This post was originally written by Elizabeth and Jeremy. This is merely a reproduction and slightly edited edition.
Empowering Student Action for Dialogue and Peace
was the theme for the recent International Committee 2007 (IC 2007) which was held from June 24 to July 7 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) in Kuala Lumpur, organized by the International Movement of Catholic Students Asia-Pacific. It was headed by two Asia Pacific IMCS Coordinators, which is Bipul (Bangladesh) and Adrian Pereira (Malaysia), who are currently based in Philippines with the help of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) who are individuals who tirelessly lend a hand to make the International Committee 2007 a successful one.
Bipul (Bangladesh) and Adrian (Malaysia)
IMCS Coordinators for Asia Pacific
Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the International Committee 2007
It was a two week long event of multicultural exchange that proved to be an eye opener and enriching experience for students from every continent in the world and also not forgetting the local students who were involved in the planning. Throughout the event, there were ice-breakers followed by study sessions that injected a great dose of information about the realities of human life in out respective countries and continents. The objective and spirit of the event was to empower students to be peace builders, and the action necessary was dialogue with neighbors, friends, family, other religions and the government. They also discussed the role of media as a tool for peace building and linked faith with peace building.
On the first day, Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap, the Director of ASAYO.
Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap (In green vestment)
In his sermon, Fr Michael shared a story of a priest who saw a girl, sitting at the airport and crying. When asked, she said she had been there at the airport for three days already and she couldn’t find her air ticket. The priest, who was listening to her, was filled with sympathy and told her he’ll try to get her a ticket home. The girl stood up and followed him, when suddenly he heard the girl shouting with happiness!!!! Why??? She has found her ticket!!! Guess where it was? She was sitting on it. Fr Michael stressed that
we have to get up and start moving if we want to make a difference in this current world.
From left to right; Jules(Togo), Kevin(USA), Hermai(Peru) Adeline(Malaysia), Cynthia(CAN-Malaysia) and John(India)
After Mass, John(India), Jules(Togo), Kevin Ahern, outgoing chairman of IMCS (USA), Adeline (Malaysia), Cynthia (CAN-Malaysia) and Hermai (Peru) shared on the issues and struggles faced by the Catholic students in their own countries, ranging from women issues and AIDS to privatization of high education, problems in their universities and poverty. Bro. Varghese SJ was the moderator. It was clear that all over the world, students are in need of peace. Blaise(Senegal) shared on the issue of migration in his country. When asked about what he has to say about the issues, Blaise said that “there is no point in running away, we should stay back and be pillars of strength for the youth; to be messengers of peace.”
The following day, participants were brought to for exposure trips to places such as Jinjang, Bidor, Sg Siput, PEARCH, JERIT and Welcome Community Home. These places include the indigenous peoples’ settlements, HIV positive patients’ homes, the urban poor housing estate and the rural areas where foreign refugees seek shelter. It was indeed an earth shattering experience to witness their shabby living conditions while leading a life of poverty and stung by perpetual social stigma.
After the exposure trips, they did a social analysis to deepen their understanding about the injustice and conflicts in those areas. There were also brainstorming sessions for concrete solutions to these issues. They then presented what they learned from the trips and the methods of peace building. Do you Malaysians want to see what the local and foreign participants have come out with after the sharing; and also the questions that were posed on the participants who were on location???? Ok… We shall go area by area. Sharing courtesy of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS)
Indigenous village, Kampung Chang Lama and Kampung Chang Baru, Bidor
- population of 2000 people
- No documents concerning property rights
- Different developers began construction without asking the villagers
- there was sound pollution; dust that led to asthma
- An NGO, SPNS, started efforts to map the lands that the indigenous people own based on
GPS, so they can have some documentation
- Uses the jungle and river as resources for food
- Declined to move from their home even though a sum of money was offered
- If someone dies, they’re buried close to village
- Some parents have no interest in education
- A new kindergarten was started
- Marriages are not fixed; men have to have secure jobs before marriage
- Youngsters are ashamed of their culture; low self-esteem because of outsiders’ comments
- Religions are diversified; some are Christians, some are Ba’hai.
