WCRP Japan is the Japan committee of World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP/Religions for Peace, RfP). WCRP is an international NGO founded in 1970 that brings together the wisdom of many religions and works for peacebuilding based on dialogue. Its stated aims include promoting encounters based on a spirit of tolerance, researching and acting on global issues in cooperation with the United Nations, and peace education rooted in the peaceful values of religion.
Using its network of religions in more than 90 countries, it works on nine themes: encounters and dialogue spreading across the world, toward a world without nuclear weapons, addressing the climate crisis, ending human trafficking, reconciliation, disaster recovery support, and the Peace Research Institute, the Women's Committee and the Youth Committee.
The organization includes the Peace Research Institute, where researchers from Islamic, Christian, Shinto, Buddhist and other backgrounds study peace; the Women's Committee, made up of women of various faiths; and the Youth Committee, made up of young religious leaders who will shape the future. Its website also announces study seminars looking for participants and emergency relief fund appeals after earthquake damage.
Key points
- The Japan committee of an international NGO founded in 1970, drawing on an interfaith network in more than 90 countries
- Works for peace on nine themes, including dialogue, climate and disaster recovery support
- A structure that lets people take part from their own position, through the Peace Research Institute and the Women's and Youth Committees
Why this organization deserves attention
A distinctive feature is that cooperation beyond differences of religion and denomination is valued throughout its work. While respecting each faith, it makes getting to know one another through dialogue the starting point of peacebuilding.
It also shares opportunities for citizens to take part, such as seminar announcements and relief fund appeals. It looks like a good entry point for anyone who wants to think about peace and coexistence from a religious perspective.
Editor's comment
Peace may sound like a huge theme, but perhaps it begins with meeting someone and talking. WCRP Japan's work seems to show us a way to join hands while accepting our differences.
The official website also lists lectures and seminars you can join online. Why not take a look at a topic that interests you?