WACC calls on people of faith to make their voices heard for peace

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

WACC calls on people of faith to make their voices heard for peace

On International Day of Peace, 21 September 2011, the President and
General Secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication
(WACC) call on people of faith to communicate greater understanding,
mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in keeping with the UN's
chosen theme of "Make Your Voice Heard".

In Fiji the military government recently banned the Methodist
Church's annual conference, accusing the church leadership of being
too political. Rev. Akuila Yabaki, President of WACC's Pacific
Regional Association, commented:

"These actions against the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma
constitute a clear violation of the fundamental human right to
religious freedom and do not augur well for building confidence and a
safe space for communication, to enable communities to trust and
participate in political processes including constitutional reforms
and national elections." (See story here...
<http://www.waccglobal.org/component/content/article/2815:communication-for 
-peace-essential-in-transition-to-democracy-.html
)

Scenes of civil disturbance and violence are relatively uncommon in
the United Kingdom where two months ago riots marred the countryâ??s
cities and reputation. Earlier a shocking and unprecedented attack in
Norway shook the nation to its very foundations. And on every other
continent, countries continue to face violence and serious human
rights violations.

Whatever the causes of such disruptions and disturbances, empowering
people of conscience and good will to make their voices heard is a
crucial part of communicating peace. Enabling people to speak up
underlies the right to communicate and the right to participate in the
processes and decisions that directly affect peopleâ??s lives.

We also note with alarm an increase in gender-based violence
worldwide. Millions of women and girls suffer disproportionately both
in peace and in war at the hands of the state, in the home and
community. Gender-based violence stems from the failure of governments
to recognize and protect the human rights of women and, crucially, the
failure of civil society to speak out. People of conscience need to
make their voices heard.

Social media have been much praised for the potential they have to
bring social and political activists in to the public square. They are
a means of raising the voices of ordinary people, since governments
know very well that when genuine communication is suppressed, the
capacity for peace-building, for inclusive and equitable sharing of
knowledge and experience, and for democratic participation in
political and social decision-making is lost.

On International Day of Peace, we call on all people ­ especially
todayâ??s youth ­ to demonstrate the power of positive communication
in support of human dignity, human rights and peace for all.

> Dr Dennis Smith, WACC President

Rev. Karin Achtelstetter, WACC General Secretary