DOV in Asia Focus 2005

Check out the resources and links on the WCC DOV website

In 2005 the worldwide Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) focus is on Asia: offering particular timely opportunities to develop specific initiatives and helping to renew and deepen existing Australian partnerships within the region.  The DOV Asia focus has also been warmly endorsed by the NCCA Executive, which (at its November 2004 meeting) committed itself 'to encourage involvement in the DOV Asia focus for 2005'.  

In consultation with the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Christian Conference of Asia has developed a plan of activity in which the Australian Church can share, celebrating and highlighting continuing efforts at overcoming violence within the region (the full details which are available from the NCCA DOV Coordinator).  The overall theme (to be reflected in the forthcoming CCA Assembly) is 'Building Communities of Peace for All', with the key biblical basis lying in Mark 9.50b: 'Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other'.  At its heart is the understanding that:

Peace for Asians is not simply the absence of war or conflict.  Rather it is the realization of God's will for fullness of life for all - which includes healthy food and decent jobs for the poor, security and dignity of life for those who have experienced violation and abuse; and sustainability of the natural resources, to name a few.  (CCA: DOV Focus on Asia paper 2004)

A DOV prayer for Asia 2005

God of hope and healing,
beyond the terrors of tyranny and tsunami
lies your transfiguring grace,
a new dreaming of love and peace.
Grant us a greater depth of relationship with one another,
strength to work for justice, peace and the integrity of all creation,
and joy to share in your eternal presence.
In Jesus' Name  Amen.

Dancers at the Peace for Life conference
in Mindanao in late 2004, organised by the
National Council of Churches in the Philippines,
with the support of the WCC, CCA and
Christian World Service-NCCA
(photo: Jon Inkpin)

What is happening in Australia?

The worldwide DOV focus on Asia is being taken up and highlighted within existing NCCA-Christian World Service programs whilst encouragement is being given to the wider Australian Church to share examples of such approaches to overcoming violence.  Particular focus is being placed on CWS work on trafficking of women and children,  and on refugees on the Burma-Thai border, and in Australian DOV-related work on the environment and Indigenous issues.  In seeking to develop a 'Pax Asiana', it is also felt by CCA that Asia has three distinctive emphases to add to the development of the worldwide DOV initiative.  Each of these are critical in Australia and have been priorities of DOV-NCCA work, namely: inter-faith relationships; ecological concerns; and Indigenous issues and input. 

Check out the forceten website for ways to learn more and be involved in the campaign against trafficking of women and children

Join in the NATSIEC Hearts are Burning initiative to put Indigenous issues back at the centre of our concerns

Come to the National Nonviolence Gathering - 29 April to 2 May 2005
(download flyer here)  (more info here) (download rego form here)
FROM PERSONAL JOURNEY TO SOCIAL CHANGE
CREATING THE VISION, AND PLANNING THE ACTIONS
at  Currimundi Outdoor Recreation Centre,
near Wurtulla, Sunshine Coast (just north of Caloundra), SE Queensland

and Remember the 60th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki!