Mindanao Religious Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Peace and Sustainable Development
Recently, religious leaders in Mindanao came together for the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MiRLeC) in Davao City, where they renewed their dedication to peace and sustainable development in the region.
The conference, attended by prominent figures from various religious communities, culminated in a joint declaration underscoring the pivotal role of faith in fostering peace in the conflict-prone area.
“We are peacemakers. Peace based on justice is our duty,” declared the religious leaders in their final statement.
In the spirit of love, justice, harmony, respect, integrity, unity, reconciliation, spirituality, and humanity, the leaders emphasized their commitment to promoting peace in Mindanao and beyond.
Fr. Rex Rocamora, the executive secretary of the Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, highlighted the gathering’s significance, which brought together Muslim Ulama, bishops, Indigenous Peoples representatives, and Civil Society Organizations.
The conference aimed to revitalize the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), established in 1996 in response to a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front.
The religious leaders recognized their moral responsibility to be a “dynamic peace movement” contributing to governance and peace efforts throughout the country, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Interreligious dialogue was identified as a crucial tool in fostering peace among Muslim, Christian, and indigenous communities, promoting solidarity and cooperation across religious lines.
Addressing key challenges such as marginalization, environmental injustice, extremism, and terrorism, the leaders emphasized the importance of engaging in peace dialogues with various groups, including political leaders, youth organizations, and Indigenous Peoples.
Prayer and spiritual gatherings were highlighted as essential components in fostering solidarity among diverse faith communities.
As the conference concluded, the leaders called for more consolidated peace engagements, including dialogue with political leaders, advocacy for marginalized groups, and empowerment of women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.
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