Regional Interfaith Dialogue, Connecting and Cooperating for Peace and Harmony In the Asia-Pacific region
While speaking to an international conference on peace at Al-Azhar, the highest theological and religious institution of Sunni Islam in the world and the oldest Islamic University, alongside its Grand Imam, Pope Francis said this, noting: “Above all and especially in our day, the religions are called to respect this imperative, since, for all our need of the Absolute, it is essential that we reject any “absolutizing” that would justify violence.”
Father Jacques Mourad was prior of the Mar Elian monastery, a pilgrimage centre near the city of al-Qaryatayn that was briefly occupied by ISIS, which destroyed the monastery and kidnapped the monk in November 2015. He was held for five months, before he managed to escape. Now based in Europe, he spoke Oct. 17, 2016, with international Catholic charity Aid to the Church about the situation in Syria.
A Regional Training Meet on Peace Building for Young Adults in Mekong Region was conducted in Surin Province, Cambodia from 14 – 27 July 2011.
Youth, Interfaith and Non-violent Leadership
Earlier this year, Pace e Bene, Australia, had the opportunity to offer a major program focused on nonviolent leadership. The Program offered 21 Young People, from different faith traditions to gather in Melbourne for 2 residential retreats across 8 days.