E-Bulletin: First Quarter 2010

IN THIS EDITION:

Non-Aligned Movement Inter- GLOBAL ACTION | ADVANCING PEACE AROUND THE WORLD faith Dialogue

The stories that follow are just a few examples of dedicated work undertaken by Appeal on behalf of Haiti members of Religions for Peace, the world’s largest and most representative multi- religious coalition, from 1 January through 31 March 2010. Additional outstanding Women’s empowerment efforts have been undertaken by our regional and national inter-religious councils addressed at global summit and groups around the world. Religions for Peace Uganda wins US$30 million grant

JAKARTA | GOVERNMENTS-CIVIL SOCIETY COOPERATE TOGETHER Small Arms and Light Weapons guide launched

Religious leaders from Indonesia, the United States, and the Asia region committed ______to cooperating together on shared concerns at the close of an international bi- lateral dialogue of religious leaders and civil society actors in Jakarta, Indonesia. Send us your news and work, and we’ll “Building Collaborative Communities: Enhancing Cooperation among People of include it in the next quarterly e-Bulletin! Different Faiths,” was held on 25–27 January 2010, in Jakarta, Indonesia. This Questions, comments, or news? Kindly partnership was developed at the initiative of Indonesia, the country with the world’s contact: largest Islamic population and a multi-religious national identity. It was welcomed Ms. Andrea Louie by the White House and U.S. State Department as an example of the positive Communications Manager Religions for Peace–International engagement of religions as called for by U.S. President Barack Obama in his 777 United Nations Plaza, 9th Fl. speech in Cairo. Religions for Peace facilitated the event. New York NY 10017 +1 212.687.2163 Among those representing Religions for Peace were Dr. Din Syamsuddin, [email protected]

President of Muhammadiyah and a Religions for Peace Honorary President, and Religions for Peace—the world’s largest Al Mukarram Kyai Jaji Ahmad Hasyim Muzadi, General Chairman of Nahdlatul and most representative multi-religious coalition—advances common action among Ulama and a Co-President of the Religions for Peace World Council. Supporting the world’s religious communities for peace. them were Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General, the Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Religions for Peace works to transform Assistant Secretary General, and the Rev. Donald (Bud) Heckman, Director for violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious External Relations, of the Religions for Peace International Secretariat. societies, and protect the earth. The global Religions for Peace network comprises a Religious leaders and civil society actors from Indonesia and the United States World Council of senior religious leaders from all regions of the world; six regional were joined by other Asian religious leaders from Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, the inter-religious bodies and more than seventy Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Including more than twenty representatives national ones; and the Global Women of affiliated with Religions for Peace, the more than seventy participants committed to Faith Network and Global Youth Network. acting together to end poverty, promote education on religious diversity, protect the environment, and advance good governance. They agreed to tackle these challenges by advancing advocacy, promoting education, and taking other needed actions through multi-religious partnerships that engage both national religious leaders and their communities’ grassroots. READ MORE

THE PHILIPPINES | NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE

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In a keynote address, Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace, called for partnerships between governments and religious bodies to stop war, fight poverty, and protect the earth. Dr. Vendley spoke at the first Special Non- Aligned Movement Ministerial (NAM) Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development held on 16–18 March 2010 in Manila, the Philippines. There are 118 NAM member countries. More than 100 Foreign Ministers attended the three-day inter-faith dialogue hosted by the Philippine government. “Religious communities and governments have different and quite distinct identities, mandates, and capacities,” Dr. Vendley said in his remarks. “Cooperation between them should respect these differences, even as it helps us all to build the peace for which our hearts hunger.”

