Manila Bulletin Publishing, December 15, 2011
MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, in collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) recently held the Asian Women Forum, an international, inter-faith gathering of global women leaders and women of faith in a dialogue on the primordial role of women in peace building.
The forum aimed to promote awareness of the potential of women as peacemakers and agents of development; to share experiences and best practices on women empowerment especially in ecologically sustainable development processes; and to create synergy and strengthen the Asia and the Pacific Women of Faith Network in its advocacy and interfaith initiatives.
The day-long activity began with a peace ceremony and interfaith prayers, followed by messages from Secretary Sonny Coloma from the Office for Communication and Operations, Office of the President; Rev. Kim Tae Sung, asst. secretary general, Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP); Msgr. Juanito Figura, secretary general, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; and Lourdes Mastura, president, Religions for Peace Philippines.