In the southern Philippines on the island of Mindanao, World Interfaith Harmony Week is underway.
Scheduled for the first week of February each year, World Interfaith Week, Feb. 3-9, is hosting various initiatives aimed at exploring peace and interreligious dialogue, reported Fides.
In a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 20, 2010, World Interfaith Harmony Week was established as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Many institutions participate and dialogue, such as that between Christians and Muslims, takes place.
Speaking to 300 faithful Christians and Muslims during one of the week’s events held in the province of Zamboanga, in Mindanao’s western region, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pablo Virgilio David, defined interfaith harmony as “a journey towards peace in the world.”
He made this definition by using the language of music to define the concept of harmony, alluding to the “mixture of notes.”
“Interfaith harmony,” the bishop said, “is built when the encounter between people of different religions becomes a meeting of faith, hope and love.”“Where and when interfaith dialogue is carried out,” he said, “we celebrate a journey towards peace in the world.”
The important thing, Monisignor David said, is to begin the first steps, “no matter how far you go or how long it takes.”
Good relations between religions, including Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and others, “are expressed and advocated in the various sacred Scriptures,” the bishop said, pointing out that “all religions appreciate values such as faith, hope and love.”
Referring to usage in the Bible and the Qur’an, Monsignor David recalled that the ‘neighbor’ is the one “who shows mercy and compassion for those in need.”
At the conclusion of the event, those present signed a special “covenant of peace,” which signified their commitment to promote dialogue and interfaith harmony.
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On the NET:
Interfaith Harmony Week: http://www.un.org/en/events/interfaithharmonyweek
