Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kao Hsiung (Agenzia Fides) - Immigrants, human trafficking, spirituality of justice and peace were among the urgent issues discussed during the 7th Conference of the Dominican Family in Asia-Oceania held at the end of 2006 in the Taiwan diocese of Kao Hsiung. According to the weekly bulletin of the archdiocese of Tai Pei Christian Life Weekly, over 50 delegates of different Dominican realities present in 11 different countries of Asia/Oceania took part in the Conference. The topics discussed concerned spirituality of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, justice and peace, and experience of pastoral work to assist immigrants and victims of human trafficking.
A declaration issued at the end of the conference highlighted 7 points: “We fully recognise the love and commitment of brothers and sisters involved in pastoral assistance and protection for migrants, refugees or victims of human trafficking. We firmly denounce all violation of human rights and human trafficking and also abuse and discrimination against women, especially buying and selling of women for the sex market and labour. We are united with persons whose rights are violated, especially immigrants and refugees. We promise them full support in their search to reaffirm their dignity as human persons”.
The statement expresses support for the communities at the service of victims of violation of human rights, especially connected with illegal immigration and human trafficking, calling for concrete measures to eradicate all violence. “We recognise that prayer and action, contemplative life and social renewal are part of the spirituality of justice, essential elements of integral Christian spirituality”. The last point renews commitment to promote inter-religious dialogue and justice. (NZ)(Agenzia Fides 16/1/2007; Righe: 30 Parole: 363)
