and swayed politics, bureaucracy and judiciary to a large extent in the 62-year-old independent and democratic India, which is in the process of scripting an inclusive society with economic sinews of development. Transparency, accountability and responsibility (TAR) must be imbibed in all public-centric relations for able governance and a better society. Rev. J. Isaac Moon, President of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC), in his inaugural address, focused on the faith dictum that as the people of the transparent God, we are called to be testimonials transparent, attestable accountable and enviably responsible in all our activities in a secular setting. Dr. A. Ranga Reddy, Professor of Economics, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, in a special address on 'Corruption: All the Way in India-Complacency vs. Transparency, said that corruption in India undermines democracy and destroys credibility of state and people. Not only the politicians and the bureaucrats but also all people are equally responsible for the perpetuation of corruptive practices and the bribery way of life. The time is ripe to bring both the bribe-takers and the bribe-givers under the ambit of rigorous laws. A vibrant social revolution should be signaled, involving all social groups, to usher in a transparent India."

Need for Transparency

Mr. C. Gnanasekaran, Vellore MLA, shed light on the shady and surreptitious dealings of public authorities at all levels and advocated a "transparency test" for them at regular intervals. Mr. Raja Santhanam, Human Rights practitioner of Vellore, pointed out that there has been a growing sense of cynicism and concern among the public about the fall in standards of judicial conduct and pleaded for restoration of judicial integrity. Dr. Felix. N. Sugirtharaj, Secretary, Association for the Rural Poor, Chennai, said that the NGO movement in South India pinpointed the pitfalls in the globalised corruptive "social good delivery system." He exhorted all the NGOs, social scientists, academicians and student bodies to join to pave the way for a transparent society. R. Jayakaran Isaac, a Church leader, urged churches and institutions to be prepared to move away from the present self-perception as a 'religious minority' entity to a larger 'public-centric' social network in a pluralized society. "In a bid to increase TAR, every major church and institution should set up task forces for better governance and administration". Social activist P. Amudha strongly recommended public awareness-building programs at all levels to ensure sustainable transparent society.

Is a Transparent India Possible?

The Vellore Consultation had called upon concerted involvement of all sections of the society to foster transparent culture and help India evolve as respectable in the comity of nations. The participants had identified that corruptive practices had shaped and swayed politics, bureaucracy and judiciary systems in the country to a large extent in the 62-year old independent India. They have also identified the rampant corruption stunting the growth and development to realize the goal of transforming India into a superpower. "Bribery fosters all kinds' social evils such as casteism, nepotism besides widening the gap between rich and the poor."

Recognizing the challenges ahead in tackling situations, the civil society should lobby with the State and the Centre to conform to liberal procedures to bring both bribe taker and bribe giver under punitive provisions of the criminal law. The meet has urged the need to create more awareness on the RTI Act at grassroots level besides evolving the role of the public information officer more citizen-friendly. A resolution has urged the need for periodical check on the assets of government officials while they availed promotion and other pecuniary benefits. A special call has been given to all social groups to launch A Transparent India Campaign across the country. Social networking of NGOs, social activists, academics and student bodies should engage in creating awareness. All NGOs and service organizations should maintain regular social audit of their programs and make "stand-alone" example in public affairs. It is not just the government and its leaders, even the Christian churches and institutions were called not to misuse minority rights and cover up unhealthy practices. They were urged to set up effective grievance redressal system to address genuine complaints at all levels. The participants have advocated people's initiatives from the top to the grassroots level in order to stamp out corruption, involving overt and covert unethical public deeds and dealings.

Is a transparent India possible? Amid an upsurge in corruption and poor governance, attaining a transparent society will be full of legal obstacles and social opportunities. However, the Vellore consultation discerns that upon concerted involvement of all socially inclusive sections, a transparent culture can be made feasible.

(Reported by Dr. J. Gandhi)

Marcelo Farias Hild - ex-director of Oikosnet member centre, now artist in support of Parkinson disease victims

2009-12-24T14:07:00.006Z

A "wonder"ful story for Christmas eve: Marcelo Farias Hild was director of the Kairos Centre in Buenos Aires/Argentina in the 90s. It was at his centre where in 1997 the then "World Collaboration Committee" invented the new name "Oikosnet" for the global network of academies and laity centres. A couple of years after having left the centre Marcelo was diagnosed with Parkinson disease. But he did not give up, and today Marcelo is back as a renowned composer, musician and singer who commits himself to supporting people with Parkinson disease, especially in Argentina and Uruguay. Check out his website here!

