Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga City (Agenzia Fides) - It is a widespread need, reaffirmed at an international and local level: Christian and Muslim leaders of Mindanao go to "the school for dialogue" in a formation program organized by the Islam-Christian "Silsilah" Centre for Dialogue founded 25 years ago by PIME missionary Father Sebastiano D'Ambra. It is the "Seventh for Interfaith Harmony"; proclaimed for the beginning of February by the United Nations, but also the information confirmed by the National Ulema Council of the Philippines (NUCP) and many other institutions and groups.
The program - the "Silsilah" Centre refers to Fides - provides seminars and workshops for leaders, giving priority to professionals and teachers from different schools and universities. It intends to help them understand the connection points importance between each faith and the current inter-faith challenge. "They will be invited to understand that dialogue and peace are not only needed for development, but are part of a proper understanding of the Islam and Christian message of love, to achieve a process of personal and social transformation" says "Silsilah".
The program aims to rediscover the central part of the Christian and Islamic religion, encouraging leaders and professionals to overcome prejudice through sincere sharing. "Silsilah" encourages Christians to rediscover the beatitudes of Jesus and Muslims to rediscover the real meaning of the "Great Jihad" (inner effort to turn to God), in order to "appreciate more the culture of dialogue and bring it in society: in government agencies, schools, universities, churches, mosques, institutions or groups in which leaders are involved".
According to Silsilah, the new leadership of the country has the primary task of preparing young people to live and promote the culture of dialogue, the path to peace in the Philippines. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/01/2012)