The meeting was opened by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who spoke by video; Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; United Nations General Assembly President Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki; and Dr. Vendley. READ MORE

HAITI | APPEAL ON BEHALF OF EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010, members of the global Religions for Peace global coalition raised tens of thousands of dollars to contribute toward relief efforts. Some examples include: 1.) Members of the Religions for Peace Global Youth Network in Malaysia were inspired to collect $8,700 “on behalf of all sentient beings;” 2.) Several individual faith communities in the Religions for Peace family —including Won Buddhist International and Rissho Kosei-kai—mobilized their members to gather contributions and/or to send volunteer teams to rebuild; 4.) Mr. Abdul Ilah Mohammed Rafie Marafie, Chief Patron Trustee of the Marafie Foundation in Kuwait and a Religions for Peace International Trustee, made a US$10,000 contribution; and 4.) Prayers of support were contributed from around the world; Religions for Peace Liberia was just one affiliate that organized a special prayer service on behalf of sisters and brothers in Haiti.

Religions for Peace will forward the financial contributions to our respected, faith- based partners on the ground in Haiti: Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, Islamic Relief Worldwide, and The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief.

Finally, at the request of senior religious leaders of different faiths, Religions for Peace helped support them in their efforts to begin the process of building Religions for Peace Haiti. Mr. Elias Szczytnicki, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace Latin American and Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders, and Mr. Stein Villumstad, Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace, traveled to Port-au-Prince on 21–25 March 2010. The religious leaders affirmed their commitment to work together in a statement. You may read the statement, view photos, and read their personal observations. READ MORE

QATAR | THIRD CONGRESS OF MUSLIM PHILANTHROPISTS

On 22 March 2010, Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al-Naimi, Chairman, Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), moderated a roundtable at the Third World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists in Doha, Qatar on “Interfaith Action for Human Dignity and Development.” Dr. William F. Vendley offered an address to the roundtable, and he was invited to give a closing keynote to the participants. In addition, Dr. Al-Naimi and guests of the DICID were hosted at the United Nations

2 | Page by Religions for Peace and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN on 22–23 April 2010.

USA | WHITE HOUSE INTERFAITH COUNCIL: NEW PARNTERSHIPS ERA

The President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships presented its final report of recommendations to U.S. President Barack Obama and senior Administration officials at the White House on 8 March 2010. Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace, serves as an advisor to President Obama, especially on aspects of the Partnerships Report which dealt with international and inter-religious matters. Dr. Vendley was a principal author of key components of the Inter-religious Cooperation section of the report (pp. 69–92) and was able to draw on the forty years of Religions for Peace experience in countries around the world. READ MORE

NIGERIA | RELIGIOUS LEADERS SPEAK OUT ON JOS VIOLENCE

In the wake of violence in Nigeria that left hundreds dead, particular in the Jos area, leaders in the Religions for Peace Nigerian Inter-religious Council (NIREC) called for both Christian and Muslim faithful to join hands in deploying the best spiritual resources in this difficult task of healing the painful memories of the past. The Council noted in a statement that the primary responsibility to ensure security of lives and properties rested “squarely with government.” “We commend efforts so far made to contain the crisis. But more certainly needs to be done, especially in the area of prevention and vigilance.” READ MORE

SIERRA LEONE | COMBATTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The Religions for Peace Inter-religious Council of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Network Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (NMDHR), conducted a training to help combat violence against women on 15–26 February 2010 in a number of districts throughout Sierra Leone. The project is sponsored by CORDAID Netherlands. The purpose of the project is to enhance the capacity of traditional and religious leaders to use the verses of the Quran and the Bible to educate their congregation on the rights of women and girls in society. Violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights abuse as well as one of the most hidden in Sierra Leone, officials said. READ MORE

USA | CONSULTATION ON CHILDREN AFFECTED BY CONFLICT

Religions for Peace and UNICEF have launched a partnership to explore how to enhance the engagement of religious communities, particularly inter-religious mechanisms, to protect children affected by conflict. “A Consultation on the Role of Religious Communities to Protect Children Affected by Conflict” was held on 8-9 March 2010 in New York and brought together senior religious leaders and development experts to explore ways of helping children. Among those representing Religions for Peace were Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace African Council of Religious Leaders; Mr. Pablito Baybado, Jr. (Philippines); Dr. Francis Kuria (Kenya); Mr. Errick Lutambwe Milindi (Democratic Republic of Congo); and Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Sr. (Liberia). In addition, Msgr. Hector Fabio Henao of Colombia Caritas was among those engaged in the dialogue. The consultation was supported by Rev. Kyoichi Sugino,

