The 2nd Religious Mission For Peace To India 18-26 November 1977
Members of the Mission :-
- World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R. as head of the mission.
- The Most Ven. Phra Depsobhana, an Ecclesiastical high ranking Buddhist monk of Jetuphon Temple.
- Pol. Maj. Gen. Pibul Pasawat, Secretary General of the I.F.R.
- Mr. Preeja Jumchai, Executive Director of the Coordinating Headquarters of the I.F.R.
- Miss Suphavadee Thidathepprom, the Director of the Women’s League for the Protection of Thailand.
- Miss Sukkasem Boonyindee, Deputy Director of the Women’s League for the Protection of Thailand.
- Mr.Metee Ruanggutamanant, a photographer and news reporter.
Activities of the Mission in India
- Attending the 24th World Vegetarian Congress organized by International Vegetarian Union, Headquarters in London on 20-24 November 1977 in New Delhi.
- Having a private meeting with H.E. Sri Morarji Desai, Prime Minister of the Republic of India at his official residence in New Delhi, for discussion on vegetarianism and world peace ( Nov. 22, 1977).
- Having a meeting with H.E. Sri Nagendra Singh, President of International Court of Justice ( World Court ).
- Having an audience with His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji Maharaj at the Bhaini Sahib, the Holy Village in Ludhiana, District of Punjab State on November 25, 1977.
In presenting Thai Buddhist Tripitaka Texts with Thai handcrafted bookcase, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, delivered his expression for peace at the congregation of Namdhari Sikhs that, “……at the occasion of the meeting of the Buddhist leaders and the Namdhari Sikh leaders today, in the presence of the gathered Namdhari, let all of us make our wishes and pray together for one minute to the Lord whom we each believe in, so that our wishes will be in unison to receive His blessing for “PEACE” in this world, I say with certain belief that there is no boundary nor obstacle for religions to work in unity for “PEACE” in this world…..”
World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, in an audience with H.H. Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji Maharaj at his residence in Punjab, India (Nov. 25,1977).
Presenting Peace Pagoda in miniature to H.E. Morarji Desai, Prime Minister of India (Nov. 22, 1977).
Presenting publications and gifts to H.E. Nagendra Singh, President of World Court.
World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, sitting between H.H. Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji Maharaj and H.H. Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda,was guest speaker at the 24th World Vegetarian Congress in New Delhi, India (Nov.20-23,1977).
THE 3RD RELIGIOUS MISSION FOR PEACE TO ITALY AND POLAND 28 NOVEMBER – 14 DECEMBER 1978
Members of the Mission :
1. World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of the International Federation of Religions < I.F.R.>.
2. The most Ven. Phra Depsobhana, Ecclesiastical Governor of Region 14 of the Thai Buddhist Sangha Order.
3. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pibul Pasawat, Secretary General of I.F.R.
4. Maj.Gen. Prasit Cheunboon, Advisor to Ex-Co. of I.F.R.
5. Khunying Saengdao Siamwala, President of Thai Muslim Woman’s Foundation of Thailand for the Welfare of the Orphans.
6. Mr. Bunfuang Siamwala, the Imam and the Treasurer of the Muslim Centre of Thailand.
7. Mr. Preeja Jumchai, Deputy Secretary General on Foreign Affairs of the I.F.R.
8. Miss Suphavadee Thidathepprom, Head of the Woman’s League for the Protection of Thailand.
9. Miss Sukkasem Boonyindee, Deputy Chief of the Woman’s league for the Protection of Thailand.
10. Mr. Metee Ruangutamanant, the news-reporter of the Yook Mai Newspaper.
11. Mr. Suphat Tangtrongchit, the young Buddhist.
12. Mr. Khattiya Tangtrongchit, the young Buddhsit.
His Holiness Pope John Paul II granted a private audience to World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong and his mission for world peace to receive the blessing of His Holiness for religious co-operation (Vatican Palace, Dec. 6,1978).
