Interfaith Dialogue for Nation Building: Manila, Philippines

In October, 2002, an intensive three-day, workshop-seminar entitled INTERFAITH DIALOGUE FOR NATION BUILDING, was offered by The Peacemakers? Circle (URI ? CC Manila) to a diverse group of twenty people. The attendees came from various sections of society, are from different faith traditions, and are all currently engaged in or are inclined towards promoting peace in the Philippines through interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

The three days were spent exploring:

• roots of conflict
• role of dialogue in peace making
• faith traditions as resources of peace rather than conflict
• visions of peace in the Philippines

The workshop introduced a group of passionate peacemakers to each other, inspired them to consider interfaith opportunities to work side by side and presented and modeled respectful, engaged dialogue. It was the first step to peacebuilding collaborations.

In a follow-up meeting in November 2002, six peacebuilding projects were chosen as concrete plans to be further developed. Subsequently, a year-long training program has been designed and is seeking funding from the Philippine government and other sources.

This workshop was led by URI Peacebuilder Marites Guingona-Africa. To learn more about Marites, visit our Members Corner.

This workshop was sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace through a grant to URI.