Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga city (Agenzia Fides) - The new leadership of Silsilah Movement for interreligious dialogue, historic presence of cultural awareness building, formation and sharing for Christian-Muslim dialogue in southern Philippines, is all female: during the annual Silsilah meeting the members elected as president and vice president respectively, Aminda Sano a member for many years and former vice president and Hadja Zenaida Lim, already leader of the local Muslimah Muslim Women's association for dialogue and peace.
Up to now the president has always been PIME missionary Fr Sebastiano D’Ambra who founded the Silsilah Movement in 1984. This new election is a sign of maturation of the movement whose ideals and activities of formation, awareness building and prayer have become a point of reference for numerous adult Christians and Muslims as well as students and schools.
The new leaders will be installed on 8 February at Silsilah Harmony Village in the outskirts of Zamboanga.
Southern Philippines home to a consistent minority of 6 million Muslims, are the scene of violence and tension due to difficult relations between Muslims and Christians. In the area terrorist groups operate to undermine peace.
Silsilah Centre, which will celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009, plans to intensify initiatives and programmes to promote peace and dialogue all over the Philippines, through greater presence in the media, presence among young Muslims and Christians to eradicate sentiments of diffidence and promote harmony. Recently a second Silsilah Centre was opened on the island of Jolo.
Silsilah means “chain”, which links man to God. And thanks to a Chain of Harmony initiative Silsilah spirituality has spread to various parts of the world. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/01/2008 righe 28 parole 284)
