Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue started in 1992 not this year 2020

EIRD, short for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue, has been chosen by the Catholic Bishops as a final nation-wide activity in preparation for the 500th anniversary celebration of the Christianization of the Philippines.

An important question: What has EIRD to do with Christianization? Or, more specifically, How can EIRD prepare us for a fitting 500th year Christianization anniversary celebration?

To answer the question properly, the following needs to be considered:

1. History of EIRD from 1992 to 2020;
2. Brief summary of History of Christianization 15 March 1521 onwards;
3. Role of dialogue in evangelization;
4. Revisiting the Mindanao Church understanding and practice of EIRD;
5. EIRD pass forward as important aspect of the New Evangelization.

Other things to be carefully considered:

1. The hard truths about history of, and difference between, Christianization and colonization;
2. Reliable sources of historical facts.
3. The Philippine Government’s official peace process which started with former president Fidel V. Ramos in September 1992, opening start of EIRD.