REPORT

Regional Leadership Forum on Inter-Faith Partnership

13-17 June, 2001, Jakarta Indonesia

A Regional Leadership Forum on Inter-faith Partnership Amidst Religious and Ethnic Conflicts was held at Canossa Retreat Center, Jakarta, Indonesia on 13-17 June, 2001, hosted by the National Council of YMCAs of Indonesia. The purpose of the Forum was not only to develop a common understanding on YMCA Mission in the multi-religious and multi-cultural contexts of the region, but also to initiate concrete actions for inter-faith partnerships in an effort to build just, compassionate and inclusive communities.Twenty-five YMCA leaders, mostly volunteers and some staff from ten countries including delegates from local YMCAs in Indonesia, participated in the programme.

The Keynote Presentation made by Fr. Dr. J. B. Banawiratma S.J. set the tone for the programme. Reflecting on the recent cases of conflicts in Indonesia, Fr. Banawiratma emphasised that inter-religious harmony without a common concern and struggle for social justice would become false and unjust harmony? He further suggested that YMCA as an open and ecumenical body, be actively engaged in Dialogue of Action?with people of other faiths and to struggle for justice in an effort to embody the contextual faith that transforms life as a complex process towards the Ultimate?

Two young women presented vivid testimonies of the traumatic experiences they went through during the violent 'religious' conflicts that took place in Ambon, Indonesia in 1999. Participants from different YMCAs shared case studies and national reports on inter-faith partnership actions. Participants also visited the Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP), Imaging Center and the Indonesian Society for Pesantren and Community Development, and discussed common concerns in inter-faith dialogue and action with the leaders of these organisations. On the last day, participants met according to sub-regions to draw up specific action plans towards inter-faith partnerships and actions at national and local levels. Recommendations were also made for The Alliance to follow up in supporting and networking the actions to be taken by national/local YMCAs.