On Saturday, February 28, 2004 sixteen Peruvian Ambassadors for Peace, together with other invited guests, attended a meeting held in the Hotel Las Americas, Miraflores, Lima to discuss the latest developments of IIFWP and IIPC.

The program started with an introduction to the day's events by Trevor Jones, Executive Director of IIFWP Peru.

He explained the current focus of the work of the Federation as detailed in a message from Dr. Thomas Walsh, International Secretary General of IIFWP. The Inter-religious and International Peace Council (IIPC) is continuing to develop and Dr. Walsh considers that it would be appropriate to open a branch of IIPC in Peru.

The Inter-religious Council initiative to the United Nations continues to be a significant part of the work of IIFWP. Even though it is no longer the central focus, it remains fully consistent with our vision for global governance and we continue to advocate the development of such a council within the UN system.

Mr. Jones reported that Dr. Antero Flores Araoz has continued to help IIFWP with this project, communicating with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Representative of Peru in the UN. Because it now appears that it will take some time for the idea to develop, IIFWP has taken its own initiative in the formation of IIPC.

The new guests were welcomed to the meeting: Pastor Luis Acero and his wife; Sheik Ali El Sayed, the spiritual leader of the Muslims in Peru; and Sr. Damin Husein Awad, President of the Islamic Association of Peru.

There followed a presentation by Sr. Jose Rafael Sanchez detailing the role and responsibilities of Ambassadors for Peace.

With the help of a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Jones reviewed the events of December 22nd, 2003 in the Holy Land and here in Peru. Some of the guests remarked how valuable the events had been and one of them particularly felt the event in Lima was a turning point for interfaith work in Peru.

Pastor Acero of the Iglesia Alianza Cristiana y Misionera gave a presentation of his participation in the World Summit on Leadership and Governance held in Seoul, Korea from January 25th to 29th, 2004. He was very inspired to meet so many religious and political leaders from around the world.

After a short break Mrs. Faith Jones introduced to the guests the recent work of the Women’s Federation for World Peace in Peru. Their most significant event was a meeting in the Congress attended by over 300 women leaders, which was co-sponsored by Congresswoman Mercedes Cabanillas. The ladies were all very interested in the educational program that was presented at the meeting and there are plans to expand this work in the near future.

This was followed by a discussion of the future activities of IIFWP Peru. All those present expressed their desire to contribute to the improvement of life in Peru. Many problems exist but there was a feeling that we could make a substantial impact on this situation through presenting well-thought-out proposals to the leaders of the nation.

The meeting concluded with agreement to meet again in three weeks' time, on Saturday, March 20th, 2004 to discuss two main topics: 

1. The presentation to Congress of a proposal to create a Ministry for the Family.

2. The preparation of educational materials to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundation of this nation.

Rev. Juan de Dios Rojas agreed to chair this next meeting.

April 14, 2004

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