Vatican City, Italy
The Mission arrived in Rome, Italy, on November 29, 1978. It paid a courtesy call on H.E. Cardinal Sergio Pignedoli, at the Secretariat for Non-Christians and then spent a few days visiting the Holy Churches of Saint Francis in Assisi and other historical churches in Florence.
The Mission was granted a private audience with His Holiness Pope John Paul II on May 6, 1978. After listening to the report on the project for world peace through religious brotherhood, His Holiness said to Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong that he strongly supported the work
For peace as blessed by His Holiness, the late Pope Paul VI and he appreciated the endeavour of Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong.
Warsaw, Cracow, Poland
On December 9, 1978, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong and his mission were welcome by the Polish Committee at its Headquarters. Ten high ranking members of the Committee were present for discussion on peace.
The Polish Peace Committee has great interest in the work of eternal peace of Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, whose offer for the survival of mankind through the religious power has created strong hope to the peace seekers.
The mission received great honour when it was welcome with a reception at the Ministry of Religious Affairs by H.E. Prof. Dr. Kazimierz Kakol, Minister of Religious Affairs.
The mission was also invited by Polish Peace Committee to visit Auschwitz Concentration Extermination Camp in Cracow and before departing from Poland, the mission had a meeting at the Polish Ecumenical Council and paid a visit to the Child Health Centre.
The Religious Mission for Peace was welcome by H.E. Minister of Religions of Poland.
World Peace Envoy Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong presenting gifts and documents of the I.F.R. to the Polish Peace Committee in Warsaw.
World Peace Envoy presenting gifts and documents to the Polish Ecumenical Council of Poland.
THE 4TH RELIGIOUS MISSION FOR PEACE TO THE U.S.S.R. AND THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC
6-26 JUNE 1979
Members of the Mission
1. World Peace Envoy, Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R. as
Head of the Mission.
2. Pol.Maj.Gen. Pibul Pasawat, Deputy Commissioner of Education Bureau, Police Department, and Honourary Secretary General of I.F.R.
3. Pol. Lt. Chaowarin Latthasaksiri, Member of the Parliament, and Board Director for the Construction of the World Eternal Peace Conference Hall.
4. Mr. Preeja Jumchai, Executive Director of the Co-ordinating Headquarter of the I.F.R.
5. Mr. Metee Ruangutamanant, news reporter and Board Director for the Construction of the World Eternal Peace Conference Hall.
Purposes of the Mission
As officially invited by the Central Buddhist Board of the USSR, through the Soviet Socialist Republic and the Mangolian People’s Republic for the following main purpose:-
1. To join the Buddhist Vesak Celebration in Ulhan Ude between June 9-11,1979.
2. To participate, as invited by the Executive Committee, in the 5th General Conference of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, between June 16-19, 1979.
3. To promote peace and religious brotherhood cooperation with religious and peace organization with religious and peace organizations in the two countries.
Activities of the Mission
1. On June 12-13, the Mission was honoured at the warmest reception arranged by the Central Buddhist Board of USSR led by the Chairman, the Most Ven. Bandido Khambo Lama S. Gombayev, Abbot of Ivolginsky Monastery in Ulhan Ude.
At the gathering of Buddhist delegates from Laos, Kampuchea, Vietnam and the Soviet Union, the host country, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of the I.F.R. had expressed his view on world peace that, “…To achieve true peace rests upon actual realization of human Truth since Buddhist teachings are concentrated on peace, contentment and tranquility; yet why most of us remain dominated by the custody of ignorance and narrow ‘isms’ for an egoistic interest.
Let all religions be united for the noble cause of peace. We know that the world’s current political dispute is frequently caused by minority world leaders who are blinded by greedy defilement for economic, social and political supremacy, irrespective of human right. Can the outbreak of World War III be assured unless all concerned come to work together, setting aside their differences and understanding each other spiritually, Nevertheless, the ever-increasing flow of Indochinese refugees can be ceaseless whenever their normal peaceful existence is still politically threatened. This is a severe confronting problem to be urgently solved.”