- Non-indigenous marriage partners have to come and live in the village
- Great respect for the jungle because it supplies their needs; animals are considered family
- Very superstitious about the jungle with a lot of taboos
- Mostly Chinese
- Prices in the region are high but they are underpaid
- 3 issues that disturbed us:
§ Parents are not aware of the importance of the education of their children.
§ The fear and intensity of outsiders (including government) invading their land and/or not respecting their rights
§ The department for the indigenous people is not fulfilling it’s duties
Q & A
- The indigenous people do not eat the animals from the jungle. Why?
- When they raise the animals, they form a special bond with them and treat them like family. They sell the animals instead of eating them.
- U said that peasants are not interested in education. Education is not confined to our own kind. We do not recognize their own system of learning about their own environment? I feel they are treating education according their culture; there is an education that transmits to their children in a very delicate way. And, what kind of culture is that?
- I think education is related to books and knowledge about the world as well as the knowledge of the forest. But I think they don’t know about the outside world. For example, they had to build their own water system when the water supply failed. They need is to learn more about the outside world to help themselves, to raise their self-esteem.
- As a way of life, they just have what they produce. Do they buy daily products from the outside world?
- Yes they do. They get this kind of communication with others in the market place.
Welcome Community Home
- A sketch was acted out to portray the situation and issues in the home
- A center for people who are thrown out from their families and society
- Our perceptions of the people have changed. AIDS is not about death. It’s about life
- Though they’re affected with AIDS, they are happy and are sharing the pain with compassion
- As a catholic group we can help out in societies like this
- The government is happy with Pearch’s work and is willing to help them
- AIDS is not the issue. The issue or basic problem is the family. It’s is more important to concentrate on a healthy family life as opposed to just combating HIV/AIDS
- three things that disturbed
o People’s perception regarding HIV/AIDS as “punishment from God” because of sins (for instance drug abuse, visits with prostitutes, homosexuality). The ones infected are 90% drug addicts
o The emotional trauma that people with HIV/AIDS suffer due to abandonment from their families is the most painful aspect of the disease that they endure. They are deprived of the basic needs of love and compassion.
o Nurses are negligent, particularly in public hospitals, of these patients. The attitude of these nurses is one of disregard, because they see those who suffer from HIV/AIDS as deserving of the disease. They are not well trained to care for those who suffer from this disease.
o They are not only victims of HIV/AIDS, but of drug abuse, as well.
§ Key problem with relation to issue.
· Those who suffer from HIV/AIDS due to drug abuse were found to seek drugs due to an unhappy childhood. Misconceptions of people regarding HIV/AIDS are due to ignorance and stereotypes.
- Three powerful learning from your experience.
· HIV/AIDS is not about death, it is about life. This message leads them to live with hope and seek joy. WCH nurtures this desire.
· The Center is open to people of all races and religions. It is a completely
peaceful coexistence with no discrimination. It’s a recognized national office of human development.
· Welcome Community Home through its openness has inspired Muslims to open up centers that accept all.
Q & A
- What is so special about this home? Do they have any special treatment for the patients?
- It’s just a name for people from all walks of life, race and religion. In public hospitals, these patients are not treated well. In this home, they respond to the stigma of Aids with love. Most of the patients were living in the streets. Welcome Community Home made an initiative to help them.
Pearch- Burmese Refugee Centre
- Myanmar consists of various states with ethno-centrism. The military government wants to abolish this system through military oppression. The people are forced to renounce their own identities, which caused these people to escape from Myanmar
- But these refugees are not recognized by the Malaysian government as Malaysia was not a signatory of United Nations Human Rights Convention, before signing the United Declaration of Human Rights.
- But Malaysia recognized the Child Refugee Convention and allows children refugees to stay. What happens when the children turns 18?