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Assistant Secretary General of Religions for Peace, and Ms. Deepika Singh, Director of Program Coordination of Religions for Peace. VIEW PHOTOS

GHANA | ADVOCATING FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The Ghana Conference of Religions for Peace (Religions for Peace Ghana) has said it would ensure that government expedites action on the formulation of a National Youth Policy. The group, which is an umbrella body of faith-based bodies in the country, including the Christian Council, the Catholic Bishops Conference and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, said it was time the country developed a pragmatic youth policy for the development of young people. A capacity-building workshop, "Empowering the Youth as Future Leaders for Peace and Development," was held on 20 February 2010 in Accra for more than 50 youth, said Alhaji Muhammad Kpakpo Addo, Acting Executive Secretary and Programme Coordinator of the Religions for Peace Ghana. READ MORE

ISRAEL | YOUTH OF DIFFERENT FAITHS MEET “FACE TO FACE”

During the weekend of 18–21 February 2010, a new group of tenth graders, participating in the Face to Face/Faith to Faith Program, took part in a three-night retreat at the Tzipori Conference Center in the Jerusalem Forest. The group, made up of Jews from West Jerusalem and Palestinians (Christians and Muslims) from East Jerusalem and Abu Ghosh, learned about each other's religions from religious leaders and completed an outdoor leadership course together. Following this weekend, on 4 March 2010, the group held its bi-weekly meeting at the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (Religions for Peace Israel). This program is a partnership between ICCI and the Auburn Theological Seminary in New York.

USA | ISRAEL YOUNG ADULT LEADER AT STATE DEPT. TRAINING

On 8–27 March 2010, Ms. Avigail Moshe, Youth and Young Adult Programs Director of the Religions for Peace Israel, participated in the U.S. State Department’s International Visiting Leadership Program, with the special theme, “American Youth: Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation.” She received the honor of being invited to this exclusive program by virtue of her work within ICCI during the past five years in promoting dialogue and action projects with Jewish and Palestinian youth and young adults.

LIBERIA | CONFERENCE INVESTIGATES TWO DECADES OF PEACE

The Religions for Peace Inter-Religious Council of Liberia (Religions for Peace Liberia) was invited by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to participate in an international conference, "Two Decades of Peace Processes in West Africa: Achievements, Failures, Lessons," on 22–28 March 2010, in Monrovia, Liberia. The Council presented a paper on its peacebuilding role during the two decades, which will become part of a post-conference publication. The conference was organized by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the Government of Liberia and with the collaboration of the African Union and the United Nations.

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LIBERIA | FACT-FINDING MISSION TO LOFA COUNTY

Religious leaders in Religions for Peace Liberia made a solidarity visit to Lofa County following a period of violence in the area in which churches, mosques, and local village buildings were burned and destroyed; four people were killed. The members of the fact-finding team determined that ethnic conflict was at the root of the violence, and the council urged a similar approach to addressing crises in the country. The council was supported by the leadership of Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Sr., Secretary General of Religions for Peace Liberia. READ MORE

NETHERLANDS | HIGH-LEVEL RELIGIOUS LEADERS’ SUMMIT ON AIDS

Religious groups from around the globe pledged to prevent the stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS, in a joint statement welcomed by officials. "Religious Leaders in Response to HIV: A Summit of High Level Religious Leaders" took place near Utrecht in The Netherlands on 22–23 March 2010. The summit resulted in the signing of a "personal commitment to action" in which the religious leaders vowed to "be clear in my words and actions that stigma and discrimination towards people living with or affected by HIV is unacceptable." During the Summit, participants addressed the realities of how stigma and discrimination are perpetuated both in religious communities and society at large. The leaders worked to identify the best practices to strengthen the voice and action of religious leaders and bring about collaboration among different faiths and with other sectors involved in the response to HIV.

