Forum on Moral Imagination & the Mindanao Peace Process

Dr. Abdulhusin "Jo" Kashim, presided over a public forum organized by The Peacemakers' Circle CC last February 27, 2008 as the concluding activity under the URI Moral Imagination (MI) grant that was awarded to our Philippine team in August 2007.

The forum, entitled "Finding Place for Moral Imagination in the Peace Process in Southern Philippines," was inspired by the conversations that the members of the MI team had concerning Dr. Jo's experience as a member of the MNLF--Joint Working Group of the GRP-MNLF-OIC (Gov't of the Rep. of the Phils.-Moro National Liberation Front-Organization of the Islamic Conference, a union of Muslim nations to which Muslims in the Philippines looked for support) Tripartite Meeting. The MNLF-GRP-OIC Tripartite Meeting had been postponed about six times over the past year, and the last meeting held early in February this year was strongly contentious, according to Dr. Jo.

Dr. Jo pointed out that the problem in the southern Philippines was aggravated when in September 1972 martial law was declared by then President Ferdinand Marcos and all civilians were ordered to surrender their guns. This resulted in spontaneous rebellions among Moros, who traditionally had equated the right to carry arms with their religious heritage and were suspicious of the government's intentions toward them.

The problem eventually gave rise to the creation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that fought for an independent Moro nation. But during the late 70s differing goals, traditional tribal rivalries, and competition among Moro leaders for control of the movement produced a split in the MNLF. In January 1987, the MNLF accepted the government's offer of semi-autonomy.

Last February, Dr. Jo (though not a member of the MNLF) was invited to be in the MNLF Joint Working Group of Nur Misuari, incarcerated President of the MNLF. The experience, according to Dr. Jo, challenged his being a "peacemaker" because of the abusive treatment he received from the prison guards of Misuari. As MI Phil. team co-member, Ms. Marites Africa, listened to his story, she realized that this was something that had to be shared with the public. Thus she urged him to do so but from the perspective of an MI peacebuilder (so that we could offer an "out-of-the-box" way of looking at the problem).

The lecture was well attended and successful. The MI Phil. team plans to offer similar seminars on the MI approach to social change and/or integrate them into the various workshop-seminars that they will be conducting in the coming months. Further, Ms. Marites I have invited Dr. Jo to present the same lecture (with some suggestions for improvement) in one of the modules of the MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE FOR NATION-BUILDING training program this April.
(see also: http://moralimaginationmanila.blogspot.com/2008/05/mi-peace-process-in-southern.html)

Intra-Imam Grassroots Dialogue workshops in Manila

Assisted by the Australian Embassy’s Strengthening Grassroots Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding (SGIDU) Program, The Peacemakers’ Circle has successfully conducted a series of four (4) three-day intensive training workshops on interfaith dialogue for at least twenty-five (25) Muslim imams in each of the following four major grassroots Muslim communities in Metro Manila:

Phase 12 of Baranggay 188 in Tala, Caloocan City (March 26 – 28, 2008)

Salam Compound in Culiat, Tandang Sora in Quezon City (March 30, Apr. 5 & Apr. 13, 2008)

Golden Mosque in Quiapo in the City of Manila (Apr. 2 – 4, 2008)

Green Mosque in Maharlika Village, Taguig City (Apr. 14-16, 2008)

A total of around 100 imams and Muslim leaders from the Balik Islam (Muslim convert) groups have successfully undergone the Intra-Imam training that was aimed at orienting them in interfaith dialogue and to prepare them to engage in dialogue with their counterparts, the Catholic priests, and other non-Muslims. Introducing the basic principles of dialogue and discussing the Islamic approach to interfaith dialogue the workshops were conducted and designed by Dr. Abdulhusin “Jo” Kashim (Peacemakers’ trustee) and assisted by co-designer and co-facilitator, Ms. Marites G. Africa (Peacemakers’ executive director.

