Peace in Diversity: Interfaith Youth Dialogue & Visit to the Ramadhan Fair

On September 11, 2010 (Saturday) The Peacemakers' Y4U (youth for unity) and the United Religions Initiative - Southeast Asia-Pacific (URI-SEAP) celebrated "Peace in Diversity" with more than about 25 youths from diverse faiths and different nationalities and cultures in an Interfaith Youth Dialogue held at the Partnership Center in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.


The participants were Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, Baha'i's and Multifaith youths from (aside from the Philippines) Malaysia, China, Myanmar, Laos, and Korea. They were representatives from the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia (IFFA); Columban Missionary; Environmental Broadcast Circle Peace Program; Culiat Muslim community; and the Baha'i community.




After the dialogue circle, The Peacemakers' Y4U and members of IFFA proceeded to the Ramadhan Fair held at the Commission on Higher Education in UP Diliman to celebrate the Eidl Fitr with our Muslim brothers and sisters.




At the spur of the moment, the interfaith youths (who were mostly Christians) were able to dialogue and interact with Muslim youths from Culiat at the lobby...

YPEACE youth workshop on interfaith dialogue by US Embassy

On August 30-31, 2010 The Peacemakers' Circle facilitated a two-day workshop on Youth Action for Interfaith Dialogue for young leaders from all over the country organized by the U.S. Embassy's Cultural Affairs Section. Below is an article about the event published at Philippine Daily Inquirer, written by Annelle Tayao...



‘It’s just opening ourselves to something as simple as conversation’ (PDI article by Annelle S. Tayao (First Posted 22:05:00 09/11/2010)

A SEMINARIAN, a Philippine Military Academy
student and the first woman president of Mindanao State University’s student government—they, with other youth leaders from all over the country, made their voices heard at the recent interreligious workshop “yPeace: Youth in Action for Interfaith Dialogue.”


Initiated by the US Embassy and facilitated by the Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation Inc., yPeace gathered 34 participants, some from as far as Tawi-Tawi, who, aside from representing schools and peace-related organizations, also served as spokespersons for their different faiths: Catholic, Protestant, Born-Again, Pentecostal, Church of Christ, Islam, as well as indigenous beliefs.

Held Aug. 30-31, the two-day intensive workshop was at Hyatt Hotel in Malate, Manila.

In group discussions and creative presentations, participants related personal stories on conflicts in their respective communities, and their hopes for better interreligious coexistence in the country...

(To read more check out this link:
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/2bu/2bu/view/20100911-291586/Young-voices-joined-in-religious-harmony )

Dialogue Circle: Islam & Interfaith Relationship-Building

Halfway through the holy month of Ramadan Muslims continue to fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food and drink. The fasting during this time is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By denying oneself the worldly comforts of life and things desired for , a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.

The holy month of Ramadan unites all Muslims in fasting, worship and prayer. It is a time for contemplation, spirituality and brotherhood. In honor of all Muslim peacemakers and in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters who are observing Ramadhan, The Peacemakers' Circle organized an afternoon of

SOLIDARITY & DIALOGUE with Muslim and Christian grassroots community leaders From Quiapo, Tala in Caloocan, Culiat and Maharlika Village in Taguig & MR. IKEBAL PATEL of the AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION OF ISLAMIC COUNCILS on Islam & Interfaith Relationship-Building Date: August 31 (Tuesday) Time: From 2-4 o'clock in the afternoon Venue: Ugnayan Hall, PhilDHRRA Partnership Center, 59 C. Savador St., Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, QC. PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES: 1:30 p.m. - Arrival & Registration 2:00 - Opening Interfaith Prayers - Welcome & Introductions 2:15 - WHAT RAMADAN MEANS TO MUSLIMS by IMAM MAJ. EBRA MOXSIR, President of the Imam Council of the Philippines 2:30 - Presentation of relationship-building efforts by Muslims & Christians working together in various grassroots communities in Metro Manila 3:00 - BEING A MUSLIM PEACEMAKER IN A MULTI- RELIGIOUS & CULTURALLY DIVERSE SOCIETY by MR. IKEBAL PATEL, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils 3:15 - Dialogue Circle 4:00 - Closing Prayer

URI 10th Anniversary celebrated with Tree-Planting by Manila CCs

In celebration of the

UNITED RELIGIONS INITIATIVE (URI)

10 years of enduring daily interfaith cooperation in creating cultures of peace and healing for the Earth and all living beings...

THE PEACEMAKERS' CIRCLE (a founding member/Cooperation Circle of URI)
through its interfaith youth arm, YOUTH FOR UNITY (Y4U) in partnership with MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKERS ASSOCIATION CC,
the UNITED MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKERS SEA-K,
and the MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN YOUTHS FOR PEACE & DEVELOPMENT

successfully conducted an interfaith community service program:

TREE-PLANTING
ECO-WASTE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

for the benefit of the Ondoy-affected Muslim-Christian grassroots community of Tala
last JUNE 26th - Saturday, 8am - 12nn at Brgy. 188, Phase 12, Tala, Caloocan City