Among those representing Religions for Peace were Co-Presidents Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak, Secretary General, Islamic Christian National Dialogue Committee in Lebanon; His Grace John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja in Nigeria; and His Holiness Tep Vong, the Great Supreme Patriarch, Kingdom of Cambodia; Honorary President His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch, Ethiopian Orthodox Church; and Bishop Gunnar J. Stalsett, Bishop Emeritus of Oslo, Church of Norway and Moderator of the Religions for Peace European Council of Religious Leaders. Supporting them was Ms. Ingrid Ingrid Joys, Head of Communications and Programme Manager Religions for Peace European Council of Religious Leaders. READ MORE

UGANDA | COUNCIL AWARDED $30 MILLION GRANT FROM USAID

The Religions for Peace Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has received nearly US$30 million from the United States Agency for International Development to fund HIV/AIDS-related projects. The council Secretary General, Mr. Joshua Kitakule, said the funds would run the project for the next three years. READ MORE

ETHIOPIA & TANZANIA | NEW PARTNERS INITIATIVE WORK PLANS

Religions for Peace and its affiliates in Ethiopia [Ethiopian Interfaith Forum for Development, Dialogue and Action (Religions for Peace Ethiopia)] and Tanzania (Religions for Peace Tanzania) met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in mid January to review and finalize their plans for the third and final year of the New Partners Initiative project. The New Partners Initiative project is supported by the Health and Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Government with US$4

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In Ethiopia, more than 200 religious leaders from all faiths have been mobilizing communities for the care and support of orphans and people living with the disease and have reached more than 17,000 people. Nine different religious organizations who are members of Religions for Peace Ethiopia are working in their own localities to provide home-based care to 360 persons with the disease and support to 1,500 orphans. By the end of May 2010, almost 500 households will have received income-generation training and seed money to become self-sufficient.

In Tanzania, 200 youth educators, identified through Religions for Peace Tanzania, have reached more than 10,000 peers with value-based prevention messages. The Religions for Peace Women of Faith Network is providing community-level support for reaching orphans and persons with the disease with care and support. Religions for Peace is also providing educational support to 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children to help them stay in school or allow them to return to school. The village community banking model is being utilized to provide economic as well as psycho- social support to persons with the disease.

In year three of the project, the focus will be on sustainable care and support to orphans and vulnerable children, and people living with the disease so that these activities will carry on beyond the end of the project. In addition, Religions for Peace will support its affiliates in Ethiopia and Tanzania to mobilize new resources to continue and scale up the response to HIV and AIDS.

This project is directed by Mr. Bekele Ababeye in Ethiopia, and by Dr. Frank Eetaama in Tanzania. They are supported by Ms. Deepika Singh, Director of Program Coordination, and Ms. Janet Phillips, NPI Coordinator, at Religions for Peace.

DENMARK | WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark sponsored a conference on Women’s Empowerment and Employment: MDG3 in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 25 March 2010. Representing Religions for Peace was Ms. Jacqueline Ogega, Director of the Women’s Mobilization Program. The program focused on women, development, and poverty.

NORWAY | ECRL GAINS PARTICIPATORY STATUS WITH COUNCIL OF EUROPE

The Religions for Peace European Council of Religious Leaders has been granted “participatory status” with the Council of Europe. The Council will be one of a total of 400 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) that have this special relationship with the Council of Europe, which counts forty-seven European countries as members and whose main task is to promote democracy and human rights in Europe. The INGOs range from federations of police officers to youth organizations and associations for musicians and artists. “Our new status is an indication that the Council of Europe recognizes the value of working with religious groups which are an important part of civil society,” said Rev. Vebjørn Horsfjord, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace European Council of Religions for Peace. READ MORE