Imams-Priests Moving Ways forward for Nation-Building in Manila

The Imams-Priests Dialogue training project that was conducted by The Peacemakers’ Circle CC (PCFI-CC) in Metro Manila last September-October 2008 under the SGIDU Program inspired the creation of the NATIONAL IMAMS-PRIESTS DIALOGUE FORUM (NIPDF) among its participants. Upon approval from the Australian Embassy of the proposal for the use of the unused funds of the project to support the ongoing process of strengthening the organizational model of the NIPDF, PCFI-CC organized a dialogue forum on April 12, 2008 (Saturday) that brought together all the imams and priests who participated in the seminar-workshop.

The event hoped to aid them in their endeavors to find ways forward in organizing the NIPDF and addressing issues of common concern in the National Capital Region. Theme of the Forum was "Imams and Priests Dialogue for Ways Forward Together in Nation-Building." This was held at the U.P. Institute of Islamic Studies (UP-IIS), University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Aside from the members and participants of NIPDF and its partners (the Australian Embassy, Episcopal Commission on Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Phils., UP-IIS, Imam Council of the Phils.), several representatives from the diplomatic and international community were also invited. Among the distinguished guests present were representatives from the Bishops-Ulama Conference, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the World Islamic Call Society, The Asia Foundation, and the URI Moral Imagination Peacebuilding Training Program visiting team -- composed of Dr. Herm Weaver (from U.S. ), Dr. Abraham Karickam (from India), and Sr. Mary Tarcisia Lakot (from Uganda).

Muslim-Christian Dialogue for Nation-Building Pilot Summer Training Program - Manila

The Interfaith Peacebuilding Institute (IPI) has just been successfully launched by The Peacemakers' Circle CC last April at the University Hotel of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Two modules of the pilot summer training workshop program on MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE FOR NATION-BUILDING were conducted with the help of its partners—the Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (ECID-CBCP), the Imam Council of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines' Institute of Islamic Studies—and the invaluable support of the U.S. Democracy Small Grants Program. Module I (Introduction to Muslim-Christian Dialogue) ran from April 20-24, and Module II (Building Bridges of Muslim-Christian Understanding) from April 27-May 1.

There were thirty participants (15 Muslims and 15 Christians) from different sectors of society, six were from Mindanao and the rest were from various parts of the National Capital Region of Metro Manila. Among them were representatives from the academe, the religious sector, media, government, non-government organizations, and people's organizations.

Creative expression approaches and methodologies were integral to the training process. The participants engaged in role playing and drama, some wrote poetry (see "Dove Without Wings"), others drew beautiful pictures that we hung on the wall, they sang and danced, played games, and at the end everyone seemed deeply moved by the experience! The first module focused on dialogue as a means to an end and an end in itself; on how to dialogue and listen with the heart, and how to perceive differences among people. It integrated the principles learned from the Moral Imagination Training under Dr. John Paul Lederach (foremost Mennonite lecturer on Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding). The second module touched on the respective histories, teachings, beliefs and practices of the Christian and Islamic faiths.

For more information and more pictures visit: http://www.mcd2008.blogspot.com/

Updates from Muslim-Christian Peacemakers' Assoc. CC - Caloocan City, Phils.

Muslim-Christian Livelihood program in full operation

On February 13, 2007 the members of the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers' Association (MCPA) CC of Tala, Caloocan City in Metro Manila were awarded the seed capital for their individual livelihood projects.

Five thousand pesos were given to each member who have applied and undergone training under the Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (“progress”) or SEA-K Livelihood Program offered by the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD). The moment the members will be able to return the seed loan to the government within the next 6 months they are entitled to the next level of loan where the capital is much higher than the first one (about 45,000 pesos each, payable within 3 years free of interest!)

Mr. Lee Collano, Peacemakers’ Circle CC staff and MCPA CC coordinator considered this project a breakthrough since most conflicts in the communities around Metro Manila are tied up with the economic crisis. In this partnership between one of the government’s agency –DSWD-- and the people’s organizations—and through the linking efforts of Peacemakers’ CC-- there is hope for alleviation of poverty and establishment of peace and order in these grassroots areas.

Peacemakers’ Circle CC leader, Ms. Marites Africa, expressed her joy about the project: “It was a happy occasion that afternoon for those of us present in the community to bear witness to the awarding of the funds to each of the members. The joy in their faces (when they came forward to receive the money) was so heartwarming that in my heart I fervently hoped and prayed that their endeavors at setting up their small livelihood businesses would succeed. How wonderful it would be to see our friends there growing in self confidence and sense of empowerment!”

