Bangkok/Phnom Penh — In response to escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Religions for Peace, the world’s largest multi-religious coalition, has issued a heartfelt appeal urging all sides to move from division toward dialogue, solidarity, and peace.

In a statement released by Secretary General Dr. Francis Kuria, the organization expressed “deep sorrow and grave concern” over the suffering endured by communities across both nations, particularly victims of violence and displacement.

A Call for Compassion and Solidarity

“We extend our deepest prayers to all victims of violence, to those displaced from their homes, and to every soul yearning for safety, dignity, and peace,” the statement read.

Dr. Kuria emphasized that this “critical hour” calls for unity rather than discord, reminding communities that historical wounds must be approached with “honesty, humility, and compassion.”

Sacred Heritage as a Source of Unity

Highlighting the intertwined histories of Thailand and Cambodia, Religions for Peace underscored the importance of sacred sites and shared cultural spaces as “living testaments to spiritual kinship.” The organization urged that such heritage should be celebrated as symbols of unity, rather than misappropriated to stoke division.

Concrete Steps Toward Peace

The coalition put forward a series of recommendations aimed at fostering stability and reconciliation:

• Immediate cessation of violence and reinforcement of the July 28 ceasefire agreement.
• Commitment to a permanent ceasefire as the foundation for a just and lasting peace accord.
• Meaningful dialogue through diplomatic and interfaith channels to resolve underlying disputes.
• Recognition of shared cultural and spiritual heritage as a bridge between nations.
• Collaborative solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all people.

Faith as a Beacon of Reconciliation

Dr. Kuria reiterated the transformative power of interfaith solidarity:

“Time and again, we have seen how love, compassion, and collective action can heal even the deepest fractures, forging a path toward flourishing for all,” he said.

The statement concluded with a vision of unity: “Let our sacred commitments serve as a beacon of reconciliation. May our collective efforts become a transformative force for lasting unity, prosperity, and peace.”

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