—Religious leaders of different faiths from 25 countries convene parallel G8 Summit for Peace in Hokkaido, Japan—

(SAPPORO, JAPAN 3 July 2008)—Senior leaders of different faiths from Religions for Peace, the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, called on the Group of 8 (G8) governments to take bold action to address violent conflict and climate change.

The leaders were among the 100 who gathered for the “World Religious Leaders Summit for Peace” in advance of the G8 meeting in Hokkaido, Japan, held on 2–3 July 2008 at the Sapporo Convention Center. The senior religious leaders represented the world’s major faith traditions,  including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, Shintoism and Zoroastrianism.

“We are united in our call to the G8 to take bold action to address the threats that confront humanity, including the destruction of the environment and climate change, extreme global poverty and deteriorating food security, nuclear arms, terrorism and violent conflict.  Addressing these threats requires urgent action by the G8,” the religious leaders said in a statement. [See full text below.]  

“We must draw attention to the link between the health of the environment and war,” said the Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, Moderator of Religions for Peace. “In addition to killing people, disrupting the lives of entire societies and thwarting development, war destroys the ecosystem. We religious leaders urge the G8 governments to a reduction of total national defense and military expenditures and utilize the saved funds to establish an Earth Fund dedicated to environmental protection.”

On Friday, 4 July 2008, a Religions for Peace delegation delivered the call to action to Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda in Tokyo, Japan. The delegation included H.E. Dr. Mustafa Ceric, Reis-I-ulema, Islamic Community in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Chief Rabbi Gutman, Chief Rabbi of Strasburg, France; Rev. Nichiko Niwano, Chairman, Religions for Peace–Japan; His Grace John O. Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja in Nigeria; and Sheikh Tayser Rajab al-Tamimi, Supreme Judge of Sharia Courts in Palestine.

H.E. Prime Minister Fukuda said he would to deliver the religious leaders’ statement to his fellow G8 heads of state. “Our global challenges require cooperation among all sectors and peoples. It is now time for religious and political leaders to dialogue and work hand in hand to tackle our common problems,” he said. 

“Terrorism—the intentional killing of innocent people as a way of achieving political objective—is never morally justified whether it is perpetrated by individuals, groups or states,” said Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace. He called on the G8 to cooperate with religious leaders to address the problems of terrorism and violent conflict.

Ms. Mehrézia Labidi-Maiza, a Summit delegate and Coordinator of the Religions for Peace Global Women’s Network, highlighted the work that women of faith around the world already do to help stop violent conflict and protect the environment.

Ms. Stellamaris Mulaeh, a Summit delegate and the Coordinator of the Religions for Peace Global Youth Network,  said she was encouraged by the religious leaders’ commitment to work for future generations. “Youth must be involved in the advocacy as well,” she said. “The voice of the voiceless must be heard. Also, we must use our churches and mosques and temples as platforms for advocacy and action.”

The summit was organized by Religions for Peace–Japan and the Japanese Association of Religious Organizations and supported by Ministry of the Environment and World Federalist Movement-Japan Religious Committee. Additional support was provided by Religions for Peace–International. The Hokkaido Summit follows similar work begun in multi-religious meetings held just prior to the G8 summits in Moscow, Russia (2006), and Cologne, Germany (2007). 

The Religions for Peace World Council is advancing peacebuilding work around the world in seventeen states including Iraq and the Middle East region, Sri Lanka, and the Horn of Africa.

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In August 2008, Religions for Peace received a message from the G8 Team, Global Economy Group, of the Government of the United Kingdom. The UK praised the collaborative work of the religious leaders and encouraged their further engagement at the next G8 meeting in Italy. [Read full text of letter below.]