09.08.2019

"Mission Sparks" - background information from UEM Asia

Is diversity a strength or a weakness in society? There are at least two answers to this question. For people who think that diversity is part of social capital - relationship among people who live and work together -they say it is the strength of society. But for people who think that diversity as cause of conflict and disunity, they say it is a weakness for the society. In Asia, both answers are considered. On the one hand, Asians often undergo conflicts and violence brought about by the fear of differences. On the other hand, diversity provides rich sources and alternatives to find solutions to create peace amidst conflicts. In this edition, we present insights and living experience about diversity and differences, as mark of Asia society, are misused to cause and enhance conflict between religious people and seek new understanding to find new alternatives and initiatives to bring peace among religions. In the midst of conflict and divisions in the society, many efforts have been initiated by different groups and organizations, including churches, to bring peace in communities. Religious people and civil society are called to build harmony and peace in post conflict. The experiences in Maluku is the main thought from Abidin Wakano. He emphasizes the importance to carry a common responsibility in upholding peace and justice by holding dialogues and internalization of local wisdom in the community. Understanding and respecting other faiths, such as their different religious obligations and freedom of religion are presented in the article by Claudia Währisch-Oblau during the UEM consultation on Mission and Da’wa. She believes that mutual listening and learning can be reached through this Declaration statement on Mission and Da’wa. Therefore Mission and Da’wa leads to dialogue. We need a room for people to dialogue or start discussion on eradicating radicalism and terrorism. Women, as member of the society, could either be victims or perpetrators of radicalism and terrorism. Oinike Natalia Harefa suggested several practical strategies for woman in eradicating radicalism and terrorism and in strengthening the role of the woman to bring peace. Besides, there are many minority religious groups that plays significant roles for bringing peace in their communities. They built good sustainable relationships with other faiths and played a very significant role in creating a peaceful society against stereotypes and stigmatization. Fajar Wicaksono gives an example of GKJW Madurese Christian congregation in Sumberpakem, Juwasto shares his experience as a minority Christian in GKJTU Pulosari and Kachchakaduge S.N Fernando writes about the call of MCSL as minority Christian in Sri Lanka to bring peace in their homeland. The same call was written by Bishop Melzar Labuntogfrom UCCP in the Philippines on how they continue to strive for justice and peace amidst difficult challenges in attaining forgiveness and reconciliation. In this 6thedition, may the stories, reallife experiences and insights enrich you as peacemakers in society and bring hope for a better future as we live in diversity. We hope that Indonesian version, enclosed in this edition, will help more Indonesian speaking readers to obtain ideas and insights on peace building in Asian context. Have a good time in reading! Read more... Rev. Dr. Dyah Ayu KrismawatiExecutive Secretary of UEM Asia Department and Chief Editor