2. On June 16-19, 1979, the Mission attended the 5th General Conference of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, which was participated by other delegated from 13 countries, namely, India, the USSR, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan, Bangladesh, Laos, Kampuchea, United Kingdom, Tibet, Bhutan, the USA, and Thailand.
In this address delivered to the conference, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong had urged all world religious leaders to stand out and share their helpful hand for the cause of durable peace by saying that, “…No time for us to doubt or delay. We, the Dharma, have to conquer before being conquered, particularly by evil deeds of nuclear war-mongers. There still exist a threat to peace in South-East Asia; it’s time for all brethrens in Dharma to be awakened and strongly united….”
World Peace Envoy, Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong, presenting his address at the 5th General Conference of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace in Ulan Bator, the Mangolian People's Republic.
Presenting I.F.R. publications to the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace at the Mangolian traditional Reception.
3.Visiting the Russian Orthodox Church and the Moscow Theological Academy in Zagorsk, USSR, and having a luncheon reception hosted by the Most Rev. Archimandrite Alexandre, the Inspector ( June 23, 1979 ).
4. Visiting His Eminence, Alexij, Metropolitan of Tallin and Estonia, Russian Orthodox Church ( June 25,1979).
5. Visiting the Organizing Committee of the Thai-USSR Friendship Society, Headquartered at the Union of Soviet Societies for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign countries ( June 11, 1979).
6. Visiting the Peace Committee of the USSR and meeting many high ranking political officials led by H.E. Mr. Feo Dorov ( June 25,1979).
7. Visiting the Council for Religious Affairs at the USSR Council of Ministers and being welcome by H.E. Mr. Vladimir Fitzev, Vice President, and all Council members (June 26,1979).
Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, addressing the Buddhist meeting led by the Most Ven. Bandido Khambo Lama S. Gomboyev, Ivolginsky Temple in Ulhan Ude, USSR, who was also the Chairman of the Central Buddhist Board of USSR (June 12,1979).
World Peace Envoy presenting the picture of the 9-metre high statue of Lord Buddha to His Eminence Alexij,Metropolitan of Tallin and Estoia, Russian Orthodox Church (June 25, 1979).
Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong and his mission were welcome by the Peace Committee of the USSR, led by its Chairman, H.E. Mr. Feo Dorov (June 25,1979).
Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong presenting the Thai Royal Barge in miniature to H.E. Mr. Vladimir Fitzev, Vice-President of the Council for Religious Affairs at the USSR Council of Ministers (June 26,1979).
Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong, presenting the Thai Royal Barge in miniature to Mr. Alexey S. Diykov, Chief of the Department of South and South and South-East Asia of the Organizing Committee of the Thai-USSR Friendship Society (June 11,1979).
THE 5TH RELIGIOUS MISSION FOR PEACE TO REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND HONG KONG 9-22 OCTOBER 1979
Members of the Mission
1.World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R. as Head of the Mission.
2.Pol.Maj.Gen. Pibul Pasawat, Hon. Secretary General of I.F.R.
3.Mr.Metee Ruangutamanant, Board Director for the Construction of the World Eternal Peace Conference Hall.
Activities of the Mission
1.Visiting the famous Fo Kuang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung and receiving the Holy Soil from the Abbot of the Monastery for enshrinement in the Statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara ( Oct. 14-15, 1979 ).
2.Visiting the Buddhist Association in Taipei and having religious dialogue with the Secretary General, Ven. Liao Chung ( Oct. 17,1979 ).
3.Visiting the Christian leaders from different sects at the meeting in YMCA Head Office in Taipei on Oct.18, 1979.
4.Visiting H.E. Dr. Hun Li-wu, President of the Sino-Thai Cultural and Economic Association ( Oct.11, 1979 ).
5.Visiting H.E. Mr. Lee Shifeng, Chairman of World Christian Anti-Communist Association ( Oct. 11,1979 ).