This livelihood assistance of the DSWD that has been made possible through the tireless assistance of Mr. Lee has generated a growth in the membership of the MCPA CC. From 38 members, the number has now swelled to around 60. They have been divided into two groups to facilitate the application process of the SEA-K livelihood program.

A.I.D. for peace formed by Imams of Tala

On March 26 – 28, 2008 The Peacemakers’ Circle CC conducted the intensive three-day Intra-Imam training on interfaith dialogue to 25 imams and grassroots Muslim leaders in Tala, Caloocan.

Inspired by the workshop-seminar and the National Imams-Priests Dialogue Forum (NIPDF), the imam participants of Tala established the Association of Imams for Dialogue for Peace (AID for Peace). AID for Peace now serves as a model mechanism for ways forward in actively promoting the ongoing endeavor for Imams-Priests Dialogue at the grassroots level.

(more info at: www.muslimchristianpeace.blogspot.com)

Interfaith Celebration of Women's Month in Manila

When the women from different faith traditions on-board a convoy of three vehicles entered the Muslim grassroots community of Salam compound in Barangay Culiat of Quezon City in Metro Manila, they were merely looking forward to seeing again their new-found Muslim sisters and have a simple merry celebration of the Women's Day with them. Little did they know that a sumptuous kanduli ("feast") of different tribal dishes awaited them, and a most colorful and intimate gathering of interfaith women would take place.

The members of the Al-Salam Active Women's Association (ALSAWA) comprising of women from seven different tribes expressed their pleasure and feelings of being honored to host the program, and they welcomed their sisters from other faiths who also came dressed in customary or stylized cultural outfits. They represented various organizations and faith groups LED BY The Peacemakers' Circle URI CC and its partners from the Brahma Kumaris, the Hindu community, Shumei Phils. (a Japanese spiritual organization), the women of Chevalier Monks of Christ (CMC), and Ugnayan ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ( "network of women in unity").

(for more detailsa & photos... click here: www.interfaithwomenscirclemanila.blogspot.com/2008/05/womens-month-interfaith-celebration.html )

Interfaith Youth Orientation in Manila

On February 9, 2008 (Saturday) the United Religions Initiative Southeast Asia-Pacific (URI-SEAP) Regional Office, in cooperation with The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. gathered 16 youths from different organizations, schools and faith backgrounds for a Youth Orientation on Creating a Culture of Peace through Interfaith Friendships.

Held at The Peacemakers’ Interfaith Dialogue Center the meeting was attended by representatives from the Catholic Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan and Indigenous faiths, and belonging to various organizations and institutions, namely: Y4U (Youth for Unity) interfaith circle; Generation Peace Network; PeaceTech; Xaverian Missionaries; Young Peace Society; Phil. Wiccan Society; St. Scholastica’s College; New Horizon Integrated School, and the Binhi ng Kapayapaan (“seed of peace”) Youth Peace Camp.

read more: http://www.interfaithyouthcirclemanila.blogspot.com/

Updates from TULAY CC - Bohol, Phils

Reported by Ms. Marjorie Angalot

TRUST, UNDERSTANDING & LEARNING AMONG YOUTH (TULAY) CC

I. Outreach at Tagbilaran Dumpsite

On December 2007, the TULAY CC members together with Mr. Boni Quirog of Bohol Goodwill Volunteers CC, visited a dumpsite located at the outskirts of Tagbilaran City. It was not just giving of used clothing and old toys to the grassroots residents but most importantly interacting with the children and youth as well. We also had the chance to make an ocular inspection of the environment and witnessed the solid waste management situation of the city. We were suddenly moved to plan on what we can to do in response to the global climate crisis. Although the condition of the people there were rather disheartening, it was somehow a relief to see the smiles of gratitude on their faces in response to our humble gesture.

