Message from Desmond Cahill

TENTH ASSEMBLY MESSAGE 

The Tenth Asian Assembly of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) will be a memorable event. To be held in Singapore, it will replicate the First Asian Assembly held in Singapore 50 years ago with the theme, “Peace through Religion” in the belief that “religion and inter-religious cooperation are essential for just and lasting peace amongst peoples and nations”. It was attended by about 300 participants from 17 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It was held during the Viet Nam War, and immediately afterwards an ACRP project engaged in saving the boat people in their flimsy boats as they fled their war-torn home country. 

The First Assembly Singapore Declaration noted that the memories of the Second World War (1939-1945) had yet to be buried and the whole of Asia was in a state of crisis. It declared, “how long before men will turn from the ways of destruction! How long before the fires of hate die out! How long before selfishness and greed give way to care and concern!” 

The same thinking dominates our thinking fifty years later, and is reflected in the theme of the Tenth Assembly, “Shaping Asia for Peace through Bold and Innovative Action”. 

The Second Asian Assembly was held in New Delhi in 1981 with the theme, “Religions in Action for Peace”. Its Final Declaration spoke of Asian spirituality which it declared “is a liberating force which enables us to face the dire reality of Asia and transform it into humane and sustainable life together.” At the 2026 Tenth Assembly, we will have the opportunity to proclaim in unison the “Contemporary Asian Multifaith Spirituality: An Interconnected Tapestry of Faiths”. 

Let us all begin preparing for the next Asian Assembly in Singapore with bold and innovative projects to bring peace and social cohesion to the Asia-Pacific region and to the whole world. 

Professor Desmond Cahill
Moderator of Religions for Peace Asia
Australia.