Young Christians in South Asia to Work for Peace

Youth from South Asian member churches of the Council for World Mission have advocated the formation of a new network of young people from across their churches that will work to advance justice and peace.

The recommendation was made at the recent CWM-SARC (South Asia Regional Council) work camp on peace initiatives in Shillong by 40 young members of the Church of North India, the Church of South India, the Church of Bangladesh and the Presbyterian Church of India.

The young church members have already visited non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working for peace, justice and development in northeast India, an area marred by unrest and war.

There they heard from experts on the human rights issues and youth involvement in the conflict.

Recommendations from the youth extended to the launch of an interreligious dialogue which would give a platform for the voice of youth.

They also recommended setting up young people's exchanges and a network of Christian and secular NGOs linked to other CWM-member churches.

The youth at the work camp reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the existing youth peace-building network, as well as establishing justice, relations with youth in other faith communities and using different forms of communication.