About ACRP
Through Religions for Peace Asia, Asian religious leaders have
a visible manifestation of their own dialogue and fellowship
Religions for Peace Asia (also known as ACRP) is the world’s largest regional body of religiously inspired people working for peace and interreligious harmony. Based on the tenets of truth, justice, and human dignity,its members are active in their home countries, in the Asia-Pacific region, and across the world. Founded in 1976, it operates in tandem with the international body, Religions for Peace International.
Religions for Peace Asia advances common action among religious communities in Asia and the Pacific for peace. Multireligious cooperation for peace is the hallmark of Religions for Peace Asia. This cooperation includes but also goes beyond dialogue and bears fruit in common concrete action. Through Religions for Peace Asia, diverse religious communities discern “deeply held and widely shared” moral concerns) such as transforming violent conflict, bringing about just and harmonious societies) advancing sustainable development goals, caring for the earth, promoting nuclear and conventional disarmament, protecting human rights, and promoting the equal dignity of all forms of life. Religions for Peace Asia translates these shared moral concerns into concrete multireligious action.
Background of the Establishment of ACRP
In 1970, Religious leaders around the globe met for the first ever word religious assembly in Kyoto and established the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP). At this meeting, some Asian religious leaders pointed out that Asia faced a number of problems that posed a threat to peace. Accordingly, they felt that they should respond in ways appropriate to Asia, and in doing so must maintain their Asian identity in addressing issues and concerns that affect the region, as well as the wider world. These needs were addressed during the Second Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace in September of 1974 in Leuven, Belgium. The ensuring two years of demanding preparation finally gave birth to this eagerly awaited Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP). Through ACRP, Asia religious leaders have a visible manifestation of their own dialogue and fellowship, as well as a solid framework for common advocacy and concerted efforts for peace.
Chronology
1976
Religious for Peace Asia was founded. The 1st Assembly was held in Singapore in November. Mother Teresa gave the keynote speech at the Conference1981
The 2nd Assembly was held at New Delhi, India in November. (see)
Mother Teresa addressed the opening remarks at the Conference People’s Republic of China joined ACRP1986
1991
The 4th Assembly was held at Kathmandu, Nepal in October. (see)
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Cambodia, and Mongolia joined ACRP1996
The 5th Assembly was held at Ayutthaya, Thailand in October. (see)2002
The 6th Assembly was held at Yogyakarta, Indonesia in June. (see)2008
2014
2016
Malaysia and Myanmar joined ACRP2020
The 9th Assembly will be held at Tokyo, Japan in October