- The Burmese are undocumented; no healthcare; bad living conditions
- They have no education, no hygiene, they lack nutrition. Their makeshift toilets are just plastic shacks using rainwater.
- There are 2 Canadian volunteers to teach children; one American has been volunteering since one year ago, treating the people, who are the ethnic Chins
- Three things that disturbed:
· Their pathetic condition. Lives in hut with plastic roof. All their furniture is from dump sites. There is no hygiene. 75 people use the same toilet without washing themselves
· They only have money if a few were brave enough to venture outside the area and look for jobs
· ICR volunteers teach the children. A nurse left her family in USA to help the people since a year ago.
Q & A
- Are they happy or do they want to go back to Myanmar?
- They do not wish to return as they will be killed for not complying with the government. All they want is a better life elsewhere
- Who are helping them with food and basic necessities?
- An American, as well as Pearch, fund and help them
JERIT
- palm oil and plantation workers who work without proper protection and salaries
- “I gain a lot of money working with the palm oil plantation. I can earn up to RM90. But if it rains I have no salary. Sometimes I only have 10 days’ salary in two months. My family cannot survive. After the plantation is sold, we will have to live in the streets…”
- “I am the government. I do not care about my community as they cannot give me money…”
- “My family came to this country to work. After independence in 1957, nothing changed. We worked for the benefit of the companies. We live in houses that belong to the companies. If it rains, we have no salary. In 1990, we protested in front of the Parliament. But the government helps the owners of the land. Our children cannot continue studying…”
- Management have absolute power
- Wives lead monotonous lives surrounded by housework with no chance of entertaining friends.
- The media can’t expose this problem as they are restricted by the landowners and government
Q & A
- Palm oil is used to process food in across the world. It is planted globally, destroying natural forest. Is there a connection between capitalist regimes and Asia? Is this plantation connected?
- In Asia, the British colonist planted these plants for their own use. The workers are living under strict conditions without freedom.
Sg Siput & DBI Village
- A song was presented
- Two villages, both fighting for basic human rights
- 3 disturbing issues:
(Sg Siput)
· Exploitation of labor
· Ill treatment/ Empty promises to workers
· Using fear tactics to intimidate workers
(DBI Village)
· Political connotation – might lead to further oppression
· Lack of direct youth involvement in political struggle
· Lack of education – to help selves and others
- We saw that all these had a political frame behind the problem of land.
- Youngsters were not involved
- Women do not have a view for the future regarding education about these issues. But the women were the ones carrying out the fight
- In this area, people of the 3 main religions in Malaysia were living together.
- Key problem:
o Lack of awareness and understanding of the situation by the general population
o If there is no awareness, the problem continues
o Environmental sustainability - environment was not taking into account. they just think about housing without thinking about the resources
o Business and politics intertwined - There is a political background. It was a mixture of politics and economics. The government look for negotiations with companies instead of with the people
- 3 learnings:
o Migrant and local workers in Malaysia are often abused and exploited
o Employers manipulate the system by taking advantage of the naivety of workers
o MNCs and government are slaves to the capitalist system
o There is a political connotation. A political party behind. The people might associate a better life with fighting the government
- We also met a migrant worker who was abused in Cameron Highlands. He was made to work without salary and was beaten
Urban poor in Jinjang
- The houses they live in do not belong to them. They are old. At first the government promised that they were only supposed to live there for 10 years. But 15 years have passed.
- The area’s rubbish is not collected and the living conditions are very unhygienic, especially since they live very closely.
- The tax rate is very high as compared to their low salaries.
- They live close to electrical wires that can cause cancer
- Their education system is not complete. The teachers are poorly paid.
- The government dismantle their parks to build facilities for the rich
- A center was built for the people but is instead used to try to change their mindset
- Key problem:
o Government discriminates the poor. There are a lot of problems regarding housing ownership.
