Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga City (Agenzia Fides) – Moved by respect and goodwill, the members of the Silsilah Islamic-Christian Dialogue Movement, who have been present in South Philippines for 25 years thanks to the efforts of PIME missionary Father Sebastiano d’Ambra, continue working at the service of spiritual and cultural formation of Christians and Muslims, promoting a spirit of prayer and reconciliation.
Every year, the Sisilah (from a Muslim term meaning “chain”) Movement writes a message at the beginning of the month of Ramadhan, which is sacred to Muslim faithful. Gathering ideas from the Letter of the 138 Muslim scholars sent to Pope Benedict XVI in October 2007, the Message for Ramadhan 2008 (begun September 2) affirms that: “We cannot ignore the many signs of violence in the world and in Mindanao where the Silsilah Dialogue Movement was initiated nearly 25 years ago as a sign of hope. While we see signs of violence in Mindanao and in many parts of the world, signs which greatly disturb us, at the same time we are convinced that many people of sincere hearts are committed to bring peace to our troubled world. We have to be more determined to build peace to counteract those who are working to perpetuate violence for their own interest, using religion to divide people. At the same time we are on the side of those who work for peace with passion but without violence, in the spirit of justice, reconciliation and harmony.”
The Sisilah Movement has taken as its motto: “Moving together towards the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor,” encouraging all to join in the effort towards dialogue, especially between Islam and Christianity.
“While many believe that dialogue is a ‘strategy,’ we on the other hand emphasize the ‘spirituality’ dimension for a better and deeper dialogue,” the message said, encouraging all to make a “sincere effort to connect with and reconcile with God, ourselves, others and the whole of creation.”
Recalling the words of Pope Benedict XVI that say that “dialogue based on love and truth is the best path to bring happiness and harmony to the people of the earth,” Sisilah concluded with the following message: “We have to make use of all possible opportunities to recall and heed the message to love God and love our neighbor. The month of Ramadhan is for sure a great time for Muslims to be reminded and a good lesson for all.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/9/2008)