II. Self-Transformation & Youth Leadership Seminar

In the hope of awakening our higher potentials, the “Trust, Understanding and Learning Among Youth” (TULAY) CC and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Bohol jointly sponsored a 2-day “Self-Transformation and Youth Leadership” seminar last May 24-25, 2008 in Tagbilaran City. The speaker of the said affair was no less than Mr. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., president of the Manila-based Theosophical Society in the Philippines.

III. Planning meeting

Last 11 June 2008, the TULAY CC members once again had a meeting at Jojie’s restaurant, Tagbilaran City. Being one of those who attended the URI-SEAP 4th Regional Meeting and witnessed the launching of Interfaith Sector of Cebu City, Ms. Marjorie Angalot recounted how she felt privileged and honored to represent the youth CC and shared about the accomplishments of the said meeting/workshop, and about her experiences of meeting new friends, of tasting different kinds of food from different faith traditions and cultures, and of engaging in the challenge to serve for the purpose and vision of URI.

The members thought of creating a logo for TULAY CC. Each member is encouraged to submit his/her own design and the official logo will eventually be chosen next month. They also reached the idea of holding fund-raising activities hence, sponsoring educational movies or supporting a band music competition in July, in time of the Bohol Sandugo festival. Other mutual learning and bridge-building activities considered are tree planting and another visit to the dumpsite.

(see also: www.uripilipinas.blogspot.com/2008/06/tulay-cc-updates-dec-2007-june-2008.html and www.tulaycc6uri.multiply.com)

Updates from PAKIGDAIT CC - Mindanao, Phils.

Maranao Language Program MOA signed
Looking at language as a vital ingredient in peacebuilding and dialogue, Pakigdait CC has partnered and signed on February 7, 2008 a Memorandum of Understanding with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 103rd and 104th Brigades for the Maranao Language Program. This undertaking is an effort to teach the Government soldiers to learn the Maranao language for them to communicate more effectively with the Muslims in Lanao and to instill cultural sensitivity and understanding among the men in uniform as they will be immersed in the values and traditions of the Maranaos.


Pakigdait CC has been at the forefront in the declaration of March as the Lanao Month of Peace. This year’s celebration saw a series of activities spread throughout the whole month. Among these was the Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw (“Gathering for Peace”), a traditional convergence of religious, traditional leaders, women, youth and local government unit (LGU) officials through a colorful traditional parade at the Provincial capitol on March 17, 2008.

On March 26, 2008 over 60 cyclists travelled a distance of about 80 kilometers from Iligan City to the Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Norte—as they symbolized the movement of civil society organizations (CSO) in partnership with LGUs in their athletic rush towards attaining goals of peacebuilding in the province. This activity was the Bike for Peace program, the first of its kind in Lanao!


Seeing the religious personalities and leaders as the appropriate “disseminators” of peace using the pulpits in churches and mosques, Pakigdait CC conducted on March 24, 2008 the Pastors, Priests, Imams and Nuns (PPIN) conference where participants were trained to facilitate interfaith dialogues at the grassroots level.

After a series of consultation and planning sessions, the successful conference bore fruit with the creation of an Interfaith Council which comprised of 13 faith leaders from Iligan City and all over the province of Lanao del Norte. An Interfaith Covenant for Peace and Unity was composed and signed by the council members to seal their solidarity and commitment to work together in proactive cooperation and harmony.

Equally valuing the youth sector for its crucial role in peacebuilding Pakigdait CC gathered them in a two-day Interfaith Youth Convergence on April 22-23, 2008. With the conviction that if properly mobilized the peace-builder in the youth would eventually break the cycle of violence plaguing the province for generations—Pakigdait engaged the youth participants in workshops and activities that fostered their commitment for peace.

As a result, an Interfaith Youth Council was created composed of youth leaders and representatives from the different municipalities of Lanao del Norte.

On April 25-26, 2008 Pakigdait went on a Historical Journey to “expand the horizon for peace” by visiting historical sites for peace and conflict in and around the province. The activity aimed at rediscovering the past in order to more deeply understand the present (especially the conflict situation), and to be able move forward into the future with clarity and conviction.

