2017 HWPL Peace News in the Kingdom of Cambodia
Here is 2017 Peace News!
HWPL Religious Youth Peace Camp in the Kingdom of Cambodia
The Killing Fields is the place where one of the most fatal tragedies of human history occurred within the 20th century. However, from this history involving so much suffering and sadness, an earnest peace movement has sprouted. Over the course of four days, starting at the Wat Ounalom temple in Phnom Penh, and travelling all the way to the Al-Serkal Mosque, the HWPL Religious Youth Peace Camp was held.
The participants of the camp numbered over 30 youths and included HWPL youth voulunteers, who hoped to gain deeper insights in the timely role of youth in peacebuilding, Cambodian students, and Buddhist monks from various temples across Cambodia.
These young peacekeepers took their first step together towards the ultimate goal of peace in Cambodia and future global peace through in-depth and sincere discussions and dialogues regarding religion, history, and culture, thus transcending the boundaries and barriers between them.
Buddhist Monks "Peace be upon you"
(As-salamu alaykum) in Mosque
Day 1 ~ Day 4
Day 1 ~ Day 4
On the first day, the camp program was held on the topic of “General History of World Religions” at Wat Ounalom, a Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Without understanding world religions, it would be difficult to discuss peace. This is why on the first day of the camp, beliefs, practices, and cultures of the world’s major religions were introduced to the participants so that they could better understand each other, who came from different national and religious backgrounds. A guest speaker, Ven. Penh Vibol (Lecturer at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University and Panna Sastra University of Cambodia), spoke on the topic of “The Importance of Religious Gathering in Religious Peace” and delivered the message that now is the time to not just talk about peace but take action for peace in religion.
On the second day, the camp program was held on the topic of “Causes of Religious Conflicts & Disputes” at Al-Serkal Mosque. It was quite exceptional for such a program to be held at Al-Serkal Mosque. Tarence Song, one of the organizers of the camp, remarked,
“Opening this religious peace camp for youth was only possible because there was a profound partnership between Buddhism and Islam in Cambodia. Difficulties existed when religious practices must be respected and the mosque as a venue for the camp can be used at the same time. It was the result of a long, trust-based communication in the principle of co-existence and tremendous efforts by the Cambodian organizers.”
The youths, who visited Al-Serkal Mosque to participate in the program, wore hijabs and had time to learn Islamic culture and experience a religion that is not their own. One participant confessed that she was unfamiliar and even frightened to wear the hijab at first, but from discussing and experiencing different religions and their cultures through the camp program, she felt all people are one global family hoping for peace and dialogue is most important in achieving peace.
The camp program of the third day took place at a picnic campsite located in Kompong Seila, which is about a three-hour drive from Phnom Penh. On the topic of “Resolution to Religious Conflicts & Disputes and the Religious Community’s Role for Peace,” the participants discussed the current situation of conflicts between religions and ways to resolve them. Although it is a tough challenge facing the international community, the participants approached it from a youth perspective that respects diversity and came up with some innovative and interesting ideas. Regarding the effort to settle religious conflicts, Ven. Ken Horn said,
"Different interpretation of religious scripture can cause conflict. We don't know what the real teaching is. We got lost. We have moved so far from the original. People use their own reasons to interpret differently and claim that it is the words of God. The UN alone is not effective. We have to focus on the local level, especially young people need to take actions for peace."
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