World religious leaders agree to revitalize religions for building peace

Religious leaders from Asian and Pacific countries agreed on Monday to revitalize religions as determinant factors and prophetic mission for building peace in the world, according to a joint messages issued at the end of a two-day East Asian Religious Leaders Forum.

The leaders decided to optimize networking effort and cooperation among religious leaders and communities in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous in East Asian countries, the messages said.

"They declared to improve religious education as the basis for empowering plural and multicultural communities in building peaceful, democratic and harmonies societies," it said, adding, " the representatives of 10 religions declared to promote peace education through schools and family education, especially among the younger generation."

They agreed to enhance mutual understanding and respect among people of different faiths and religions to overcome prejudices, intolerance and hatred, it said.

The leaders also decided to support efforts to uproot systemic corruption in the region by providing moral support to law enforcement and ensuring social control, said the messages.

Over 150 prominent leaders representing 10 religions from 17 countries took part in the forum. The representatives came from Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Lao, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, Pakistan and Timor Leste.

They are representing the religions of Islam, Christian, Budhis, Bahist, Catholic, Confusion, Hindu, Sikhsim, Taqist and Zoroastrian.

Source: Xinhua