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(for more info check out www.pakigdait.org )

Update from COMMON CC - Australia

The Centre of Melbourne Multifaith and Others Network (COMMON) CC had their first meeting for 2008 on Feb.6 (Wednesday) evening. Well attended, well represented and productive, the meeting saw the reelection of their incumbent president, Ms. Jessiee Kaur-Singh, who accepted the post for another two year term.

COMMON CC has successfully organized the Multifaith Week festival in celebration of the UN International Day of Peace (UN-IDP) last September 2007. They are now campaigning for all CCs in the Southeast Asia region to follow this program so as to extend the UN-IDP celebration to a full week and at the same time highlighting its multifaith flavor. Gearing up for 2008, COMMON CC is also planning to have a multifaith healing event focusing on the Aboriginal brothers and sisters for the reconciliation week. Along this line, Ms. Jessiee of COMMON CC participated in the recent Global Minorities Conference in New Delhi, India on March 6 – 9 2008.

Meanwhile, representing COMMON CC, Ms. Jessiee also attended the Asia-Pacific Interfaith Symposium on Women, Faith and Culture of Peace on Feb. 23-24 at the Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane. About 150 women from Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, New Zealand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and different parts of Australia attended the gathering where Ms. Jessiee conducted a workshop on multifaith relations in multicultural society and also participated in the opening ceremony by offering a Sikh prayer. She reported that all participants in the said affair made further commitment towards multifaith advancement in their respective regions.

URI bears witness to the launching of Cebu City's Interfaith Sector

On June 8, 2008 the historic Fort San Pedro in Cebu City was the setting for the inauguration of the Interfaith Sector in the City with the theme “One in promoting life and integrity of Creation”.

More than 150 people representatives from different religious traditions gathered in the afternoon in the beautiful lawns of the Fort to witness the inauguration ceremonies led by the City Mayor, Tomas Osmena. In the presence of the city mayor, representatives from the Catholic Archbishop of Cebu, United Council of Churches in the Phils., Office on Muslim Affairs, other distinguished guests and the local interfaith community-- the URI SEAP delegates were honored to participate in the momentous occasion which was envisioned to inspire the active role of interfaith cooperation in the next 10 years of the city.

The interfaith sector was born out of the vision of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena to involve all sectors of the Society in the city’s development and progress. Last November 15, 2007 the Mayor called a consultative meeting of the faith based to help in the city strategic planning for Cebu City +10. More than 100 participants from different faith traditions were at the initial meeting which was followed by another one on November 29 where all leaders echoed interfaith peace and harmony and support for the city government in strategic planning and development.

In Cebu city where people’s faith and religiosity is an innate part of their nature, the interfaith sector can have a great impact to the city’s development. The subsequent meetings also brought awareness on the initiatives of the different religions and movements and an eagerness to heal the sad memories of the past.

Message of URI ED for Cebu Interfaith Sector

Message of URI Executive Director, Rev. Charles P. Gibbs
for the launching of Cebu’s interfaith sector:

8 June 2008

Dear Mayor Osmena and Visionary Leaders of Diverse Faiths and Movements,

Greetings of love and peace on behalf of the global community of the United Religions Initiative, at work in 67 countries to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings!

We express our congratulations and gratitude as you gather in Cebu City, Philippines, at the historic landmark of Fort San Pedro, to inaugurate Cebu City’s Interfaith Sector, with a theme of “One in Promoting Life and Integrity of Creation.”

As I understand, Fort San Pedro is the oldest fort in the Philippines, completed in 1738. Over the past 270 years, it has served as a military installation for Spanish, Philippine and American soldiers. It has been used as a prison camp, a school and a garden center. It has fallen into ruin and been restored.

And, today, it will witness the launch of a new initiative to plant a new kind of garden to bring the beauty of interfaith cooperation for peace, justice and healing to Cebu City, to the Philippines and to our world. Today Fort San Pedro will witness the beginning of a new effort of restoration – the restoration of diverse human community committed to mutual respect and service for the good of all and of balance with all of creation.

We, in the URI, join with you in spirit and prayer, and wish you every blessing as your gather. May the seeds you plant today be well tended by all in the days, months and years to come. May they flourish, bestowing endless beauty and the fruits of peace, justice and healing in Cebu City and beyond.