6.Visiting H.E. Dr. Ku Chengkang, Hon. Chairman of the World Anti-Communist League of the Republic of China ( Oct. 17, 1979 ).
7.Visiting the Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantao Island, Hong Kong and meeting the Abbot, Rt. Rev. Sick Wai-ming.
World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, receiving the Holy Soil in a formal presentation from the Abbot of Fo Kuang Shan Monastery.
Dr.Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R. in a meeting with H.E. Dr. Ku Cheng Kang, Hon. Chairman of the World Anti-Communist League.
The 6th Religious Mission for Peace To The People’s Republic of China 2-23 June 1980
Members of the Mission
1. World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R.
2. Pol.Maj.Gen. Pibul Pasawat, Hon. Secretary General of I.F.R.
3. Maj.Gen. Prakarn Phuvanatnuraksa, Board Director for the Construction of World Eternal Conference Hall.
4. Mr. Thaveedej Vanijkhachorn, Board Director for the Construction of World Eternal Peace Conference Hall.
5. Mr. Metee Ruangutamanant, news reporter and Board Director for the construction of World Eternal Peace Conference Hall.
Activities of the Mission
1. Having a meeting with H.E. Wu Lanfu, Vice-President of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of china ( June 16, 1980 ).
2. Having a meeting with Mr. Xiao Xianfa, Director General of Religious Bureau of China ( June 15, 1980 ).
3. Having a meeting with H.E. Mr. Zhao Puchu, Vice – President of the Buddhist Association of China ( June 13,1980 ).
World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, was seen exchanging views on peace and co-operation with H.E. Mr. Wu Lanfu, Vice -President of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China.
Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong and his mission were greatly honoured at a warm reception hosted by H.E. Mr. Zhao Puchu, Acting President of the Buddhist Association of China.
THE 7TH RELIGIOUS MISSION FOR PEACE TO UNITED NATIONS, GERMANY, HUNGARY, FRANCE
1-22 NOVEMBER 1980
Members of the Mission
1. World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R.
2. Maj.Gen. Prasit Cheunboon, Vice President of I.F.R.
3. Pol.Maj.Gen. Pibul Pasawat, Hon. Secretary General of I.F.R.
4. Mr. Sawan Sangbunlung, Secretary on Foreign Affairs.
5. Dr. Thakur Phanit, the Board Director of I.F.R. for the Construction of the World Eternal Peace conference Hall.
6. Mr. Metee Ruangutamanant, news reporter and the Board Director of I.F.R. for the construction of the World Eternal Peace Conference Hall.
Purposes of the Mission
1. To present to the United Nations the result of peace referendum obtained from the Thai people from a campaign undertaken by the I.F.R. for 20 months.
2. To introduce its peace project to religious and peace leaders in the United Nations community for their co-operation in the convention of the world eternal peace conference.
3. To exchange peace dialogues with U.N. representatives, the permanent missions to U.N., the religious and peace organization leaders actively involved in peace activities.
4. To promote an inter-religious brotherhood and strengthen a concrete co-operation on peace work with religious and political leaders of different faiths and political backgrounds in the United States and European countries.
Peace Promotion at U.N.
On November 3-4, 1980, the World Conference on Religion and Peace ( WCRP) organized a luncheon meetings in honour of the World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, at the U.N. Headquarters which were attended by many highly dignified personalities ranging from the U.N. senior officials, the permanent mission to the U.N. and the peace organization leaders as follows:-
1. Dr. Robert Muller, Secretary of the Economic and Social Council, United Nations.
2. Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Under Secretary-General, Dept. of Public Information, United Nations.
3. Mr. jan Martenson, Assistant Secretary-General in the Centre for Disarmament, Dept. of Political and Security Council Affairs, United Nations.
