Manila, Philippines – An inter-faith group composed of Catholic bishops and Muslim scholars expressed its willingness to accelerate its peace efforts in Mindanao.
In a statement, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma said that the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) is responding to the Palace‘s call that the group should facilitate peace dialogues between the government and Moro National Liberation Front (MILF).
"The religious groups from the Christian and Muslim sides are willing to show that these issues could be solved by consultation," Ledesma said in the statement posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines‘ (CBCP) a website on Tuesday.
Ledesma also suggested that the Conference tap an intermediary to make sure that both sides are sincere in fulfilling their agreements.
Religious leaders have the competence to provide "the moral and spiritual guidance" to the peace process, he said.
The BUC was launched by Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla and the late Mahid Mutilan, president of the Ulama League of the Philippines, in 1996 as a forum for Mindanao religious leaders to promote local peace and development.
On August 17, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza rallied support for the initiative of the bishops-ulamas, urging politicians, members of civil societies, and religious and indigenous groups to support the non-partisan effort "that can put us on track in our economic development agenda for the country."
"President Arroyo has requested the BUC to oversee these efforts as she gives value to a deep consultative process to hear the views of the stakeholders in the private sector and in the local government units," Dureza said.
He added that the outcome of a dialogue organized by the ulamas and bishops may be a framework for peace and development not only for Mindanao but for the entire nation.
To recall, the BUC called for "integrity of mind and heart" in resolving the conflict between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in North Cotabato on Wednesday last week.
The Conference said it is imperative that Christians, Muslims and indigenous peoples bring about lasting peace through this manner.
The dialogue between the Mindanao bishops and the MILF peace negotiators last week was a historic one as it marked the first time that the separatist group‘s representatives set foot in the bishop‘s residence.
The dialogue also showed the willingness of both parties to come together for the sake of peace. Both groups also sought intensification of dialogues and educational programs relative to the ongoing peace process.
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv (August 19, 2008)