ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Christians and Muslims together run New Centre for children in need in southern Philippines

Monday, 22 November 2004

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Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) - Joint efforts of Christians and Muslims in Zamboanga in the southern part of Mindanao in the southern Philippines has led to the opening of a new Centre for poor children and families.
The new “Harmony Zone Centre” is near “Harmony Village”, where a Christian/Muslim initiative “Silsilah Movement”, started by Italian missionary Father Sebastiano D’Ambra member of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions PIME.
In an annual message to Muslims the world over on the occasion of Ramadan the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, said Christians and Muslims must work together to improve the situation of the many disadvantaged children in the world. The new Zamboanga Children’s Centre, opened as Ramadan was coming to an end, will provide free medical treatment to children, thanks to a team of specialist doctors, and follow their social and cultural growth.
Various social and religious initiatives involving Christians and Muslims were organised for the recent month of Ramadan 2004. Mindanao is home to a Muslim minority of about 5 million people, (6% of a total population of 80 million) which has its own culture, customs and traditions. Over the years this minority has given rise to secessionist and independence groups and violence. In this scenario the local Church has sought to promote reconciliation and dialogue with the Muslim community.
Silsilah or Chain Movement promotes cultural events and prayer meetings with Muslims in a spirit of communion and reconciliation. As every year the Movement sends greetings to all Muslims for the end of the Ramadan. In this message this year, besides expressing respect for Islam Silsilah said it hoped the month of prayer and fasting would bring believers closer to God and neighbour. The Movement works to form young people in the values of dialogue and peace also using the means of communication.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/11/2004 righe 33 parole 346)