Retreats in Space and Time: A Nine-Day Program on Desert Spirituality, Monasticism, Liturgy and Cultural Heritage in the Holy Land 13 – 21 March 2010

2009-12-08T13:25:00.001Z

The Evangelische Akademie der Pfalz and Sigtunastiftelsen invite you to join!
Participants of all faith traditions – and none – are welcome to join this experiential study program, exploring the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Judean and Negev Deserts, with focus on the history and current reality of the monastic life and liturgies of living Christian communities – of both East and West – in the Holy Land.
You are welcome also to walk together with us on the “Abraham Path”. This is a people-to-people initiative promoting an understanding of past cultural diversity as a positive model for contemporary societies, in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Lecturers:
Daniel Rossing, Director of the Jerusalem
Centre for Jewish-Christian Relations.
Henry Raphael Carse, leader of experiential study programs in
Desert Spirituality, Contemporary Pilgrimage and Interfaith
Dialogue.
Avner Goren, archaeologist and Director of the Abraham Path
in Israel.
A Nine-Day Program* on Desert
Spirituality, Monasticism, Liturgy and
Cultural Heritage in the Holy Land
13 – 21 March 2010

Programme folder

INFORMATION

Box 57, 193 22 Sigtuna
08 – 592 589 00
www.sigtunastiftelsen.se

For more information about costs etc. and application , please contact one of the course facilitators and co-organizers below, before 13 January 2010:

Tina Haettner Blomquist
Sigtunastiftelsen
tina.haettner.blomquist@sigtunastiftelsen.se

Georg Wenz
Evangelische Akademie der Pfalz
georg.wenz@eapfalz.de

Global CLLT 2009 ended successfully

2009-11-22T03:52:00.002Z

The 17th global Oikosnet Course for Leadership in Lay Training (CLLT) ended on Friday, November 20th. Participants from Africa, Latin and North America, Asia, and the Middle East got certified as Dialogue for Peacful Change facilitators. Some pictures are here

Oikosnet Asia website online again

2009-11-01T15:53:00.001Z

The website of Oikosnet's Asian branch, ACISCA/Oikosnet Asia is online again:
http://www.acisca.org/index.html

Orthodox Academy of Crete: International Conference "conSERVATION and sustainable use of wild plant DIVERSITY"

2009-10-30T09:07:00.001Z

“conSERVATION and sustainable use of wild plant DIVERSITY”

May 5-8, 2010
Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC)

Kolympari, Chania, Greece

“We have to preserve wild plant diversity to sustain and improve life support system on Earth”

Conference goals

At the beginning of the 21st century, habitat alteration, unsustainable harvests, overgrazing, the climate change, the introduction of non-native plants, political indifference and public unawareness are just some of the leading causes of declining wild plant diversity and populations worldwide. It is widely accepted that the Earth is entering a severe ecological crisis and the life support system on our planet is in danger. This international conference on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wild Plant Diversity (CSUWPD) aims at bringing together environmental stake holders, scientists, theologians, scholars, politicians, sociologists, farmers, specialists and amateurs to exchange information and insights to promote actions for supporting botanical activities and for building knowledge about plant conservation and their sustainable use. "CSUWPD" conference addresses the need for a human response to plant diversity loss and unsustainable utilization. It affirms human responsibility for the well being of the Earth and the vast communities of Life. The goal of the conference is to create a multi-disciplinary and international forum for information and knowledge exchange among all friends of plants who are conscious of their responsibility toward a more sustainable future for wild plant diversity and population.

events and scientific programme

The main social event associated with the conference is the inauguration festivities of the new botanic garden of the Museum of Cretan Flora – OAC as well as the international photo competition on the “Beauty of wild plants and fungies in Europe”. Visits to the fabulous gorge of Samaria will be scheduled in addition to the excursion to the splendid sea-side protected area of Elafonisi (NATURA 2000 - GR2540002) in the South-West of Crete. The scientific programme will consist of keynote lectures, selected oral and poster presentations as well as arts exhibitions.

Important dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 30, 2009

Author Notification: February 4, 2010

Final Manuscript Due: April 2, 2010

Further information:

Please check our website: www.oac.gr

Contact person: Dr. Lucas Andrianos

Address; Orthodox Academy of Crete, Museum of Cretan Flora, Kolympari, Chania 73006 Greece

Tel. +30-2824022500; Fax: +30-2824022060

E-mail: oac@otenet.gr or laoac@otenet.gr

Δρ. Λουκάς ΑΝΔΡΙΑΝΟΣ (Lucas A. Andrianos)
Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης ΙΤΕ-ΟΑΚ (Scientific Collaborator FORTH-OAC)
ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΑΚΑΔΗΜΙΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ (Orthodox Academy of Crete)
730 06 ΚΟΛΥΜΠΑΡΙ ΧΑΝΙΩΝ (Kolympari, Chania)
Τηλ (TEL): 28240 22245
Φαξ (FAX): 28240 22060
E-mail: LAoac@otenet.gr
www.oac.gr

ACISCA NEWS FOR OIKOSNET SITE

2009-10-04T06:56:00.001+01:00

Dear Oikosnet Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to share our news through this Oikosnet web site. Hope you will find it interesting.

