On February 21, 2008 (Thursday) The Peacemakers' Circle Interfaith Dialogue Center played host to 14 women from different organizations, schools and faith backgrounds for a Women's Gathering on Creating a Culture of Peace through Interfaith Friendships.The meeting which was organized by the United Religions Initiative Southeast Asia-Pacific (URI-SEAP) Regional Office, in cooperation with The Peacemakers Circle Foundation, Inc. was attended by representatives from the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Shumei and Indigenous faiths, and belonging to various organizations and institutions, namely: Al-Salam Active Women's Association; Shumei Phils.; Ugnayan ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ("network of women in unity"); University of the Phils.-Cebu; Asian Social Institute; and the Hindu community.
The afternoon's program started with opening prayers led by a Muslim sister, followed by a warm welcome by URI-SEAP regional coordinator, Dr. Shakuntala Vaswani.An orientation and introduction to the United Religions Initiative (URI) was given and some short video clips were shown. These included Religiously-Motivated Violence, Hope, and the work of URI as a global interfaith grassroots community.
After the women had introduced themselves individually, it was interesting to note that the group not only comprised of women from diverse faith backgrounds, but they also belonged to diverse tribal affiliations. Apart from one indigenous representative from Cordillera (northern Philippine mountain range), the seemingly homogenous Islamic women's group present actually composed of representatives from seven different Muslim tribes!After getting to know each other the women proceeded with sharing their reflections on the video clips which they saw.They were happy to note that URI is at the forefront of interfaith peace building and showed interest to participate in URI programs.
To facilitate discussion on the nature of conflicts and dialogue, a simple illustration exercise on Differences in Disposition was shown by Shakun.While enjoying simple snacks the women engaged in lively exchanges of insights and planning for upcoming sessions. Towards the end they were excited to meet again next month to celebrate the International Women's Day.
They plan to hold the gathering at the Muslim compound of Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on March 15 and this will be hosted by the Al-Salam Active Women's Association. It will be a colorful celebration with cultural exchanges through performances, costumes and cuisine from the different traditions.
The group hope to organize monthly activities and invite more women to participate to build interfaith friendships for a culture of peace in our country.
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