Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) - "Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus, the Emmanuel (God with us). Muslims and Christians in the 'Silsilah' movement for dialogue always highlights at the beginning of Advent, as well as at the beginning of the month of Ramadan for Muslims, a special message to share solidarity and friendship. This sign of friendship and joy helps to educate our people to appreciate what is dear to others": this is what is said in a statement sent to Fides by the "Silsilah" movement for Islamic-Christian dialogue born in the southern Philippines thanks to the work of the PIME missionary Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra.
"The coming of Pope Francis to the Philippines in 2015 - continues the text - is for us another event that brings joy in Christians and Muslims. Muslims respect and appreciate the Pope as one of the world leaders of peace. The preparation for Christmas but also the Pope's visit is a sign of hope in the midst of the violence that also exists in the Philippines".
The text recalls the letter written to the Pope by a group of 138 Muslim scholars in 2007 that said: "Christians and Muslims together make up more than half the world's population. Without peace and justice between these two religious communities, there can be no meaningful peace in the world".
The text concludes: "Let us continue to respect and love each other, praying for those who, in the name of their faith kill others. The Pope's visit to the Philippines makes our experience of dialogue an inspiration for many in the ongoing efforts to find solutions for peace in Mindanao and in many parts of the world". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/11/2014)