If you are interested in our programs please contact me at: issa.zechariah@gmail.com. You are most welcome.

God bless you.

John Zechariah
Chairman OIKOSNET ASIA/ACISCA
===============================

Brief Report of Dhaka Workshop

Theme: Climate Change Role of Christian NGO's and Churches in Bangladesh
Jointly organized by HOPE Foundation (HF) and ACISCA/Oiksnet Asia
Place: Hope Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Participants: 30
Date: July 13 and 14, 2009
Reported by: Pabon Pritchil

Chairman of HOPE Foundation, Mr. Joyanta Adhikari presented the inaugural message

Fist session was conducted by Dr. Dwijen Mallick, - Sociologist- Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) researcher and expert in Climate Change. Topic of his presentation was "Climate Change impacts and its linkages with poverty, livelihood and development in Bangladesh ". He comprehensively covered and discussed all the issues Dr. Mallicks presentation was comprehensive and straight forward to the point.

2nd session conducted by Rev. Martin Adhikary, He presented, Biblical perspective:
"Climate change and its impact in Bangladesh Role of Christina NGO's and Churches" He is theology teacher, social leader and writer. Presently, he works for The Leprosy Mission Bangladesh ass Director, Advocacy, Promotion & Spiritual Development.

In Biblical perspective, he referred Bible chapters and verses and explains the God's desire for His people. He refers and describes chapters & verses from different books of Bible - Psalm 24:1, Acts 17:24, Genesis 1-2, Psalm 1:26-28, 2:19-20, Genesis 9:8-17, Roams 8:22 and 2nd King 2:17-22.

He recommended that Christian NGO's and Churches can play a very vital role in Climate Change in education awareness and mitigation.

3rd session conducted by Sudipto Charles Sarker- Consultant of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) Expert implementer of disaster management for 15 years plus. The topic he presented was "Climate Change & linkage with disaster in Bangladesh - Role of Christian NGOs and Churches"

4th session conducted by Humayun Kabir, Managing Director of Programs Support Professionals Ltd. The topic he presented was "Climate Change, Awareness & Major impact in Bangladesh" He is grass roots expert in capacity building and training in Climate Change awareness Program

5th session was group discussion and presentation on the topic "Initiatives Christian NGO's and Churches can take for Climate Change" The group was divided into two for discussion and presentation on the findings.

6th sessions Roseline Costa. The topic of her presentation was: Human Rights violation perspective: "Climate Change and its impact in Bangladesh - Role of Christian NGOs and Churches:

In closing she made remarkable recommendation that the responsible people must come out and rescue from this disaster since, because of their pleasure the innocent human race is suffering. And we must act together to face this challenges.

Conclusion

The workshop had good learning interaction because of like- mind organizations and Churches participation. Further, they felt good because the title of the workshop has been very situational approach kind of topic. Participants especially thanked ACISCA/Oiksnet Asia and HOPE Foundation for organizing such valuable workshop for greater interest of the Country and Society. They said undoubtedly the leaning will benefit the organization and churches. Moreover, the facilitators were very resourceful and cordial in their deliberation and resource materials handouts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capacity Building Workshop, Bali, Indonesia

Theme: Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Jointly organized by ACISCA and MBM, Bali Indonesia
Date: July 21-23, 2009
Place: Maha Bhoga Marga, Bali, Indonesia
Participants: 40
(As repotted by Rev. Suvama Nengah, MBM, Bali)

Important Topics dealt:

1. Disaster Terminology              2. Capacity, Vulnerability and Disaster Risk Analysis
3. Disaster Management            4. Disaster Risk Alleviation
5. Recognizing Conflict               6. Conflict Analysis Session I, II and III
7. Conflict Management Strategy

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OIKOSNET ASIA/ACISCA programs, September 2009 to October 2010:

1. ACISCA CLLT will be organized in Indonesia (Bali). November 30 to December 9, 2009.

2. Global DPC and CLLT in Bangkok, Thailand. November 5 to 20, 2009

3. Workshop on Composite Heritage in 2009. December 14 to 19, 2009 in Dhaka, Bangladesh

4. Youth Capacity Building training for ACISCA staff, March 2010, ISSA Youth Center, Pune, India

5. Workshop on migrant labor, women and children in Asia, July/August 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand

