_?xml_:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" />_?xml_:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />The Second Inter-religous Confrence on Article 9
November 30 - _?xml_:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />December 4, 2009
PROK Academy House, San 76, Insu-dong, Kangbuk-ku, Seoul, Korea
December 03, 2009
HE Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace, Manila
Philippines
Dear Madame President Arroyo:
We are gathered in Seoul, Korea as participants in the Second Inter-Religious Conference on Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution The Conference is part of the continuing concern and response by the people of Japan and the rest of the world to uphold and honor the Article 9 provision in the Japanese Constitution, which deters the Japanese people’s participation in wars and any military activity.
It is with sadness and great concern that we received the shocking news of the recent massacre in Maguindanao Province, Southern Philippines. From reliable sources we were informed that more than 57 civilians were brutally murdered at the behest of a known political warlord. The massacre victims include thirty journalists and two human rights lawyers.
We are outraged by this case of extrajudicial killings committed with impunity and demand that the perpetrators of this violence are brought to justice. We offer our prayers of sympathy and support for the grieving families of the victims. We offer as well our commiseration and sympathy to our brothers and sisters, especially those who continue to bear the brunt of the continuing violence in the Philippines. We join the Filipino people in their demand to stop the spiral of violence, to disarm the warlords, and to rescind the Executive Order 546 which allows politicians to fund private armies and their violent activities.
Every human life given by God is sacred and is supposed to be protected by the laws of the Government of the day. There is no other way to pursue peace but by the way of peace itself.
Yours sincerely,
The faith leaders, participants in the Second Article 9 Conference
Academy House, Seoul, Korea
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Mr. Jonathan Frerichs,
World Council of Churches |
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Mr. Charlie Ocampo,
Christian Conference of Asia |
|
Bern Jagunos,
United Church of Canada |
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Rev. Dr. Xialing Zhu,
United Church of Christ, USA |
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Min. Ashley Coulter Brown,
Methodist Episcopal Church, USA |
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Dr. Mira Sonntag,
Evangelisches Missionswerk in Sudwestdeutschland |
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Rev. Hu Hong-Chi,
Presbyterian Church in Taiwan |
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Mr. Mohammad Abdus Sabur,
Asia Muslim Action Network , Bangkok, Thailand |
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Jokura Kei,
National Christian Council in Japan |
|
Tani Shoji,
National Christian Council in Japan |
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Iisuka Takuya,
National Christian Council in Japan |
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Arai Katsuhiro,
National Christian Council in Japan(NCCJ) |
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Koike Zen,
United Church of Christ in Japan |
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Reiko Suzuki,
Christian Peace Network in Japan |
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Tsuji Rie,
Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace |
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Sister Filo Hirota,
Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace |
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Bishop Goro Matsura,
Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace |
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Rev. Fr. Okura Kazuyoshi,
Catholic Church in Japan |
|
Tanaka Emi,
Japan Anglican Church |
|
Odake Masanori,
Jyodoshinsyu-Otaniha in Japan |
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Hatakeyama Yoshitaka,
Rissho Kosei-kai, WCRP/Japan |
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Akagawa Keiichi,
Buddhist NGO Network of Japan |
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Ven. Yalagamuwe Dhammissara,
Sakamuni International Buddhist Center in Japan |
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Rev. Ono Bunko,
Association of Rissho Heiwa in Japan |
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Kawasaki Shunei
Association of Rissyo Heiwanokai in Japan |
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Tsukamoto Zejun,
Oakimoku 9 jou no Kai in Japan |
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Most Rev. Bishop Deogracias Iniguez,
Ecumenical Bishops Forum in the Philippines |
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Rev. Fr. Rex Reyes,
National Council of Churches in the Philippines |
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Ms. Lee Ja-Yeon,
Ecumenical Youth Council in Korea |
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Rev. Dr. Rhee In-Cheol,
Presbyterian Church in Korea |
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Rev. Roh Il-Kyoung,
Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea(PROK) |
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Rev. Nah Haeck-Jip,
Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea |
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Yoon Hae-Sook,
Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea |
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Rev. Roh Il-Kyoung,
Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea |
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Bae Yu-Mi
Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea |
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Rev. Frank Hernando,
Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea |
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Rev. Joahim Hyeon Ho Kim,
TOPIK, The Anglican Church of Korea |
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Kim Young-ai
Sae Woori Noori in Korea |
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Rev. Lee Hun Sam
PROK |
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Rev. Shin Seung Min
PROK |
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Rev. Kwon Oh Sung
National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) |
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Rev. Kim Tae Hyun
NCCK |
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Rev. Hwang Phil Kyu
NCCK |
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Rev. Iijima Makoto
NCCJ |
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Ms. Jung Hae Sun
NCCK |
