[News] The Cities of Dialogue Index: A New Map for the Next 50 Years

Posted on March 31, 2026 by acrp-peace

As we prepare to return to Singapore this November to mark the 50th Anniversary of Religions for Peace Asia (ACRP), we are proud to introduce a transformative tool for the next half-century of our mission: The Cities of Dialogue Index (CDI).Developed in partnership with the global creative change firm Consulus, the CDI is more than a ranking—it is a strategic map designed to measure the “social cushion” of our cities. It transitions our work from the passion and experience of our founders into a data-driven framework for regional peace and economic resilience.Why a “Cities of Dialogue” Index?For 50 years, ACRP has proven that faith communities working together can achieve what […]

[NEWS] Global “Cities of Dialogue Index”

Posted on March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 by acrp-peace

Lawrence Chong, Group CEO of Consulus (left), and Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary General of ACRP (right), at the launch of the Cities of Dialogue Index.To mark the historic 50th Anniversary of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP), a transformative new global benchmark—the Cities of Dialogue Index (CDI)—was officially unveiled on March 11 2026. Developed in partnership with global creative change firm Consulus, the index is designed to track how a city’s openness to interfaith dialogue and freedom of belief directly correlates with economic stability, investment attractiveness, and the ability to retain global talent.Plese visit following websites and find out more about the world’s first Cities of Dialogue Index (CDI)!Press release: […]

Report from RfP Bangladesh

Posted on March 9, 2026 by acrp-peace

In the spirit of compassion and solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan, the Religions for Peace (RfP) Bangladesh Chapter organized a humanitarian initiative to support vulnerable families in rural Chattogram. The program aimed to provide essential food items to marginalized households who are experiencing increasing economic hardship. Media CoverageThe Iftar goods distribution program was held on Friday afternoon, 6 March 2026, at Rahimpur Rahimia Mosque Premises, Abdul Gani Munshi Bari, Ward No. 2, Mekhal Union No. 8, Hathazari, Chattogram, Bangladesh. To read full report, click HERE.

Condolences on the passing away of Mrs. Indira Manandhar

Posted on March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by acrp-peace

It is with great sorrow that we learnt of the loss of Mrs. Indira Manandhar, our esteemed Executive Council member of Religions for Peace Asia (ACRP) and member of APWoFN.On behalf of Religions for Peace Asia (ACRP), may we extend our sincere sympathy and condolences to Religions for Peace Nepal and her family in the passing of Indira.A steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment and the service of the needy, Indira was a vital bridge-builder within our movement. Her decades of engagement always rooted in her commitment to interreligious harmony in Nepal and across the Asia-Pacific.We honor her years of gentle wisdom and radical hospitality. Her legacy of service remains an inspiration to our community.Our […]

Message from APWoFN

Posted on March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by acrp-peace

Message by Rev. Elga Sarapung, Chair of Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network (APWoFN)On this International Women’s Day, I am thinking of the many women who have shaped my life who are family, friends, colleagues, and the countless women from communities at the margins who have taught me courage, resilience, and hope.Your strength, love, and solidarity remind me every day why the struggle for dignity, equality, and justice must continue.Today, and every day, may we continue to stand with one another, lift each other up, and walk together toward a world where every woman can live free from violence, exploitation, and fear…

Statement of SG (RfP International)

Posted on March 5, 2026 by acrp-peace

Secretary General’s Statement on the Conflict in the Middle EastMarch 3, 20263 March 2026, New York, NY: It is with great sadness and deep concern that we witness renewed conflict in the Middle East. We stand in solidarity with the people across the region who are suffering by the current hostilities – above all, the world must prioritize their well-being and respect for human rights, sovereignty and rule of law.Respect for human dignity and the right to life must serve as the primary lens through which all international engagement is viewed. These are not concessions to be granted, but fundamental pillars that cannot be compromised for strategic or military gain. When […]

Message from SG

Posted on March 2, 2026 by acrp-peace

A Call for Immediate Stop Violence in the Middle Eastby Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary General of Religions for Peace AsiaI express my deepest concern over both the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran. I call for an immediate end to this violence.Tragically, lives have already been lost. As is always the case in armed conflict, it is innocent civilians who pay the ultimate price. We must end the fighting at once and prioritize the protection and rescue of human lives above all else.The international community must exert its full influence to bring all parties back to the negotiating table […]

New SG of RfP New Zealand

Posted on February 3, 2026February 3, 2026 by acrp-peace

Congratulations! We are happy to introduce new Secretary General of RfP Aotearoa New Zealand! Dr. Mary Eastham QSM is a Trustee of the Religious Diversity Centre in Aotearoa (RDC) and a member of the RDC Climate Action Group. A member of the Association of Practical Theology in Oceania (APTO) since 2004, Mary was appointed an APTO Fellow in 2021. From 2011 until 2022, Mary was a member of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Interfaith Relations and chaired the Palmerston North Interfaith Group. In 2023, she was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for Services to Interfaith Communities in the King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours List. .

Korea & Japan Youth Exchange Program

Posted on February 2, 2026 by acrp-peace

From 18 to 19 of December 2025, the 15th Korea and Japan Youth Exchange Program has held at the Kinpusenji Temple (World Heritage) in Nara Prefecture in Japan. Co-hosted by Korean Conference of Religions for Peace (KCRP) and WCRP/RfP Japan Youth Committee.Beginning in 1990, this event promotes dialogue and fosters friendship among young religious people from Korea and Japan. It has been held for over 35 years.Day1Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, Chair of WCRP/RfP Japan, delivered the welcome speech in the opening session.The first day began with participants getting to know each other. After learning about the venue, Kinpusen-ji Temple, they were given the opportunity to experience Shugendo practices.Though the climb was […]

Report from RfP Bangladesh

Posted on January 22, 2026January 22, 2026 by acrp-peace

In January 2026, Religions for Peace Bangladesh hosted a high-level mission to Cox’s Bazar by Ms. Deepika Singh, Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, and Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, Secretary General of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP). The visit represented a strong expression of solidarity and collaboration among the international, regional, and national bodies of Religions for Peace, reaffirming their shared commitment to peacebuilding through interfaith dialogue, humanitarian action, and ethical leadership.　Religions for Peace (RfP) Bangladesh Chapter organized a children’s art competition titled “Art for Peace” in Cox’s Bazar as part of its continued commitment to promoting a culture of peace, interreligious harmony, and social […]