The Eighth World Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace was held from 26-29 August, 2006. The theme of the Conference was ¡°Confronting Violence and Advancing Shared Security¡±. On behalf of CCC/TSPM, Rev. Cao Shengjie , President of CCC, Ms. Jin Wei, Vice-chairman of TSPM and Rev. Mei Kangjun, the Executive Associate General Secretary of TSPM attended the Conference along with the other members of the Chinese religious delegation.
The Conference passed the Kyoto Declaration , calling the religious communities around the world and religious leaders to take active actions in solving regional conflicts, eradicating poverty and maintaining world peace.
The declaration stated that, we live in a world in the grips of many forms of violence; many people are involved in them and even lost their lives; the poor, the powerless and the most vulnerable suffered even more seriously. The religious communities £¬ therefore, shall play a bigger role in multi-religious collaboration to prevent and stop violence.
The declaration pointed out that World Religions for Peace is the biggest global multi-religious voice and agent for peace, and has become an actor committed to realize it.
In the faith of multi-religious cooperation, the participators worked in solidarity to eliminate violence and protect lives. They determined to strive hard for ending wars and establish a more equitable society. All the religious communities shall attach more importance to education for realizing justice and peace and commit themselves to eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable development.
The Conference also made a plan calling the religious communities to resist and confront any misuse of religion for violent purposes, advance multi-religious cooperation, and strengthen the network of the World Religions for Peace.
It also elected the new leadership. Bishop K. H. Ting, Vice-chairman of CPPCC £¨ Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference £© and Chairman of Chinese Conference Religion and Peace (CCCRP) was elected as one of the Honorary Chairmen of the World Religions for Peace. Mr. Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, Honorary chairman of CCCRP was elected one of the Chairmen of World Religions for Peace. The General Secretary of World Religions for Peace, William Vendley , won the re-election.
More than 500 religious leaders from 100 countries and regions and 1500 representatives from international organizations and civilian groups attended the Conference.