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ITALY | POPE BENEDICT XVI VISITS GREAT SYNAGOGUE OF ROME

For the first time in his pontificate Pope Benedict XVI on 17 January 2010 crossed the river Tiber in Rome to visit the Jewish community. He is the second pope to visit the Great Synagogue in the city. The Pope acknowledged the work of his predecessor Pope John Paul II and stated that he wishes the good relationship between Catholics and Jews to continue. Representing Religions for Peace were Ms. Ingrid Ingrid Joys, Head of Communications and Programme Manager, and Ms. Naomi Sender, Senior Executive Officer, of the Religions for Peace European Council of Religious Leaders. READ MORE

STRENTHENING THE NETWORK | LOCAL, REGIONAL GLOBAL

Religions for Peace is strengthening its network and developing partnerships around the world at local, national, regional, and international levels. Following are selected actions from 1 January through 31 March 2010.

INDONESIA | NEW AFFILIATE IN ASIA IS LAUNCHED

On 29 January 2010, senior religious leaders from six different faiths launched the Religions for Peace Indonesian Inter-religious Council. Playing a leadership role in forming the inter-religious council was Al Mukarram Kyai Haji Ahmad Hasyim Muzadi, General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama and a Co-President of the Religions for Peace World Council, and Dr. Din Syamsuddin, President of Muhammadiyah and an Honorary President of Religions for Peace. The two organizations are, respectively, the largest and second-largest Muslim organizations in Indonesia. The inauguration was attended by 200 participants as well as thirty journalists. Supporting the religious leaders were Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace, and Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Assistant Secretary General of Religions for Peace. READ MORE

MADAGASCAR | NEW AFFILIATE IN AFRICA IS LAUNCHED

On 23 January 2010, the Executive Board of the Forum for Religious Leaders and Faith Organizations (PLeROC) of Madagascar formally joined Religions for Peace as an affiliate. A formal signing ceremony took place in Antananarivo. Individual consultations were held with the Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and the Traditional African Religion. (TAR makes up 50 percent of Madagascar’s population.)

SRI LANKA | DISTRICT COUNCILS LAUNCHED IN EASTERN PROVINCE

Members of the National Council of Religions for Peace Sri Lanka on 15–16 February 2010 visited the Batticaloe and Amparai Districts, which are the major districts of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim faiths were represented among the thirty-five participants. Playing a leadership role in the meetings was Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero.

FRANCE | LAUNCH OF WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK

The Religions for Peace Women of Faith Network in France was launched on 13

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February 2010, in the Capucin Convent in Paris. This was a venue rich with a long history of living together and with dialogue among different religions. About forty women representing Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Baha’i faiths participated in the launch event. Playing a leadership role was Ms. Mehrézia Labidi-Maiza, Coordinator of the Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network, and Ms. Brigitte Chevalier, the Religions for Peace representative at UNESCO. Mr. Ghaleb Bencheikh, President of Religions for Peace France, affirmed the central role of women in peacemaking.

NORTH AMERICA | WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK LAUNCHED

The Religions for Peace North American Women of Faith Network was launched on 1–2 March 2010 in New York. More than a hundred women of different faiths from the USA and Canada attended the event, which was held to coincide with the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Playing a leadership role at the launch were Ms. Salima Ebrahim, Co-Chair of the Religions for Peace North American Women of Faith Network and representative of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, and Ms. Mehrézia Labidi-Maiza, Coordinator of the Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network. They were supported by Ms. Jacqueline Ogega, Director of the Religions for Peace Women’s Mobilization Program. READ MORE

FINLAND | FINNISH WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK LAUNCHED

The Religions for Peace Finnish Women of Faith Network was launched on the International Women’s Day, 8 March 2010. The working group consists of women from ten different faiths and denominations and is the first inter-religious women’s group in Scandinavia promoting social cohesion. The Religions for Peace Finnish Women of Faith Network commit themselves in a spirit of friendship to work together to promote spiritual values, social justice and peace for an inclusive Finland and Europe. The Finnish Women of Faith Network's Moderator is Ms. Heidi Rautionmaa. She also serves as co-committee member of the European Women of Faith Network. READ MORE

