Pagadian Diocese
INTERFAITH CALLS FOR GENUINE AND LASTING PEACE
In resonance with the convictions of communities of goodwill we, Subanen, Christian and Muslim believers that compose the interfaith forum based in Pagadian City declare our stand and aspiration for genuine and lasting peace.
The deplorable violence perpetrated in Lanao del Norte and Cotabato caused the unnecessary loss of human lives and properties and inflicted terrible pain and suffering on poor and innocent civilians, including children. It displaced thousands of peace - loving people who are even now gripped with fear and anxiety. All of these cause deep sadness in our hearts. For all te victims, we express our heartfelt sympathy and offer to God our sincere prayers.
We fear that the ensuing armed conflict would lead to unbridled feelings of anger, even hatred that paves to more violence. We fear that it would block our initiatives for peace and shatter our aspirations for the common good. Can we allow all that to leave us in hopeless apathy? No, we must all the more move on and reiterate once again and more clearly our determination to promote dialogue as the way to achieve permanent peace.
Therefore, as we demand that the proper authorities effectively go after the perpetrators of the heinous crimes and bring them to justice, we also ask them to create processes for more consultation and dialogue among communities and stakeholders in order to attain peace.
We appeal to the government to provide more security to our civilian population without having to arm the civilians. For, while we recognize the right to self-defense, we do not uphold the idea of civilians taking the law into their own hands.
To government and non-government institutions we appeal for immediate assistance to the evacuees, especially the wounded and the stick. To all citizens we appeal for calm and sobriety.
Let us all continue to hope for and believe in the power of the Almighty and Most Merciful God to bring peace into our hearts and into our society.
May God/Allah/Magbabaya bless us all!
The deplorable violence perpetrated in Lanao del Norte and Cotabato caused the unnecessary loss of human lives and properties and inflicted terrible pain and suffering on poor and innocent civilians, including children. It displaced thousands of peace - loving people who are even now gripped with fear and anxiety. All of these cause deep sadness in our hearts. For all te victims, we express our heartfelt sympathy and offer to God our sincere prayers.
We fear that the ensuing armed conflict would lead to unbridled feelings of anger, even hatred that paves to more violence. We fear that it would block our initiatives for peace and shatter our aspirations for the common good. Can we allow all that to leave us in hopeless apathy? No, we must all the more move on and reiterate once again and more clearly our determination to promote dialogue as the way to achieve permanent peace.
Therefore, as we demand that the proper authorities effectively go after the perpetrators of the heinous crimes and bring them to justice, we also ask them to create processes for more consultation and dialogue among communities and stakeholders in order to attain peace.
We appeal to the government to provide more security to our civilian population without having to arm the civilians. For, while we recognize the right to self-defense, we do not uphold the idea of civilians taking the law into their own hands.
To government and non-government institutions we appeal for immediate assistance to the evacuees, especially the wounded and the stick. To all citizens we appeal for calm and sobriety.
Let us all continue to hope for and believe in the power of the Almighty and Most Merciful God to bring peace into our hearts and into our society.
May God/Allah/Magbabaya bless us all!
THE CONVENORS
Bishop of Pagadian UCCP
(SGD) Sultan Maguid Marohom (SGD) Timuay Fernando Muda
Chairman, UMMAH FI SALAM Subanen Leader
(SGD) Fr. Felix Tigoy
Parish Priest
- Vision: The faithful of the Diocese of Pagadian, united in love and wholeness, justice and peace in holiness and intimacy with God, in solidarity with all humanity, in oneness with all of creation living, simply, and serving according to the Gospel of Jesus
- Mission: "Witness to authentic humanity according to the image of Jesus "Witness to love in openess, communion, and holiness to all "Be in solidarity with the poor and marginalized people as they stand for their dignity and rights, and safeguard the integrity of creation
- Goals: "That the Priests, Sisters and Lay Workers of the Diocese of Pagadian share the common mission of the church, through a renewal and revitalization of the Faith that will enable us to become humanly authentic, participative and competent in our leadership and management so that we will be the truly church of the poor." "That the members and leaders of each GSK in communion with other GSKs, participate in renewal and revitalization of the Faith that will enable them to be humanly authentic, competent and effective in their mission in promoting the reign of God."