ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Art as an instrument of dialogue between Christians and Muslims in building peace

Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) – Islamic-Christian dialogue can make great progress through art: this is what is taking place in the southern Philippines, on the island of Mindanao, in the Sulu Islands, thanks to a new initiative involving Christian and Muslim artists and scholars, using film, photographs, paintings, and sculptures with the motto: “Art: Instrument of Peace.” Through this exposition, organizers are leading an awareness campaign in the multi-religious society of the southern Philippines.
The idea arose among those who attend the activities of the Sisilah Dialogue Center, which has been working for 25 years in the southern Philippines on Islamic-Christian relations, with great results. They are very active in youth programs, in building a culture of reconciliation, peace, and harmony (see Fides 5/5/2009).
At the Harmony Village (Sisilah's headquarters), on the outskirts of Zamboanga, an art exposition has opened. “Sharing their talent and inspiration, the various artists share a common vision of the world and life, based on peace,” the group said. The initiative is slowly growing to include more artists who share this same spirit and mission.
The role of culture and art in the process of dialogue is very important, the artists comment. Art, in its various manifestations, plays a unique role in the area of formation and education in promoting a culture of peace and respect and understanding among the various religious communities.
The various art pieces contribute to interreligious dialogue. They spread awareness of this dialogue as a respectful and free exchange between communities and individuals, and help to overcome stereotypes, prejudices, discrimination, and ignorance in the encounter between different cultures. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/6/2009)