Mindanao Week of Peace 2018: A Joint Statement

Theme: “Peace Through Dialogue: Our Destiny”

As social beings humans are destined to associate in order to survive and to grow in humaneness. It is a natural need and therefore a task.

Central to the accomplishment of this task is to be present in person with respect, to speak with sincerity, to listen with interest, to be open to all ideas and to seek the truth. This is the art of humane dialogue.

Underpinning this dialogue is the awareness of being a believer in the Oneness of God Who as Creator brings humans to unity and peace, to integrity and solidarity.

The Christian Bible and the Islamic Qur’an affirm the foregoing human values and attitudes.

In the gospel of Matthew chapter 10, from verses 11 to 13, Jesus says to his apostles: “Whatever town or village you go into, seek out someone worthy and stay with him until you leave. As you enter his house, salute it, and if the house deserve it, may your peace come upon it.”

In Surah 16, An-Nahl, verse 125, the Holy Qur’an says, “Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.”

Peace be with everyone! Wasalam-alaikum!

SIGNED:

Abp. Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, D.D.
Co-convenor

Judge Aboali Cali
Co-convenor

Bishop Emeritus Hilario M. Gomez, Jr.
Co-convenor