Davao Statement of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace

Committing to Peace, Acting for Peace

We, members of the Executive Council of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (Religions for Peace Asia/ACRP) representing 22 national chapters, have gathered in the City of Davao, Philippines on 23 to 25 May 2023 for the 2023 Executive Council Meeting of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace. This momentous meeting happens in a region that has been through decades of conflict. The people of Mindanao continue to strive for lasting peace in the region, one that can help in sustainable development and growth. As we came together for this in-person meeting, the first since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, to discuss the work and plans of Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, we were able to revisit, reflect, and renew our resolve towards peace and peace building.

We revisit the aspirations and goals that have led to the founding of Asian Conference of Religions for Peace in 1976 and the Action Plans we have committed ourselves to during the 9th General Assembly in 2021. We look back at how, in November 1976, religious leaders from various religions and faith traditions of Asia came together for common actions for peace. Prof. Azza KARAM, Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, called Asian Conference of Religions for Peace as the mother organization of the Religions for Peace movement. She said that the global movement of Religions for Peace has so much to learn from Asian Conference of Religions for Peace and its leaders. As such, we are reminded of what we have contributed towards achieving lasting peace in Asia and the rest of the world. Just the same as we are reminded of how much work still remains to be accomplished together. Revisiting the past allowed us to see what he has achieved, where we are now, and how we can create a path for a peaceful future. Although many things have changed, yet despite coming from different faiths, we strive to continue to work for common actions for peace.

Mindful of our important role as religious leaders towards influencing our communities to end the use of weapons of war and conflict, we reflect on the call of the Asia & the Pacific Youth Network (APIYN) for peace through peaceful means. In the APIYN statement for the G7 Hiroshima Summit, our youth leaders called on world leaders to abolish nuclear weapons and commit to disarmament. We echo their call and pledge our support by creating safe spaces and opportunities for their voices to be heard. We take on the challenging task with them because we believe that the youth is the hope of our present and of the future. As religious leaders that represent and reach out to almost half of the world’s population, we recognize that we are called not just to preach and talk about sacred texts, but also to be able to act for others. We devote ourselves to our mission: we are here to serve and not be served, to pave the path to peace so others can live peacefully.

We renew our commitment to work for sustainable peace in Asia and the Pacific region through our collaborative efforts and common actions. As we learn from the examples of how the work of Religions for Peace Philippines contributed to the peace process in the Mindanao region, we reaffirm our belief that peace is possible when we come together and work together. However, we know that achieving sustainable peace is not an easy task. Therefore, we also renew our friendships and strengthen our connections with one another. Together, as one Asian Conference of Religions for Peace Family, we renew our commitment to peace and acting for peace by:

1. Engaging in various collaborative programs and projects to promote positive peace, sustainable development, inter-religious education, and care for the environment;
2. Empowering youth leaders and equipping them to join us in our work towards achieving sustainable peace, and by including them in the discussions that affect their future;
3. Enabling women leaders to participate in actions and dialogue for peace and ensuring that they, too, are given safe spaces and active participation when we address the issues we face globally;
4. Encouraging community leaders ensure a peaceful, safe and sustainable future for children and families through taking collaborative actions; and,
5. Establishing the Mindanao Peace Building Project that would allow us to enhance the capacities of youth leaders and faith leaders for peace building in the region;

As we pray for peace in Ukraine, we urge all religious communities to do their best in taking deliberate and collaborative actions to stop the war and build peace in the region, enabling the people to stand up again as a community and be able to live in peace. We also pray for peace in Asia and the Pacific Region, in the world, and within our hearts. We pray that the Divine continues to bless us with the strength of mind, body, and spirit as we commit ourselves towards actions for peace and peacebuilding.

We also thank the generosity of our partners, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Philippines and the Davao City Government, in their collaboration and support in making the 2023 EC Meeting and the Mindanao Peace Forum successful events. We also thank the hospitality and significant efforts of Religions for Peace Philippines, led by its Secretary General Prof. Pablito BAYBADO and Deputy Secretary General Ms. Haidi FAJARDO, in hosting and coordinating for these events.

As we prepare for the 50th Anniversary of Asian Conference of Religions for Peace in 2026, we ask all people of faith to join us in our effort of creating a much more peaceful world for the generations to come.

25 May 2023
Davao City, Republic of the Philippines