4. Mrs. Klaus Feldmann, Deputy Regional Representative, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees.
5. Mrs. Sally S. Shelley, Chief of NGO’s Section, Dept. of Public Information, United Nations.
6. Mrs. Martha Aasen, Chief of Public Inquiring Unit, Dept. of Public Information, United Nations.
7. H.E. Archibishop Giovanni Cheli, Apostolic Nuncio of Vatican to the UN.
8. Mrs. Cora Le Presti, Unitarian Universalist Association to the UN.
9. Dr. Vigar A. Hamdani, World Muslim Congress, Former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN and Executive Committee of World Conference on Religion and Peace.
10. Mr. Sidney Liskovsky, the American Jewish Committee.
11. Mrs. Edna J. McCallion, Director of Church Woman United in the USA. UN Affairs.
12. H.E. Zenon Rossides, Former Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN.
13. Mrs. Ingeborg. Jack, Representative of World Conference on Religion and Peace for the Khmer Program.
14. Miss Renate Belck, Secretary of World Conference on Religion and Peace, Headquartered at the USA.
15. Sister Marjorie Keenan, Secretary-Treasurer of World Conference on Religion and Peace / USA and Research Director, Prospective- US Center.
16. Rabbi Israel Mowshowitz, Synagogue Council of America, Hillcrest Jewish Center.
17. Dr. Howard Schomer, Executive Director, US Committee of World Conference on Religions and Peace and Secretary for Kampuchean Issues.
18. Rev. Robert L. Turnipseed, General Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-religious Concerns, the United Methodist Church, New York, USA.
19. Dr. Louis Longarzo, Caritas Internationalis.
20. Dr. Edward C. May, Director, Office of World Community, USA National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation.
21. Mr. Malcolm R. Sutherland, Executive Director, US Committee, World Conference on Religion and Peace.
22. Mr. will Reid, World Without War Council, Inc./ USA.
23. Mr. Frank Caspern, World Without War Council, Inc. / USA.
24. Mr. Krirkchai Chindawongse, First Secretary, A member of Permanent Mission of Thailand to the UN.
25. Rev. John Ratin, Seton Hall University, Department of Religion.
To this historic Luncheon meeting, the World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong had delivered an encouraging speech pointing out the major evil causes the present world is facing that, “… We’ve come from all parts of the world to meet each other here – the UN Headquarters, the last edifice of human hope and dream for world eternal peace; we’ve come to share our dream, our grievance for mankind hardship and other potential experiences in order to jointly work out the better solutions to an ever-increasing human trouble. As it’s known, our world frequently falls as the victim or severe conflicts mainly because we keep ourselves away on purpose from the assembly of good deeds;
secularize our own belief against the supremacy of our own faiths; waste our life and soul in an un-productive way and venture; find every moment no place in mind for peace; and infest our purified mind with the pollution of greed, hatred and delusion. All strive at best to materializing their own way of living without moralizing the living art, causing no doubt complete confusion in social relations as a whole. Furthermore, in solving world problem, we are always not reluctant to the use of physical enforcement rather than that of the spiritual way. Each year, the huge amount of financial wealth has been poured into the modernization of mass destructive nuclear and conventional weapons.”
“….. in realizing this, the religious leaders and the diplomats should join hand-in-hand in solving the world problems. As in the past, we left world political crisis solved by the use of military forces which in return caused the great warring two times in human history; we left world fate determined by merely politicians, our present world has so far been divided into two blocs: Free World and Communist World : one fighting each other to the end; we left social problems solved solely by economists, our world society fell into two classes: the Have and the Have-not which give a promising to an endless human conflict.”
Presentation of Peace Referendum Results
World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, having a meeting with H.E. Dr. Rudiger von Wechmar, President of the UN General Assembly and presenting to him a Peace Referendum Record and gift of the Royal Thai Barge in miniature (Nov. 4,1980).
On November 4, 1980, at 3:15 p.m., World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong , and his mission, had presented the record on peace referendum and samples of over one million signatures of Thai people in their support for world peace to H.E. Dr. Rudiger von Wechmar, President of the UN General Assembly.