COSTA RICA | MESO-AMERICAN WOMEN OF FAITH ADDRESS VIOLENCE

The third meeting of the Meso American Women of Faith Network took place in San Jose, Costa Rica, on 2–4 February 2010. The women of faith committed to advancing the Restoring Dignity: Violence Against Women initiative. Playing a leadership role at the event were Ms. Ana Victoria Pelaez, Moderator of the Religions for Peace Meso American Women of Faith Network, and Ms. Ana Victoria Pelaez, its Coordinator. Supporting the women of faith was Mr. Elias Szczytnicki, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace Latin America and the Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders.

RWANDA | GREAT LAKES REGIONAL LAUNCH OF ARMS DOWN! CAMPAIGN

Religious leaders of different faiths called for a strong arms trade treaty at the Great Lakes regional meeting of the Religions for Peace African Council of Religious Leaders (Religions for Peace Africa) meeting held on 23–25 March 2010 in Kigali, Rwanda. Representatives from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo addressed, "Advancing shared security: strengthening multi-religious collaboration for peace building,

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The religious leaders also launched the youth-led Arms Down! Campaign for Shared Security at the event. The President of Rwanda H.E Paul Kagame welcomed the delegation at the State House where the work and mission of Religions for Peace as well as the notion of shared security was introduced. The President responded positively in supporting the initiative of religious youth leaders for the reduction of military expenditure and the advancement of MDGs and agreed to actively engage his country in the Arms Down! campaign.

Playing a leadership role at the event was Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, the Grand Mufti of Uganda and a Co-Chair of Religions for Peace Africa. Supporting him were Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, Secretary General of Religions for Peace Africa; Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Assistant Secretary General of Religions for Peace; and Ms. Katerina Ragoussi, Associate Director of Youth & Network Coordination of Religions for Peace. A new tool for faith communities, Small Arms and Light Weapons, Africa: A Resource Guide for Religions for Peace, was launched at the event. READ MORE

HQ | REGIONAL SECRETARIES GENERALS MEETING

The Religions for Peace Secretaries General from four regions joined the International Secretary General to coordinate their strategic planning at a meeting in Maryknoll, NY, on 11–13 March 2010. Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace African Council of Religious Leaders; Rev. Vebjørn Horsfjord, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace European Council of Religions for Peace; Dr. Sunggon Kim, Secretary General of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace; Mr. Elias Szczytnicki, Secretary General of the Religions for Peace Latin American and Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders; and the Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko, Secretary General of Religions for Peace Europe. They joined Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace International; Mr. Stein Villumstad, Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace International; Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Assistant Secretary General of Religions for Peace International.

UK | SHAYKH IBRAHIM MOGRA WINS MUSLIM NEWS EXCELLENCE AWARD

Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Founder and Principal of Khazinatul-`Ilm, Madaris of Arabic and Muslim Life Studies and Chairman of Religions for Peace United Kingdom, has received one of fifteen prestigious Awards for Excellence given by The Muslim News. These exemplars of good practice, excellence were honored at a gala in March 2010. As a local community activist in Leicester, Shaykh Mogra has been at the forefront in deepening interfaith relations. He is also a member of the Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace and the Christian Muslim Forum. Through his calm and thoughtful reasoning, he has made regular contributions to the print and broadcast media articulating Islam and building bridges. READ MORE

HQ | RELIGIONS FOR PEACE WINS COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS

Religions for Peace has won two prizes in the national Religion Communicators Council (RCC) awards competition. The Religions for Peace informational postcard and the 4-minute video, both prepared for use at the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne, won in the Public Relations Materials and Non-Broadcast video categories, respectively. Ms. Andrea Louie, Communications Manager at Religions for Peace, accepted the awards on behalf of the organization on 8 April 2010 at the RCC Congress in Chicago, USA. READ MORE

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HQ | NEW NPI PROJECT ACCOUNTANT FOR HIV/AIDS PROJECT

Ms. Chantel Rodriguez has joined the Religions for Peace International Secretariat office as accountant for the New Partners Initiative program, which advances work regarding HIV and AIDS in Africa. Most recently, she served as an accountant in the New York-based company, SoBro. Ms. Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Queens College in New York, and reports to Ms. Luisa Hernandez, Director of Finance, Human Resources, and Administration. Kindly join in welcoming Ms. Rodriguez to Religions for Peace.

