Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jolo (Agenzia Fides) – The youth are the real builders of dialogue and peace in the southern Philippines, where conflict, hate, and violence continue to threaten people’s lives, especially on the island of Jolo, to the south of the large island of Mindanao, where tensions continue to be high due to the conflicts between the government and terrorist groups. The violence reflects the situation of the local population, divided into Christians and Muslims: the social tension is on the rise due to poverty and the evacuations that the people must undergo as a consequence of permanent conflict that shows no signs of ending soon.
Peace is a value and a task for the youth who wish to make it their own, making their own contribution with their own voice, their own spirit and strength. This is the claim of the youth of Jolo and the Sulu Islands, who recently gathered in the city’s Cathedral for a seminar dedicated to the struggle for peace in the territory. The seminar, organized by the “Sisilah Centre” of Jolo, brought together Christians and Muslims, discussing their own ideas and worries, as well as their own dreams and experiences.
“We are the seed for tomorrow’s society. The future of the civilization depends on our efforts and our actions,” the participants affirmed. The youth are called to realize their potentials and responsibilities in the construction of a just and fraternal society, beginning with mutual understanding and respect among Christians and Muslims.
With this in mind, the Islamic-Christian Center “Sisilah,” which began on the island in September 2007 (see Fides 10/9/2007), works directly in the area, spreading a culture of dialogue and peace, working with religious leaders, civil authorities, students, and associations.
According to Sisilah, “a lifestyle of dialogue and relations with our neighbor, marked by charity, sensitivity, and solidarity, are the seed from which peace grows among peoples. Muslims and Christians can work together in harmony, in the common search for peace, if a respect for each other’s sensibilities and for the differences of cultural, ethnic, and religious identity is maintained.”
“Sisilah” also mentions that the attitude of religious leaders is also very important: “Those who are called by God to occupy positions of responsibility in communities can make the dream of peace for Jolo a reality, by exercising their own leadership as a model for the people, so they can see God’s presence through their actions,” characterized by values of justice and peace. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 04/07/2008)