- The people needed links to the correct political parties in order to enter university
- They have no access to health facilities
- There is a plastic garbage factory located near the settlement
- Permas is an organization that works with the poor. They do social work neglected by the government
- They want to help the people help themselves out of poverty
- they offer informal help to the people, for example, offering accounting services
- The people around this area is very hospitable
Q & A - Are these people living in these houses because they work for the state? Do they carry out agricultural works?
They do not work for the government. They are living in temporary housing supposedly only for 2 years while their welfare is still being deliberated. It has been 15 years now. And their housing is built on top of dangerous material, like asbestos
From left to right; Fr. Christopher McCoy, Dr.
Farid Ishak
, Fr. Jojo Fung, Brother Charlie Cheah,
Tijah Yok Chopil and Veronica (Moderator)
There was an interfaith talk by speakers of the religions in
Malaysia, which are Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, the Indigenous belief which later ended with an interfaith prayer session by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST). It's main objective was to to dialogue for peace ans also to learn from persons of experience rooted in different religions. It was a deeply spiritual session. The room was lit with candles by the participants to symbolize peace, unity and solidarity. A
kolam of a white dove was created in the heart of the hall and surrounded by candles, small lamps and rose petals. It was a sight to behold.
The speakers are
Dr.Amir Farid Ishak (Islam), Fr. Chris McCoy (Christianity), Brother Charlie Cheah (Buddhism) and Tijah Yok Chopil (Indigenous Beliefs) Here is their background story; their say about their respective religion and the questions that was posed to them. Again, the documentations are courtesy of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS)
Dr.Amir Farid Ishak
· started a few years ago ; realization that there are sincere people on the “other” side
· “gate crashed” an inter-faith dialogue which was only for non-Muslims (at that time) to
· dissented when people agreed that all religion is the same
· We all have different faiths. We cannot sweep this fact under the rug instead; we need to face the fact.
· dialogued with a young Buddhist monk ;
· am almost an associate member of SFX church
· am a “son” to 2 Indian ladies – Mother Mangalam & Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan ; close relationship built over time
· 7 years ago approached to lead the “Inter Faith Spiritual Movement” ; also the Malaysian Inter Faith Society ; past 3 year also on Global Council of URI – United Religions Initiative – established 12 years ago ; hope to work with the UN on religious issues
· URI – He is a representative of all religions, not only the Muslims.
· What are the barriers? Mindset – extremists and narrow mindedness
· the right teaching of Quran says we are many tribes and people so that we may love one another
· It is also how we interpret our beliefs. The deeper understanding you have of your religion, the broader your perspective. we are aware that God is one and that He loves one and all
· I repeat the many names of God everyday, many times over, but if I do not practice these values, it does not mean anything
Q & A
- how do you evaluate inter faith dialogue compared to 15 years ago?
“Improving by leaps and bounds. Now, we can have inter-faith dialogues even with Muslims; the opportunity to dialogue and interact is there now, but we have to move to action”
- in many places, the Christians initiate dialogue, and Muslims not involved
“it has also been my experience ; Christians been more active in this aspect ; in Malaysia, not many Muslims come forth ; they are in a comfort zone ; because they decided a lot of policies and are the majorities ; in Europe, the Muslims are a minority, but are proactive in dialoguing;
- is the youth situation within the context of inter faith dialogue encouraging?
“Before, the interaction was better; less interaction amongst children of different race and religion; trend is connected to Islamisation; which is contrary to my personal believes; if my understanding is right, the more Islamic we become, the more open we should become
- Continuation of the question on attacks on Madrid and London.