In his appreciation for the effort of the I.F.R., H.E. Dr. Rudiger von Wechmar expressed his concerns that, “the work carried out by the I.F.R. is absolutely considered far reaching consequences not only for peace in Southeast Asia but for the whole world as the work achieved is in conformity with those determined by U.N. Charter in bringing about peace through peaceful means ! ”
On November 5,1980, at 10:30 a.m., World Peace Envoy, Dr. suchart Kosolkitiwong, and his mission, accompanied by H.E. M.L. Birabhongse Kasemsri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations, was granted a private meeting with H.E. Dr. Kurt Waldheim, the UN Secretary General at his office in the UN Headquarters.
The moment they met, H.E. Dr. Kurt Waldheim recalled his first meeting with Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, by saying that, “I’m so pleased to meet Peace Envoy here.
I still remember once we met each other in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 14, 1979, on my official visit to that country. It’s really great your peace project made known to me at that time.”
World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of the IFR, was seen presenting to H.E. Dr. Kurt Waldheim, the UN Secretary-General, a Peace Referendum Record together with samples of one million signatures given by 90 percent of peace-loving Thai people at the UN Headquarters, New York, the U.S.A.,on November 5,1980.
At this occasion, the President of I.F.R. presented to H.E. Dr. Kurt Waldheim, the UN Secretary General, the record on peace referendum and samples of over one million signatures of the Thai people in their support for world peace.
In his appreciation for the noble work of Dr. suchart Kosolkitiwong, the U.N. Secretary General expressed his comment that, “…on behalf of the United Nations and in the name of the UN Secretary General, I wish to extend my appreciation for the noble strenuous effort made by the IFR and also all Thai people for their co-operation on the peace work as presently undertaken by the United Nations. We, all peace forces, either government or non-governmental, either individual or institutional, must join hand-in-hand, setting aside our own differences, to work together so that mankind can live in a more harmonious and peaceful co-existence in this more perplexing world.”
“…let me hope that the United Nations would be given a continued co-operation on peace work from the International Federation of Religions. …I assure you to work side-by-side with all forces till our common goal could be achieved.”
Peace Dialogue with Muslim Leaders
World Peace Envoy and some of Muslim leaders in New York led by Dr. Ala' Eddin Kharofa, Director of the World Muslim League,and Dr. Viqar A. Hamdani, Director of World Muslim Congress (Nov. 5,1980).
At 4:00 p.m. of November 5, 1980, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, President of I.F.R. had a friendly meeting with Muslim leaders led by Dr. Ala’Eddin Kharofa, the Director of the World Muslim Congress, and Dr. Viqar A. Hamdani, World Muslim Congress, both associated with the United Nations.
In a welcome speech, Dr. Ala’Eddin Kharofa, stated that, ” I have been greatly honoured in extending our warmest welcome to Peace Envoy, the great devotee for world peace. As you know, Islam is a religion of peace. All Mohammedans are strictly following the noble way of our Almighty Allah, that is, to dedicate themselves for world peace. It’s ultimate will of God that men are taught not to kill each other; but to be friendly, helpful and avail oneself of being at service for others so that we can live in peace and harmony. The principal teaching of Islam is to do good and to avoid evil as God will accept merely our good deeds.”
In his expression of thanks to gathering of prominent Muslim leaders, World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart kosolkitiwong stated that, “…We are now sleeping soundly in the troubled world. It’s urgent that all religious leaders have to work hard, consolidate our co-operative effort in solving the aggravating world problems. Every religion never taught man to fight man, but the warring took place simply because man isolated his mind from the teaching of his own religion; never thought to change himself before changing the world. We are taught to practice taking fast in order that we could experience the suffering from the increasing hunger and severe poverty that most of the world population are now facing. It’s our immediate response to make those in powers be religious and realized this truth.”
A luncheon held in honouring World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, on his visit to present a Peace Referendum Record to the United Nations at the United Nations Headquarters on November 3-4, 1980, participated by UN senior officials,the permanent representatives to the UN, the religious and peace organization leaders in the UN community.
