Southeast Asian Buddhist-Muslim Coalition Strengthens Peace Efforts
A coalition of Buddhist and Muslim leaders from South and South East Asia met in Bangkok on June 16th to endorse the 2006 Dusit Declaration, and to commit to act cooperatively with new proposals to stabilize inter-religious relations in the region. This coalition inspires the hope that conflict manifesting in violence, like the recent attacks in Bodhgaya, can be prevented.
Highlights of the 2006 Dusit Declaration include efforts to encourage media outlets to be more evenhanded towards both religions in their broadcasting, the expansion of unbiased religious perspectives taught in children’s classrooms, and a new emphasis on inter-religious harmony in politicians’ reforms.
The declarations made in Thailand (found in this International Buddhist-Muslim Joint Statement) focus on the potential benefits of tolerance: “We are also deeply aware that if Buddhist and Muslim communities can overcome the challenges that confront them, there is tremendous potential for the growth and development of ideas and values that may help to transform the region.”
The coalition organized by the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), and Religions for Peace (RfP) included representatives from seven countries with the allegiance of some international participants.
The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions applauds this coalition for being a model of cooperation and tolerance in the South East Asian region.
Participants included:
Burma/Myanmar
Al Haj U Aye Lwin, Muslim, Chief Convener, Islamic Center of Myanmar and a Founder of Religions for Peace Myanmar
U Myint Swe, Buddhist, President, Ratana Metta, and President of Religions for Peace Myanmar
Sri Lanka
Harsha Navaratne, Buddhist, Sewalanka Foundation
Dr. M.A. Mohamed Saleem, Muslim, President of Mahatma Ghandi Centre in Sri Lanka
Ven. Professor. Kotapitiye Rahula, Buddhist, Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya; Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace
Ven. Dr. Divulapelesse Wimalananda thero, Buddhist, University of Peradeniya
Ven. Kalayanamitta Dhammapala, Buddhist, Wat Thong Noppakul
Ven. Balangoda Manju Sri Thero, Buddhist, Senior Buddhist Sangha for Inter-faith Peace
Malaysia
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, Muslim, President, International Movement for a Just World (JUST)
Anas Zubedy, Muslim, Secretary General, JUST
Fah Yen Yin, Program Coordinator, JUST
K V Soon Vidyananda, Buddhist, Malaysia Engaged Buddhist Network
Indonesia
Muhammad Habib Chirzin, Muslim, Islamic Forum on Peace, Human Security and Development
Abdul Mu’ti, Muslim, Central Board Muhammadiyah
Wintomo Tjandra, Buddhist, Hikmahbudhi
Thailand
Sulak Sivaraksa, Buddhist, Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation
Ven. Phra Bhanu Cittadhanto, Buddhist, Wat Phra Ram IV (Kanchanobhisek)
Parichart Suwannabuppha, Buddhist, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya,
Saroj Puaksumlee, Muslim, Leader of Bann Krua Community, Bangkok
Ratawit Ouaprachanon, Buddhist, Spirit in Education Movement
Somboon Chungprampree, Buddhist, International Network of Engaged Buddhists
Patcharee Conmanat, Buddhist, International Network of Engaged Buddhists
International
Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Deputy Secretary General, Religions for Peace
Rev. Shin’ichi Noguchi, Niwano Peace Foundation
Russell Peterson, American Friends Service Committee
Prashant Varma, Deer Park Institute, India
Featured image courtesy of Flickr – Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement
Above right: Meeting of Buddhist and Muslim Leaders in Bangkok to establish new action on stabilizing interreligious conflicts in the South and Southeast Asian region. Photo By The International Network of Engaged Buddhists
