Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jolo (Agenzia Fides) - Make the dream of a lasting peace, a reality. This is the desire and the commitment expressed in the recent Islamic-Christian encounter held on the island of Jolo, in the southern most part of the Philippines, organized by the island’s new Silsilah Forum, inaugurated in September 2007 (see Fides 10/9/2007). The encounter was entitled, “Dreaming a Peaceful Jolo in the name of God: Muslims and Christians called to build together a Culture of Dialogue and Reconciliation” and was attended by over 300 religious leaders, civil authorities, students, and members of associations.
Those who sponsored it spoke of the intentions of the Sisilah Forum of Jolo to contribute to the establishment of peace in the Philippines, more specifically through the work of the presidential Counsellors for the Peace Process, who are working to re-establish negotiation talks with the rebel groups.
The participants came out with a statement at the end of the symposium, stating their dream for a peaceful Jolo where people live “a lifestyle of dialogue, marked by sincerity, sensitivity and solidarity for one another. Christians and Muslims can work together, in harmony, in a common quest for peace, if they maintain respect for one another, for the difference of culture, ethnicity, and religion.”
The text also mentions that, “all those called by God to work in a position of leadership can make the dream of obtaining peace a reality in Jolo by being models for the people, so that the people may see the presence of God in their actions. Social and economic development significantly contributes to peace, if spiritual growth is the foundation of the structure.”
The unfortunate recent assassination of a missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Twai-Twai islands (see Fides 16/1 and 22/1/2008) was also recalled in the encounter. All present condemned the act, with the resolution to work together for reconciliation.
The Muslim and Christian communities declared that they will be united in prayer, asking that God grant peace and harmony to Jolo. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/2/2008; righe 28 parole 334)