In the evening of November 5, 1980, the World Conference on Religion and Peace by Dr. Homer A. Jack, Secretary General, played a host for a grand reception honouring World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, for his achievement in presenting the results of peace referendum to H.E. Dr. Rudiger von Wechmar, President of UN General Assembly, and H.E. Dr. Kurt Waldheim, the U.N. Secretary General. The function at the U.N. Headquarters building was attended by more than 100 highly dignified guests. Those include:
Mr. George Mautner-Markhof, Special Assistant to the U.N. Secretary General;
H.E.M.L Birabhongse Kasemsri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations;
H.E. Mr. Ling Qing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations;
H.E. Mr. Ghassan Tueni, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations;
H.E. Mr. Uddhav Deo Bhatt, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Nepal to the United Nations;
H.E. Mr. T.J.X. Muwamba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Malawi to the United nations;
H.E. Mr. Renald G. Mapp, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations;
And other prominent religious and peace organization leaders in UN community.
The Mission’s Activities in Washington, D.C.
World Peace Envoy presenting gifts to Mr. Paul D. Oyer, Planning Officier,and International Peace and Justice Committee of Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (Nov. 7,1980).
After a successful mission in the United Nations, the 7th Religious Mission for Peace went to Washington, D.C. where it performed the following activities:-
1. Visiting the Headquarters of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington and meeting Rev. Clark Lobenstine, the Executive Director, and Mr. Paul D. Oyer, an International Peace and Justice Committee ( Nov. 7, 1980 ).
This organization, to the unity of all faith in public services, has tried to being together the Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim faith communities for Interfaith dialogues and for united work to improve the quality of life particularly in metropolitan area of Washington, D.C.
2. Visiting the Luther Place Memorial Church for peace dialogue on November 7 and for a lunch reception on November 11, 1980. The President of I.F.R. and his mission were welcomed by Rev. Dr. John Steinbruck, Pastor of Luther Place Memorial Church, Rev. Tom Osborne, Paulist Fathers, President of the Foundation for Alternatives in Religious Broadcasting, Mr. Paul D. Oyer, and Babara A. Cullon, WCRP/USA and US Catholic Mission Council ( Nov. 7, 1980 ).
3. Visiting the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C. on November 8, 1980, by the cordial invitation of H.E. Dr. W.S. Karunaratne, the Ambassador who, after exchanging views on world peace with Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong, had expressed a very impressive idea that, “…Our World has spent a day one million dollars on military buildup and arms race.
Should this huge amount be ultilized for feeding up the hungry and in alleviating an ever-growing poverty of the world population, the diversely deteriorating world problem can be considerably improved. As the world production and distribution system is unjust, so it must be changed so that the poor countries can be given a chance for their economic prosperity which can in return result in their political stability and social wellbeing. Other problem is why our world has to be divided into blocs; each subjugates and exploits each other. It’s better if the world economic wealth could be equally distributed. Another problem is that when majority of world peoples favour peace, why Goverments, claiming themselves to create the maximum happiness for the maximum numbers, still remain ignored !”
Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong exchanging views on world peace with prominent US senator, Mr. Mark O. Hatfield (Oregon), Chairman of Senate Appropriation Committee (Nov. 8, 1980).
Attending a grand dinner reception, at the residence of H.E. Mr. Prok Amarannant, Thai Ambassador in Washington, D.C., help in honour of World Peace Envoy, Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong and his mission, with participation of the U.S. Senator, religious and peace organization leaders, including Thai high-ranking government officials stationed in Washington, D.C. ( Nov. 8,1980 ).
Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong exchanging gifts and documents with religious leaders of the Seventh-day Adventists led by Dr. B.B. Beach, General Secretary of the Council on Interfaith Relations, at the World Hqs. in Washington, D.C.(Nov. 11, 1980).
