International Fellowship of Reconciliation

The International Council is the main governing body of IFOR. It takes place as necessary, but at least once every four years and is made up of representatives of IFOR Branches, IFOR Groups (by invitation) and IFOR Affiliates.

Council 2006 (Japan)

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation held its
most recent quadrennial International Council just outside of Tokyo, Japan from the 8-18 October, 2006. It was a wonderful time for the IFOR global community to come together and share experiences, learn from each others’ work for faith based peace and reconciliation, and to plan for the future. It was a time of learning, of inspiration, and of fellowship. This year’s Council also had a one day training session for all participants on issues of gender in relation to violence.
There were 22 of the 25 IFOR Branches in attendance as well as many groups and affiliates.

Council also received reports from the IFOR representatives at the United Nations and other international bodies. There was great sadness at the continuing conflict in Israel/Palestine and at the
military presence and situation in Iraq.

The North Korean nuclear test occurred during Council and a statement was issued by Council calling for the elimination and not the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Council also gave its full support to the campaign in Japan to retain the peace clauses in the Japanese constitution (article 9) and to urge all other countries to
follow the Japanese example.

For more information about Council, read the upcoming edition of International Reconciliation. To order IR you can fill outthe order form or contact the International Secretariat directly.

Read the minutes from Council 2002 (USA)
The minutes from Council 2006 (Japan) are currently being collated.

The IFOR constitution outlines the tasks and role of the International Council. It also outlines the main responsibilities regarding organizing and preparing for the Council.

Read the IFOR Constitution
Lisez la Constitution du MIR

The process to be used at the Council is outlined in the “Process document for IFOR Councils”. The RCC (Representative Consultative Committee) has the task to determine the process and procedure for the Council.

View the Council Process document
Lisez les Procédures des Conseils

This Process Document for IFOR Council is based on the Quito (1992) process document as revised for the 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2006 Councils.It was approved at the International Committee meeting in May 2005 in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Executive Committee in respect of approval by the Representative Consultative Committee.

View the Procedures and Guidelines
Lisez les Lignes Directrices

Newly elected International Committee

The International Committee was elected at the Council in Japan, October 2006 and will continue in office until the next Council, in 2010.

From left to right; Top row: Zoughbi Zougbi, Nahmo Sithole; Bottom row: Vololona Razafindrainibe, Stella Tamang, Richard Deats, Jan Schaake, Françoise Pétremand, Jonathan Sisson, Robert Reischer, Netsai Mushonga, Beena Sebastian, and Lilian Baxter.

The members are:

- President: Jan Schaake (Kerk en Vrede / FOR The Netherlands)
- Vice-President: Françoise Pétremand (FOR Switzerland French-speaking branch)
- Treasurer: Vololona Razafindrainibe (FIEFA / FOR Madagascar)

Committee Members: Stella Tamang (BIKALPA Nepal); Richard Deats (FOR USA); Nahmo Sithole (FOR Zimbabwe); Zoughbi Zoughbi (Wi’am Center Palestine)

12 new member organizations

Application for Branch Status

Council granted IFOR branch status to:
- Mouvement pour la Réconciliation et la Paix (MRP) [Republic of the Congo]
- Alternative Learning and Development Centre BIKALPA GYAN TATHA BIKASH KENDRA [Nepal]

The application for branch status from Youth Forum for Peace and Justice [Zambia] was deferred to the Representative Consultative Committee (the RCC was empowered to grant branch status if appropriate).

Application for Group Status

Council granted IFOR group status to:
- Sustainable Peace and Development Organization [Pakistan]
- Sudanese Organization for Nonviolence and Democracy (SONAD) [Sudan]
- Mouvement de Réconciliation du Bénin [Benin]
- Dauphins Munzihirwa-Kataliko [Democratic Republic of the Congo]
- Famille de Paix [Rwanda]

Application for Affiliate status

Council granted IFOR affiliate status to:
- The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation [Ireland]
- The Peace Union of Finland [Finland]
- The Family Mediation and Conciliation (FAMEC) [Kenya]
- The Peacemakers Society [Cameroon]
- The Anglican Pacifist Fellowship [International]

This now gives IFOR 80 member organizations in almost 50 countries.

4 Year Plan (2006-2010)

One of the main achievements of this Council was the adoption of the four year plan for 2006-2010. This guiding document will provide the basic framework and direction for the International Committee, and the IFOR Secretariat for the coming four years.

Read IFOR's newly adopted 4 Year Plan

Gender Policy

Unequal power relations between women and men, is one root of violence, conflict and militarization, where women’s human rights are often severely abused. Gender justice means that women and men can equally contribute to and benefit from peacebuilding, nonviolent conflict resolution and reconciliation. This gender policy recognizes that gender equality is an integral part of IFOR’s fundamental values and is a core spiritual value. A transformation of the power relations between women and men is a prerequisite for a culture of peace and nonviolence, and must be promoted throughout IFOR.

Read IFOR's newly adopted gender policy