Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) – Christians and Muslims must work together to promote a spirit of harmony especially in the difficult world of today faced with a new explosion of sectarian violence and radical Islamism in Iraq. Especially Catholics in the Philippines are called live the Gospel message of compassion in this Year of the Laity to commemorate the first arrival of the Christian faith in the Philippines: Fides received this Appeal from Silsilah Centre for Christian-Muslim Dialogue, in Zamboanga, on the island of Mindanao.
A leaflet distributed by the Centre with the title ‘September time to Remember ‘tells the stories of ordinary people, Muslims and Christians, who experienced the siege on 9 September 2013 in Zamboanga, when the Moro National Liberation Front put the area to fire and sword. Now today Silsilah hopes to underline the importance of harmony, supported with the spirituality of “dialogue –of - life-”. “In prayer we must remember what happened last year and pray for those who died and for those who still suffer the consequences” says Silsilah in the report sent to Fides.
“Those events widened the gap between Muslims and Christians here. The new international situation of violence and radicalism is bound to affect the future of peace Mindanao. Silsilah reminds everyone at this critical moment to strive all the more to show reciprocal love and solidarity. We urge everyone to work to spread goodness” the report says.
The message is addressed in particular to local Catholics : Silsilah recalls: “Our Christian spirit is founded on love, compassion, forgiveness, solidarity and harmony. We urge Catholics in particular to live in this spirit, the Year of the Laity which celebrates the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. Lay members of the Church have a vocation to strive for a life of holiness following the spirit of Baptism”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/9/2014)
