Update: 3:23PM An international church effort initiated against violence focuses attention on the Pacific region where churches around the world will pray for the people of the region.
Pacific churches will also be praying and reflecting together on how best to promote peace in their communities.
The initiative called - "Decade to Overcome Violence" -, will highlight ways to overcome cultural and ethnic violence, as cultural practices are often used to justify certain types of violence, like that based on gender.
It will also promote human rights in communities, workplaces, schools or homes.
Inspired by the theme "Witnessing to the peace of God in Oceania", a number of activities and events are to take place during the year.