A Team from Nepal representing NCCN attended the “Three Week Group Training for Church/Ecumenical Leaders on Peace Making, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation in Conflict Situations. The training took place from 8th – 31st July 2008, and the venue was : The Ecumenical Christian Center of Whitefield, Bangalore, India.
The four member team from Nepal included two women Ms. Pamela Moktan, Mrs. Bishnu Thapaliya and two men Mr. Keshab Nepali, Mr. Enosh Rokaya. Altogether there were 24 participants from five different countries India, Butan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. The participants were accompanied by Rev. Vinod Victor the course coordinator who is also the coordinator of SAEPP. The Program was organized by The South Asia council of Churches (SACC) and The South Asia Ecumenical Partnership Programme (SAEPP). The program was supported by The World Council of Churches. Dr. Matthews George Chunnukara who is the Asia Secretary for the WCC was also present during the opening and the closing of the program. Dr. Matthews also took a session. Rev. Dr Jayasiri Pieris the coordinator of SAAC and also the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Sri Lanka was also present , and apart from taking a session he gave the plenary presentation. Dr. K.B Rokaya the General Secretary of National Council of Churches in Nepal also took two sessions, focusing on the Conflict in Nepal and the role that Christians and Churches played in the conflict resolution. The practical and action oriented contribution of the Christians in Nepal for Peace Making and Inter – Religious Cooperation has been an inspiration for the Churches/Christians of South Asia. The Youths present in the training appreciated the presence of Dr. Rokaya and benefited from his experience sharing as a Christian Leader/Peace Maker, Human Rights Activist and Inter-Religious Leader in Nepal.
The program was very participatory and had various renowned Christian/Inter-Religious Leaders and Social Activist as resource person. The topics covered a wide range from Biblical Study to looking at Peace Concepts offered by other ancient religions. Pluralism and Ecumenism was a major discussion point. The Christians and Churches especially of South Asia were challenged by the Speakers and Participants to come out of their Traditional way of thinking/working and be engaged with the society in their local context. The Need for Unity Among All Christians/Churches, Unity Among all Religions, Unity Among All of Humanity and All of Creation to establish Peace on Earth was agreed upon by all.