ACRL | NEW DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM COORDINATION, COMMUNICATION

Mr. Bernard Okok-Obuoga joins Religions for Peace Africa as the Director of Program Coordination and Communication. Previously, Mr. Okok served as Program Coordinator with the Nairobi Peace Initiative Africa (NPI Africa). Mr. Okok has more than ten years of work experience in community mobilization and sustainable development projects with faith and inter-faith organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi and a certificate in Democracy, Leadership and Governance from the Les Aspen Centre for Governance and Democracy at Marquette University in Washington, DC. Please join in welcoming Mr. Okok to Religions for Peace.

GOVERNANCE | WORLD COUNCIL, HONORARY PRESIDENTS, AND INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEES

Religions for Peace World Council Co-Presidents, Honorary Presidents, and International Trustees have been advancing peace around the world. These are some of their achievements from 1 January through 31 March 2010.

PRESIDENT EMERITUS | ADVANCING PEACE AROUND THE WORLD

HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President Emeritus of Religions for Peace, was active throughout the quarter in advancing peace around the world. On 1 February 2010 in Amman, Jordan, he spoke on “Food Security and Climate Change in Dry Areas” at a conference organized by the National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension in cooperation with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. On 15 February 2010, he gave a keynote address at the conference on “Water Security in the Middle East,” in Montreux, Switzerland. On 16 March 2010, he gave another keynote speech at the opening of the conference on “Countering Violent extremism: Learning from De-radicalization programs in some Muslim-majority States,” in Amman, Jordan. On 18 January 2010, he spoke via satellite to the board and faculty associated with various units of study at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, regarding issues related to the West Asia-North Africa region. The video is available on the online university archives. VIDEO

WORLD COUNCIL | RABBI ROSEN: COMMANDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Rabbi David Rosen, President of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations and a Co-President of the Religions for Peace World Council, has been awarded the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen

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Elizabeth II in her prestigious New Years honors list. The CBE, one of Great Britain’s highest honors, was announced on 3 January 2010 in recognition of his interfaith relations work in the Middle East, and between the United Kingdom and Israel. “I feel very honored,” said the British-born Rabbi Rosen from his home in Jerusalem. “It’s not just a personal tribute but to all those before me and with me who work to promote a better world through deeper understanding and cooperation between religions.”

WORLD COUNCIL | ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY GETS RUSSIAN AWARD

A Religions for Peace Co-President, Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, was awarded a top Russian honor recognizing his love of the country and its literature. Dr. Williams, who has written a book on Dostoyevsky, received the Order of Friendship at a ceremony in London in March 2010. The award was given on the decree of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. READ MORE

WORLD COUNCIL | DR. CERIC NAMED TO NEW UN PANEL

A Religions for Peace Co-President Dr. Mustaf Ceric, Reis-l-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the members of a new United Nations panel ” entrusted with furthering peace founded on justice, respect for human rights, gender equality and solidarity.” The panel, inaugurated on 18 February 2010, consists of prominent political, intellectual and religious figures from all regions are entrusted with furthering peace founded on justice, respect for human rights, gender equality and solidarity in the context of an increasingly globalized world. The ceremony also marked the launching of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, and the panel will take into account the challenges posed by climate change, management of resources and ethical and economic issues in regard to strengthening peace. READ MORE

WORLD COUNCIL | DR. CERIC, RABBI ROSEN NAMED TO TONY BLAIR FOUNDATION

Two Co-Presidents of the Religions for Peace World Council have been named to an eleven-member advisory council of religious leaders of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation: Rabbi David Rosen, President of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations, and Dr. Mustafa Ceric, Reis-l-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2008, former British Prime Minister Blair launched an effort dedicated to bringing different faiths together for reconciliation, to “counter extremism in all six leading religions.” READ MORE

