Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kingston (Agenzia Fides) - The work of the “International Ecumenical Peace Convocation” continues (see Fides 14/5/2011). Advocates of peace around the world, including top officials of the Middle East, India, Brazil and the United States, tell devastating experiences of violence and oppression, and express their hope that a movement of peace prevails in the community and the dignity and rights of every human being are protected. The common objective of all participants is to find all types of aid for the world to achieve proper peace. Among the various testimonies, that of Dr. Muna Mushahwar, a Christian Palestinian from Jerusalem who said: "As a woman, I believe that there cannot be justice in the community if we do not find safe shelter in our Church that has a crucial role and must assume its responsibilities ". The words were echoed by the President of the International Council of Christians and Jews, Deborah Weissman, who was also in Jerusalem, and said that "currently atrocities around the world in the name of religion are being committed."
Violence does not stay suspended in the air, said Prof. Ram Puniyani, a writer known for his fight to protect the spirit and secular values in India, adding that "violence is fueled by the fact that a large sector of society has been indoctrinated in having feelings of hatred towards others. " Asha Kowtal, Dalit activist and leader of a movement for women in India, referring to the situation of women in her country said that "currently there are hundreds of young victims of sexual abuse by the ruling caste of men," who believes are the main violation of human rights which leads to discrimination and marginalization.
Even in Brazil people live different forms of discrimination that cause violent conflicts, said Tania Mara Vieira Sampaio, a professor at the Catholic University of Brasilia. "In Brazil, as elsewhere in Latin America, to get into university is a privilege that few people can afford, we fight to overcome the logic of the market and we are committed to finding a more dignified life for all, especially for young people. " Martin Luther King III, from Atlanta, Georgia, son of Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the struggle for civil rights, murdered, underlined the fact that the teachings of Jesus are deeply rooted in nonviolence, but the defense and promotion of Peace must be the responsibility of believers of all spiritual traditions. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 05/24/2011)