4. Visiting the World Headquarters of the Seventh-day- Adventists and attending a meeting with Church’s administrators, such as, Dr. B.B. Beach, General Secretary of the Council on Inter-church Relations, Mr. Richard W. O’ffill, Executive Director of Seventh-day Adventists’ World Service, Mr. Roland R. Hegstad, Editor of Liberty Magazine, Mr. Edwin Gibb, Under Secretary, Mr. Kenneth H. Wood, Editor, Adventist Review Magazine, and Mr. G.B. Tompson, Secretary, General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists.
One of the topics under discussion was the refugees problem to which the World Peace Envoy gave his opinion that, “…..The relief work is only temporary by nature; the best solution is to find appropriate measures in repatriating them to settle down in Kampuchea peacefully and happily so that they can determine their future in their own country. This tragedy has been caused by the misdeeds of some minority leaders who morally neglect the fundamental importance of religions and whose action has accordingly affected not only their own country but also their neighbours and the whole world.
I am always confident that only religion that can create true peace on earth as all religions teach mankind to be good and to live together in peace. Due to this realizing, presented in my organization are bodies of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Sikh and so on to work together for the creation of world eternal peace.”
The Mission’s Activities in Europe
The 7th Religious Mission for Peace proceeded to Europe with specific aim to promote world peace through inter-religious brotherhood co-operation and it performed the following activities during a 9-day trip in November 1980:-
1. Meeting Rev. Herr Kemper, Vice-President of Evangelist in Frankfurt on November 14, 1980.
World Peace Envoy meeting and presenting a Royal Thai Barge in miniature, a symbol for peace co-operation, to Rev. Herr Kemper, Vice-President of the Evangelist in Frankfurt, the Federal Republic of Germany (Nov. 14, 1980).
2. Meeting Rev. Diether Gehrmann, Secretary General of the International Association for Religious Freedom ( IARF ), an organization that represents a world community of religions encompassing 45 members groups in 20 countries (Nov. 14,1980).
Discussing the way to promote mutual closer co-operation between the IFR and the IARF with Rev. Diether Gehrmann, Secretary-General of the International Association for Religious Freedom (Nov. 14, 1980).
3. Meeting Bishop Dr. Karoly Toth, President of the Christian Peace Conference, Dr. Domjan Janos and Miss Clara Ladonyi at the Headquarters of the Danubian Church in Budapest, Hungarian People’s Republic ( Nov. 17,1980 ).
Meeting and Strengthening peace co-operation through the promotion of an inter-religious brotherhood with Bishop Dr. Karoly Toth, President of the CPC at the Headquarters of the Danubian Church in Budapest, the Hungarian People's Republic.
4. Meeting the Most Rev. Bishop Dr. Tibor Bartha, Ministerial President of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in Hungary, President of the Ecumenical Council of the Churches in Hungary and member of the Presidium of the Hungarian People’s Republic ( Nov. 17, 1980 ).
Meeting and exchanging a peace dialogue to promote an inter-religious brotherhood for the co-operation for world peace with the Most Rev. Bishop Dr.Tibor Bartha, Ministerial President of the General Synod of Reformed Church in Hungary and a prominent Member of the Presidium of the Hungarian People's Republic, at the Headquarters of the General Synodal Office, in Budapest.
5. Meeting Mr. Bai Laszlo, Head of Department of Protestant Churches, State Department for Church Affairs ( Nov. 17,1980 ).
Meeting for peace co-operation with Mr.Bai Laszlo, Head of Department of Protestant Churches, States Department for Church Affairs at his Department.
6. Meeting Mrs. Ilona Sebestyen, President of the Presidency of the World Peace Council of Hungary ( Nov.18,1980).
World Peace Envoy presenting a Thai Royal Barge in miniature to Mrs.Ilona Sebestyen, President of the World Peace Council in Hungary on the occasion of their meeting to seek mutual co-operation for world peace.
7. Meeting Mr. Jean Gaudemet, Counsellor for the Religious Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of France (Nov. 19,1980).
Dr. Suchart Kosolkitiwong presenting a symbol for peace co-operation to Mr. Jean Gaudemet, Counsellor for the Religious Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Paris, France.
“Our work will be comprehended by people by a hundred years ahead...”
