Invitation to the
INAUGURAL “ME RONGO” PEACE CONGRESS AND FESTIVAL
PEACE, SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPECT FOR THE SACRED
R?kohu (Chatham Islands, New Zealand) 18-21November 2011
(Hosts of the Opening Blessing Event <http://www.fusecreative.co.nz/worldmarch/events_chat.html> for the World March for Peace and Nonviolence <http://www.fusecreative.co.nz/worldmarch/index.html> )
The Congress will focus on indigenous peace-making traditions.
Session proposals are invited on the following strands:
- Peace and ethics
- Eradication of weapons and instruments of aggression
- Peaceful conflict resolution
- Peace education
A Peace and Sustainability Festival will precede the Congress. This will include 10 days of workshops facilitated by local and international leaders in the fields of sustainability, creative arts, writing and respectful practices. More details will follow in your registration pack.
In a world of increasing ecological strain and decreasing resilience island communities are often the first to feel the effects. Dependency on imports for sustenance and exports for economic survival can contribute to community fragility. However, there is another way to confront environmental and community problems associated with ecological decline, violence and lack of respect. We believe that island communities can be effective models of transition communities for larger nations to follow. If R?kohu can achieve a transition plan for resilience, then many other nation states can as well.
We are very conscious of the need to have enduring and relevant outcomes that help make a difference to this island community as well as for communities of attendees. Recent seismic activity around the Pacific, including dramatic and disastrous earthquakes in Christchurch (New Zealand) and Japan have reinforced the need for developing community resilience.
The main objective of the Congress is to gather peace makers together (physically and by video-link) in order to draft a Rekohu Peace Declaration based on principles of peace, sustainability and respect for the sacred. A critical part of this declaration will be a synthesis of conflict resolution methods, particularly those of indigenous peace-makers, discussed at the Congress.
Moriori <http://www.moriori.co.nz/> (your hosts) have a six hundred year old unbroken peace tradition. It is seen as being a code of living and engagement that has the capacity to inspire. The vision for the Peace Congress is to create a meaningful and lasting practice of mindfulness amongst all who attend. We believe that when you have hope for future generations, peace prevails. The Moriori message of peace is something we are proud of and wish to share with the rest of the world, as a beacon of hope.
Me Rongo is a Moriori term meaning “in peace”. It is used as both a salutation and affirmation. The word “rongo” also embodies other vital ingredients for peaceful living, as rongo means “to listen”. Me Rongo implies that in order to be in peace, one must also listen and listen deeply and respectfully. This listening is not just amongst people but also incorporates a deeper listening to the rhythms and sounds of the living systems of which we are a part.
To register and receive your information pack, please email Susan Forbes salala(at)paradise.net.nz by May 30 2011