“the attacks in the name of religion ; deviant followers misinterpreting religious teaching ; Muhammad S.A.W said that no one shall take away the right of the non – Muslim ; He even said that if you are forced to go to war, you are not allowed to kill innocents , and unconnected lives ;
Secularism – many European nations have turned their churches into tourist attractions ; throughout history religions have come and gone to the fore ; many reasons for waves of change in religions ; in Malaysia, initially Hindus, then the king embraced Islam and the people also converted ; forceful changes include the conquistadors and the preachers ;
Fr. Chris McCoy · worked with University students over 11 years
· past 4 years as National Coordinator for Chaplain
· England is a secular community ; multi cultural and multi racial
· “keep your faith private”
· we tolerate anything but do not impose
· university of Southampton “ Speak with pride ; listen with respect” – groups of Muslim, Christian, Jewish etc students together speak for 5 minutes on various topics i.e. moral values, life after death ; students urged to listen with respect and speak with pride for their believes ; no q & a, but discussions over after-session dinner
University of Manchester; “Abraham’s Table” – started by Muslim, Christian and Jewish as they recognize Abraham as a important figure in their religions; food is prepared and they sit at the table; when dessert is served they start discussing religion; started with 30 – 40 students; now more faith joining; womenfolk now complaining, Abraham never went into kitchen; now called “Abraham & Sarah’s Table”
· I believe all changes can begin if we start listening with respect
Q & A
- England is secular; but there remains a connection between the Church and the State?
-“in Rome, the Forum is a symbol of a past culture; Christianity was connected to the State ; but dead connection ; we have many religious symbols and churches but they do not present a commitment to the people”
- In South America, there is no religion problem as 75% of the population is Catholic and there is no conflict. I believe that differences are important.
“This is my experience on England. The two programs are the first steps. People need to listen first or they will not understand the differences. This is applicable to the UK society. Listening is the first step.”
- Secular State is a phenomenon in Europe. What do you think about the attacks in London and Madrid? It is their way of strengthening their faith. How do you analyze the situation and its link to the inter faith dialogue?
“Northern Europe – post-Enlightenment Secular society ; process of rapid change ; faith is being reduced to something personal and private in many systems ; different forms of fundamentalism, manifested itself in Christianity and other faiths, and the nature of civil society’s understanding of threats . Most religions - faith groups are being monitored; there are fundamentalist in practically all religions; due to the lack of full understanding of own religion; I stress that the key is listening to each other
Brother Charlie Cheah
- Quantity Surveyor with UM Land
- Founder of a Buddhist society called Quantum Buddhist society
- the moral of the story is that one man’s favorite might be another man’s dislike ; when we have differing minds, we will have different opinions etc
- Buddhist of 3 traditions ; Orthodox – Theravada, Mahayana & Hinayana
- developed many other traditions i.e. Nepal
- we don’t share the same doctrine and practice ; even amongst Buddhist there is differing opinions ; but never any public show of disagreement ; the peace is kept based on fundamental teaching of Buddha that says everyone has their own minds as far as you can have a level of tolerance
- we come together for charitable and humanistic goals
- always try and engage each other to dialogue on common values and Universal values and tolerate each others differences
Q & A
- how is Buddhism connecting with modern science and if there is any affect
“Buddhism is a metaphysical knowledge; talking about mind and body; 2 masses of energy interacting; either in congruent or in conflict; Law of attraction- good energy attracts good energy
- Buddhist in my country (Bangladesh) is all vegetarians; is there a regulation?
“There is a misconception; not all Buddhist are vegetarians; the concept of health and non-violence instigates the want to be vegetarian; once the consciousness of compassion is there, it becomes a natural thought process;
- In Tibet, Buddhism spread fast. Because of the religion, we are not allowed to form an army. Does Buddhism forgive its sinners? What is the political and religious link?
-“Tibet practices a god-king concept. There needs to be a separation of state and religion. The god-king concept is not prevalent in other countries. It has nothing to do with the teachings of Buddhism.”
- What about the situation in Burma? They are promoting war and religion.