WORLD COUNCIL | GUS DUR DIES IN INDONESIA

A former Religions for Peace Co-President, Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, former General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama in Indonesia, died on 30 December 2010. A religious observation in commemoration of the fortieth day of his death was held on 7 February 2010 in Tebuireng, Jombang, East Java. Al Mukarram Kyai Haji Ahmad Hasyim Muzadi, Gus Dur’s successor at Nahdlatul Ulama and a Co- President of Religions for Peace, was among those who recalled Gus Dur’s life and work. Gus Dur promoted moderate Islam for his campaign about respect among all types of faiths, Mr. Muzadi said. READ MORE

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TRUSTEE | MR. MARAFI AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO PAKISTAN

Religions for Peace International Trustee Mr. Abdul Ilah Mohammed Rafie Marafie, Chief Patron Trustee of the Marafie Foundation-Kuwait, was presented with the Tamga-I-Imtiaz award—the “Medal of Excellence”—by Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari in recognition of the invaluable services he and the foundation have rendered to Pakistan. The medal is the fourth-highest honor given by the Government of Pakistan to both the military and civilians, was presented on Pakistan Day, 23 March 2010. It is awarded for distinguished merit in the fields of literature, arts, sports, medicine, or science for civilians. Members of the Marafie family visited Baltistan in 1986, donating funds for healthcare, education and various other projects, going on to establish the Marafie Foundation, headquartered in Karachi, in 1987. The Marafie Foundation has focused its attention on health and education. READ MORE

NEW | PUBLICATIONS & TOOLS

Religions for Peace produced new publications and tools for use throughout the global coalition from 1 January through 31 March 2010.

SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS: AFRICA—A RESOURCE GUIDE FOR RELIGIONS FOR PEACE

Religions for Peace has developed a resource guide to support religious leaders in their efforts to cooperate to reduce the threats of small arms and light weapons. It includes practical information about the proliferation and effects of these weapons across Africa. It also highlights the links between them and other problems such as poverty, the abuse of children and gender-based violence. It places in the hands of religious leaders some of the major agreements that govern the trade and use of small arms. Finally, the guide contains helpful tools for conducting advocacy and other forms of action. It provides concrete examples of multi-religious cooperation that have helped to make a difference. READ MORE

HEADS UP | FORTHCOMING EVENTS

3–4 May—Alliance of Civilizations, “Religious Freedom in Democratic Societies, Cordoba 3–28 May—Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, New York 5 May—Hiroshima Mayor Akiba, Nagasaki Mayor Taue, and the Archibishop of Nagasaki will meet with Religions for Peace during NPT conference, New York 7 May— Delivery of a Religious Leaders’ Statement to the Plenary of the Nuclear NPT Review Conference, New York 12–14 May—Religions for Peace Asia Executive Committee meeting, China 28–29 May—Third Forum on the Alliance of Civilizations, Rio 14–15 June—Interactive Hearings on the MDGs for civil society, New York 21–23 June—World Religions Summit: Interfaith Leaders in the G8 Nations, Winnipeg 12–23 July—Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, first session, New York

KEEP US POSTED | YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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Send us your news and work, and we’ll include it in the next quarterly e-Bulletin!

Questions, comments, or news? Kindly contact: Ms. Andrea Louie Communications Manager Religions for Peace–International 777 United Nations Plaza, 9th Floor New York NY 10017 +1 212.687.2163 [email protected]

RELIGIONS FOR PEACE—the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition—advances common action among the world’s religious communities for peace. Religions for Peace works to transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth. The global Religions for Peace network comprises a World Council of senior religious leaders from all regions of the world; six regional inter-religious bodies and more than seventy national ones; and the Global Women of Faith Network and Global Youth Network.

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