Faith leaders commit to peace at Tokyo Roundtables

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Amid the wars crippling the world, Religions for Peace International and Religions for Peace Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), have organized a multi-religious peace effort.

Through the second “Beyond War and Toward Reconciliation: Multi-Religious Peace Roundtables” which took place from 19-21 February in Tokyo, the entities brought together diverse religious and faith leaders representing five religions from 15 conflict-affected countries, to share wisdom and explore short- and long-term processes and initiatives, to advance peace and reconciliation.

During the three-day Roundtable, which built upon an inaugural Roundtable in 2022, participants discussed the necessity and importance of religious and faith actors, policymakers, stakeholders, and civil society to come together to call for respect of human life and dignity. 

Multi-religious peace dialogue is vital

The highlight of the "Second Tokyo Peace Roundtable" was the faith leaders' issuance, at its conclusion, of the Beyond War and Towards Reconciliation: Multi-Religious Peace Roundtables Statement, in which they made concrete commitments “to continue to pray and work multi-religiously towards a culture of peace that advances shared well-being, grounded in respect for the sanctity of life and human dignity.”

In the statement, they express their "deep concern" for the "unimaginable suffering" that people are undergoing in conflict zones throughout the world, including in Haiti, the Middle East, Myanmar, and Ukraine.

Most vulnerable caught in crossfire

"We recognise that the foundations of peace and security are threatened in every region of the world," they decried, while adding that "the most vulnerable – women, children, and marginalised peoples – are caught in the crossfire and disproportionately suffering from severe violence, displacement, and other human rights violations."

"Inspired by the divine teachings of our respective religions and beliefs," the faith leaders continue, "we unite in our multi-religious vision of peace, and our common responsibility to serve as bridge-builders and peacemakers, and to foster reconciliation and positive relationships in our war-torn communities."

Moreover, the signatories vehemently "denounce" war and violence, "recognising its violation of the sacred principle of upholding the sanctity of life and human dignity."

Concrete steps

To best achieve their "multi-religious vision of peace," the faith leaders laid out a series of collective actions, which include working together, to ensure "that no one is left behind," in a way that promotes a common action "to address severe violence, displacement, and other human rights violations."

They also stressed the need to mobilise their religious assets and communities to provide humanitarian assistance for war-torn communities, and to promote sustained engagement and assistance, especially to women and the youth.

In addition, the faith leaders committed to long-term processes for healing and reconciliation "to avoid the recurrence and perpetuation of war and violence"; to promote unity and healing among families and communities that have been harmed and separated by conflicts and wars.

Before concluding, the representatives expressed their intention to continue convening the Multi-Religious Peace Roundtables "to build trust, heal divisions, and foster forgiveness and reconciliation for more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies," and offered their "heartfelt prayers and unwavering solidarity to those suffering the brunt of ongoing wars and violence."

"We reaffirm," they stressed, "our commitment to continue to pray and work multireligiously towards a culture of peace."

Accountable to the 2 billion children of the world

Dr. Francis Kuria Kagema, newly appointed Secretary General of Religions for Peace (RFP), underlined the importance of bringing together the voices of religious leaders to address the intractable issues of conflict and war.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Emmanuel Adamakis, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon and RFP Co-Moderator, emphasised how "imperative" it is "for all stakeholders to commit to long-term goals of reconciliation and that the continuation of multi-religious peace dialogue is vital to achieve peace.” 

Dr. Vinu Aram, President of Shanti Ashram, also an RFP Co-Moderator, likewise called for engaging women and children in their efforts, and asked all those convened in the Japanese capital, and “all those who have the courage to dream of a better world," "to be held accountable to the two billion children of the world.”