6. National (Asian centers) programs are planed, between September 2009 to October 2010.

7. General Assembly and 40th Anniversary of ACISCA in November 2010, Bangkok, Thailand
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oikosnet centre director elected as new head of UCC Canada

2009-08-27T11:37:00.003+01:00

Mardi Tindal, director of Five Oaks (Ontario/CA) was elected head of UCC Canada. Congratulations!
More here

Meet the new president of Oikosnet, Serop Megerditchian (Aleppo/Syria)

2009-06-09T14:18:00.002+01:00

Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA: Consultation on Gaza Conflict

2009-05-27T14:25:00.002+01:00

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

Occupation, Land and Settlement
Palestinian State
Refugees
Palestinian Terror
Israel Repression
Israel Security
Water
Jerusalem

Current Issues in the Israel – Palestinian Conflict:

Death of Yasser Araft
Hamas election victory
Recognizing Israel
Palestinian Unity and Quartet boycott
Collapse of the Palestinian authority
Truce and violence
Security
Provisional State versus Final Status
Qassam Rockets
Kidnapped Soldier
Israeli Security Handover
The “Security barrier” (Apartheid Wall)
Prisoners
Disengagement
Safe Passage and open borders
Israel Outposts
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

2009-05-27T14:23:00.000+01:00

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

2009-05-27T14:20:00.001+01:00

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

Oikosnet Africa: Pre.assembly DPC workshop in Ghana

2009-01-25T16:43:00.002Z

The

Ramseyer Training Centre in Abetifi hosted from 26 - 29 November 2008 the workshop included as a pre-event before the General Assembly of ACLCA. The training team - Jaap vand der Sar, Igeme Katagwe, Iulia Picu - introduced 26 participants from all over Africa, members of ACLCA, to the content of Dialogue for Peaceful Change, with emphasis on aspects like communication, models of understanding human behaviour when conflicts are arising or present – as well as different possibilities of dealing with conflicts. Quite some time was spent on mediation, both formal and informal.Through experiential learning, the participants were led into becoming aware of their almost instinctive reactions in conflict situations and understand that they could bring their own experience and knowledge as a key-resource to the workshop.The reactions, both in a verbal round in the last plenary session as well as on paper, indicated that participants recognised the patterns, as they were taught. There was an overwhelming positive response and requests for future training to be held in other centres.

"On my part what I found striking especially from participants is the avalache of requests to hold DPC in their Centers. Two ladies from Cameroon were emphatic and made it my farewell message that I should arrange a DPC workshop for francophone Africa. I spoke to the Francophone representative, Dr Pascal Foussou, who was excited about the idea. In a nutshell life in Africa is bridled with types of conflict that can have social disruption on unwanted scale. So DPC training with its emphasis on mediative skills is appropriate. With Africa we have to widen the part of mediative behaviour because of the latent conflicts that are on the rise regarding different enthnic communities"

Igeme Katagwe

From the DPC blog

Pray for India

2008-12-04T15:20:00.002Z

Global Oikosnet Leaders.

Dear Friends:

Greetings from ACISCA/OIKOSNET ASIA.

I wish to thank friends who have expressed sympathy and solidarity for the people who died and wounded in Mumbai terrorist attack. I appreciate your initiative. Thank you so much.

Let us all join and express our sorrow, sympathy.and solidarity with the people of India.

The terror attacks of 11/26 on Mumbai had aim not only to terrorize the Indians but the whole world as they had tried during 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The similarity is easy to identify. The terrorist selected major multicultural cities and tried to terrorize every section, irrespective of caste, religion, and race. The attacks are inhuman, mindless and meaningless. More than 200 innocent lives were lost including 20 valiant men on duty who laid down their lives. There is a mood of anger, frustration. The terrorist threat is not over. Indian home ministry warned of possible use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons by terrorists. Biological attack likely in next 5 years, a top US panel said, identifying Pakistan as an area of "grave concern" due to terror networks, history of instability and its atomic arsenal.

The objective behind a terror strike is not necessarily retribution for perceived injustice being done to any particular community - as was the case with the serial blasts in Mumbai. That was ostensibly to seek revenge for the attacks on the minority community in various parts of India. Today, the terrorists have larger agenda, not limited to local regions, states or even the nation. They have gone pan-global. And terror strikes have assumed multi-dimensional objectives. One of the major objectives is obviously to send a message to the ruling establishment, and in effect to the rest of world, which is - don't mess with us, we are capable of inflicting massive damage.