“the need to separate religion and state ; state patronizing religion and using it for their own ; religion doesn’t teach oppression ; if government chooses to use it for their own means, then karma will soon come into play inevitably”
Tijah Yok Chopil · as Aslis’, we believe that land is our culture and identity, belief , peace, love and philosophy
· we face the problem that nearly all of Malaysia do not understand our beliefs ; brings forth many problems and conflicts
· we are not recognized and targeted by modern religions
· now we are trying to fight for wider understanding amongst the nation’s populations
· therefore we try and have dialogues with the respective parties , document our knowledge that has always been handed orally and passing it on to respective bodies
· we also try to go out and work with different bodies i.e. religious bodies, NGOs, universities in our effort to let others see our believes
· but the challenges are many ; the issues of the indigenous are sensitive ; not many do not understand and many are afraid to try and help
· some have tried but they aren’t patient
· although we have tried to make an effort i.e. with the government, yet there aren’t bothered ; excuses like that they are always opposing the government
· it is a challenge for us to try and make the friends out there that although it is a sensitive topic, we need to discuss openly
· we feel that if we can respect others, others should also be able to respect us and we will be able to achieve peace
Q & A
- What are the Indigenous people beliefs?
“Generally, our believes are closely tied to the land, air and water; we believe that God is all around us and the world is not to be owned but to be shared; we practice respecting God daily, the way we talk to others, the respect our elders, welcoming everyone, not making fun or abusing animals; but for us, we can kill them to eat, ONLY. The retribution is now after death but during this life itself”
- In my country, the Indigenous believe that if they are good now, they go to paradise, is it the same for you. Do you believe in life after death?
“there are 2 facts of believe ; number 1, if you are good on this Earth, this is heaven, if you are bad, this is hell on Earth ; the other is that we also believe that there is life after death ; but we believe there aren’t any punishment after death, after death, everyone is an equal.
Grace from Sudan leading the participants into the hall with song for the Cultural Mass
On June 30, a myriad of colors and striking designs graced APC Hall in the cultural clothes of the participants for the Cultural Mass. “Today we celebrate our many cultures, sharing the same Lord. We are one in Christ: said Fr Masawe, the presider in his introduction. The prayer of the faithful was said in many a tongue of the world by the participants.
Group Picture after the Cultural Mass... Can you see the colorful arrays of costumes??
Cultural Night followed after Mass. Everyone was having a ball of a time as the “Saturday Night Fever’ provoked a euphoria of joy and excitement. There were performances by the participants themselves. It was a sight to behold because, as diverse as we are with the many races here in Malaysia, it is a rare sight to see cultural performances from all over the world in one place. Most of the time, you have to go to the country to see it. Not only did the participants performed, they also brought goodies, native of their country to be shared by all. The highlight of the night was the proclamation of Blaise from Senegal as the King of the Night and petite, sweet Mary Grace from Myanmar declared the Queen of the Night.
The crowning of the King (Blaise from Senegal) and Queen (Marie Grace from Myanmar) of the night.
On July 1, there was a public mass that was celebrated in St Joseph’s Church, Sentul where the participants took part in the church rites and later on, the participants were taken around KL for a day of outing. The venue of the places visited was the KLCC Sky Bridge, a Buddhist temple in the heart of KL, the National Mosque in KL, Batu Caves and they were taken to Dataran Pahlawan and Alamanda shopping complex in Putrajaya. It was a great experience for the foreign participants as they were exposed to many different cultures and religions along their exciting journey. Besides that, there were Q and A sessions with the people who are in charge of the places of worship that was visited by the participants.
During the second week, the statutory session began. It was time where IMCS members from across the globe came together for a formation session and also to evaluate, discuss and plan legal structural change for the movement in the next 4 years. The statutory session ended with a Mass and the election if the new International Team, Mehul (Chairman) from India, Christopher Malano (Secretary General) who hails from Hawaii and Fr Christopher McCoy (Chaplain) from Liverpool, UK.
Mehul from India, current Chairman of the International Movement of Catholic Students
Christopher Malano from Hawaii (USA); Secretary General for the International Movement of Catholic Students
Fr Christopher McCoy from UK, Chaplain for the International Movement of Catholic Students
July 7, there was an African-Asian Student Forum which was held at the APC. One of the main issues was the Democratic Space which includes freedom of Speech, Media and Religion, and privatization of Higher Education.
International Committee 2007 and the LOC members
