In Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the January 24 Peace Day, 11 Muslim and 7 Christian religious leaders in Mindanao, together with Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., convened in Cotabato City on January 16-17 for a significant dialogue meeting and joint statement on the bombing incident during the Catholic Mass at the Mindanao State University – Marawi on December 3, 2023.
The released joint statement marks the initial collaborative communication among the religious leaders following the ‘barbaric’ incident. The statement aimed to address the concerns about security which raised questions about the sustainability of the peace process between Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao.
“We are comforted and inspired by the mutual assistance of Muslims and Christians given to the victims in the aftermath of the bombing, a sign of continuing fraternity amidst violence. We pray that such assistance, given especially by the national and local governments, would significantly contribute to the complete healing of the trauma suffered by the victims and their families,” the statement said.
As the leaders come together, their dialogue played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of interfaith relations and reinforcing the importance of harmony among diverse religious communities. The meeting is not only an opportunity for healing but also a crucial step towards building a resilient and peaceful society in the aftermath of such tragic incidents.
#HWPL #DPCW_1038 #IPYG #YEPW #WARP_OFFICE
#PEACEWORLD #PEACE_WALK #EDUCATION
Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said, “On behalf of OPAPRU we will always be supporting the interfaith dialogue… to revive our interfaith dialogue with our brothers and sisters. Rest assured that the Marcos administration and with the Special Assistant to the President, we will make way to revive all the things that we have started. And I would like to thank all the religious [leaders] for really guiding us on the way towards peace.
We will always be with you in really promoting peace and development in Bangsamoro and also for our Filipino brothers to have lasting peace in our country.”
The lead convenor, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), is an international peace organization that has been conducting interfaith dialogues around the world since 2014, as one of its core initiatives. HWPL facilitated the meeting in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the January 24 Peace Day, which was declared by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to acknowledge the civilian-led peace agreement signed between Muslim and Catholic leaders in 2014. The agreement was mediated and proposed by Korean war veteran and HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee.
After-report of the peace conference between Muslim and Catholic leaders on the bombing of Mindanao, Philippines
(GMA Regional TV - One Mindanao) - One Mindanao: January 17, 2024
(Bangsamoro Information Office)
(Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation) - Sec. Galvez, Gen. Rillera join Bishop Ulama Dialogue meeting in Cotabato City
(DXJC 92.1 MHz VOICE FM COTABATO)
( Diyaryo Milenyo Digital News) - Ulama-Bishop Dialogue Meeting and Joint Statement to Address Mindanao State University-Marawi Bombing Incident
( Journal Online) - Ulama-Bishop Dialogue Meeting and Joint Statement to Address Mindanao State University-Marawi Bombing Incident
(PIA Lanao del Sur) - Mindanao religious leaders voiced solidarity vs peace spoilers
(Philippine Information Agency) - Mindanao religious leaders take joint stand to condemn peace spoilers
A beautiful and hopeful post. Thank you for all you are doing to better humanity.
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