Archive for category: Peacebuilding

The Religious and youth leaders from Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh Faith backgrounds are all set to appeal to the people to address climate change using the platform of the their religious institutes The Peacebuilding department of Diocese of Raiwind-Church organized a 3-day training In O’Spring, Murree. The workshop was held from 13-16 February, 2017. A total of 22 participants attended the training. The diverse group was comprised of participants not only from different faith backgrounds but also from different regional backgrounds. The purpose of the training was to educate religious leader about climate change and how religious leaders can use their influence to convince masses to get climate conscious and aware them of the pace of climate change now reaching devastating levels. Bishop Samuel Azariah, the Moderator Bishop of Church of Pakistan. Mr. Munir Ahmed (Graduate of Harvard University, Fulbright Scholar and Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University), Mr. Peter Jacob (seasoned journalist and ED of Center for Social Justice), Mr. Rizwan Ali (Peace practitioner and activist),Mr. Raheel Sharoon (Development Officer from the Diocese of Raiwind) and Mr. Noman Sajjad from peacebuilding department were the resource persons at the training. On the first day of the workshop, the participants from different faith background were equipped with peacebuilding and conflict resolution skills. Climate Change was discussed on the 2nd day. The workshop was concluded on the 3rd day with the formation of an action plan where the religious leaders and peace practitioners discussed about sharing this in their sermons and organizing symbolic activities that can further educate masses. The speakers mainly stressed on the much needed cooperation to curb such grave issues as they affect every single person on this planet regardless of one’s beliefs. Different activities were conducted in order to train and aware the participants. The participants were shown the movie titled, The Day after tomorrow’ which reflects on the misuse of natural resources and its grave consequences. The leaders were very open to the idea of spreading information about climate change and how they can greatly conserve the planet earth. An action plan was formulated with the purpose of inclusion of this global issue in sermons. Climate change is a global issue of many dimensions, and leaders of faith have to address the moral aspect of the matter in a push to mobilize congregations. It’s time for people of all religions to act hand in hand in a united and necessary effort to stabilize an increasingly destructive concern in “pursuit of the common good.” The need of the hour is to mobilize public action that ensures surrounding environmental sustainability.

The peacebuilding department of Diocese of Raiwind Church of Pakistan hosted Holi celebration for Hindu and Sikh community with the theme, ‘Rang de’. More than 180 youth members from 5 different faith communities attended the program. The event was held at 15 Warris road, Lahore on 19 March, 2017. “Celebrating the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’, this colorful festival falls. Songs, water balloons and bright colors are the major highlights of this vivid and lively festival. Bright colored powders, known as ‘Gulal’ are smeared on everyone’s faces accompanied by splashing of colored water. These bright colors are believed to signify energy, life and joy. While everyone is indulged in mouthwatering delicacies.” Roshini Roy, student from GC University said. Bishop Azariah said, “If we want to bring Hindus and other minorities in the mainstream, we should treat them as equal citizens. Our shared culture has been and can continue to be a strong connecting force in this regard.” Holi signifies the arrival of spring, and an opportunity to forget and forgive errors and make new friends. People celebrating the festivity go out and meet others, play and laugh, pay or forgive debts and revisit relationships with people. Also known as ‘the festival of colors’, revelers throw powder at each other, leaving people covered in different colors from head to toe.

The Peacebuilding Department of Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan organized a one day training workshop on Social Media Activism.
The main objective of the workshop was to highlight the positive and negative use of social media and as a social media activist, how we can make use of social media to address certain issues and raise awareness.
39 young participants from colleges and universities participated in the workshop. Mostly, university students were a part of this activity. 4 people from the transgender community were also present.