It is high time for everyone to understand that violence does not solve the problem but merely makes matters worse. Today world needs peace. Peace demands a mentality and a spirit which must permeate us who wishes to bring peace. Peace is first and foremost personal, before it is social. Every one needs to cultivate spirit of peace and consider it has duty. The soul of peace is love. Let us keep our hearts in peace let nothing in this world disturb it.

Let us pray for India and world in its need, asking God to bring peace, harmony and progress. Let us pray that God's will may be done in the world. His purposes are deeper and wiser than anything we can imagine.

Friends, may I suggest to organize prayer meetings at our centers for peace in India and world.

God bless you.

Yours Sincerely

John Zechariah

Chairman ACISCA/Oikosnet Asia.

issa.zechariah@gmail.com

Colombia: Oikosnet America Latina realizó su VI Curso Regional enfocado en la construcción de paz y justicia

2008-09-29T09:46:00.008+01:00

Víctor Liza Jaramillo
Barranquilla, viernes, 26 de septiembre de 2008 (ALC) - Del 12 al 21 de septiembre pasados, la Red Ecuménica de Centros Laicos – Oikosnet América Latina desarrolló su VI Curso Regional, denominado “Construcción de Paz con Justicia en los Procesos Latinoamericanos”, en la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia.

En el curso participaron representantes de diversas organizaciones y centros de formación ecuménica de distintos países, como Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Perú y República Dominicana, además de los participantes de Colombia, país anfitrión.

Como facilitadores estuvieron el teólogo chileno Álvaro Ramis, y la psicóloga uruguaya Alicia Zijlstra, quienes trabajaron con los participantes el tema de la Mediación de Conflictos. También acompañaron el proceso Jerry Garavito, del Centro de Estudios y Desarrollo de Derechos Humanos; el coordinador de Oikosnet, Germán Zárate, y Guillermo Suárez, coordinador del curso; todos de Colombia.

Una de las actividades más resaltantes del curso, fue la visita realizada a la comunidad de Piojó el miércoles 17. En esta localidad se encuentran varios desplazados por el enfrentamiento entre el ejército colombiano y la guerrilla, que no han sido atendidos por el Estado hasta el momento.

Fue una experiencia enriquecedora para los presentes, no solamente por haber compartido con gente que tiene muy poco, sino por el difícil camino para llegar hasta este lugar, entre árboles y tierra convertida en barro por la lluvia.

El objetivo central del VI Curso fue fortalecer las capacidades de los y las participantes, con la finalidad de promover la construcción de una cultura de paz, acompañada de justicia y dignidad, desde la intervención en las causas estructurales y culturales de los conflictos en cada una de las realidades latinoamericanas.

La Red Ecuménica de Centros Laicos (OIKOSNET - América Latina) está integrada por organizaciones de 10 países de América Latina, a saber: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El salvador, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay y Venezuela. Además, mantiene contactos con organizaciones de otros países latinoamericanos y caribeños. La principal meta es el encuentro y el compartir las experiencias de los centros que trabajan en educación, formación ecuménica y desarrollo humano, buscando hacer más eficiente y solidario su servicio y misión en la región.

OIKOSNET - América Latina es una de las asociaciones regionales de OIKOSNET, la Red Global de Centros Laicos, Academias y Movimientos de Interés Social que trabajan por comunidades justas, participativas, sustentables e inclusivas.

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Successful Inter-religious DPC-training in Pakistan

2008-07-21T11:53:00.001+01:00

20 new DPC-facilitators. This is the result of the training of DPC facilitators, held at the Christian Study Centre in Rawalpindi, Pakistan from 12 - 17 July 2008. Participants came from different organisations from all over the country, as well as from different religious communities - Muslim and Christian. At the beginning of the training the question was raised whether DPC-methodology is applicable in the Pakistani context. The conclusion at the end of the training was: Very much so. Participants recognised that DPC offers a methodology which can be easily applied in families, in organisations as well as in relationships between groups that have conflicting views, or in the prevention stages of conflicts. DPC helps preventing to go to violent stages - that was one of the key learnings that participants took home.
Jaap van der Sar

31. Annual Oikosnet Encounter in June on Bali

2008-05-27T07:55:00.002+01:00

From June 5th to 12th, the 31st Annual Oikosnet Encounter will take place at Dhyana Pura on Bali/Indonesia.
Each year the leadership group of Oikosnet - presidents and executive secretaries of all Oikosnet regions - meets once for planning the global work programme for the next years.
On invitation by Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA, the global board meets at Dhyana Pura, a training centre and hotel owned by the Churh of Bali.