Thank you for the visionary light of peace, love and healing you shine in our world.

May your gathering be filled with blessing and light!

Faithfully,

The Rev. Canon Charles P. Gibbs, Executive Director

A message from the URI hub: GC Trustees Elections

a letter from URI Executive Director,
REV. CANON CHARLES P. GIBBS

May 5, 2008

Dear Friends,

Greetings of love and peace.

It is a joy to share with you the results of the trustee selection process in seven of URI’s eight regions (We expect that voting the Middle East and North Africa region will be completed by June 30th).

As you will see from the results below, the twenty-one trustees selected so far represent a diverse group of leaders from URI CCs. Nine are women, twelve are men. Fourteen are new trustees who will serve their first term, seven are current trustees who will serve another term. They come from sixteen countries and eight religions, spiritual expressions, indigenous traditions, and represent significant diversity within those eight families.

I would like to congratulate those who will serve on the 2008 Global Council, and thank all those who offered themselves in service but were not elected. I trust all will continue to offer powerful leadership in the URI during the coming three years. I look forward to welcoming three trustees from the MENA region once their election goes forward. I look forward to welcoming the three trustees the current Global Council selects to provide continuity and expertise on the new GC. I look forward to inaugurating the 2008 Global Council at the Global Assembly in Mayapur, India 30 November - 5 December 2008, as we honor the 2005 Global Council for their exemplary service over these past three years.

Now I ask you to welcome these members of the 2008 GC and to support them with your prayers and meditation in the months between now and the Global Assembly.

AFRICA:
Rattan Kaur Channa, United Religions of Nairobi, Kenya Sikh, new trustee
Samuel Lubogo, Latter Glory of Religions in Busoga, Uganda, Christian, new trustee
Pelecinnah Josiah-Pele, Nigerian United Religions, Nigeria, Christian, new trustee

ASIA:
James Channan, Lahore-Pakistan, Christian, current trustee
Jinwol Lee, URI Korea, Korea, Buddhist, current trustee
Sushil Salwan, Central Delhi, India, Hindu, new trustee

EUROPE:
Shaikh Bashir Ahmad Dultz, URI Europe, Germany, Sufi, current trustee
Elisabeth Lheure, Assoc. UNESCO/Diàleg Inter, Spain, Bahai, new trustee
Soroush Zand, Copenhagen, Denmark, Theosophist/Hindu, new trustee

LATIN AMERICA & THE CARRIBEAN:
Elias de Andrade Pinto, Grupo Inter-Rel. de São Paulo, Brazil, Christian, current trustee
Fany Avila Eleta, Mujeres Artesansa Kunas, Panama, Indigenous, new trustee
David Limo Pajar, URI Lima, Peru, Christian, new trustee

MULTI-REGION:
Linda Bennett Elder, The Pilgrimage Project, United States, Christian, new trustee
Yoland Trevino, Women and Spirituality, United States, Indigenous, current trustee
Matthew Paul Youde, URI Global Youth, United Kingdom, Christian, new trustee

NORTH AMERICA:
Susanna McIlwaine, Interfaith Explorers of Northern Virgina, United States, Studying Sufism and Buddhism, new trustee
Adelia Sandoval, SARAH, United States, Christian, current trustee
Rebecca Gonzales-Tobias, The Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Jew, new trustee

SOUTHEAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC:
Marites G. Africa, The Peacemakers Circle, Philippines, Christian, new trustee
Amir Farid Isahak, Malaysian Interfaith Network, Malaysia, Muslim, current trustee
Musa M. Sanguila, Pakigdait, Philippines, Muslim, new trustee

The official counting of the proxy ballots for this election was held at the URI global office in San Francisco, CA (USA), April 21, 2008. Witnesses included, Michelle Clark, Charles Gibbs, Barbara Hartford, Sally Mahe, Mark Mancao, Sam Ruben, Ray Signer and Yoland Trevino (by phone).

Yoland Trevino did not participate in the counting of the Multi-Region ballots. Each of the seven regions easily exceeded the 51% of certified CCs required to vote for these elections to be valid.

Finally, I offer my profound gratitude for all the members of CCs around the world who participated in this Trustee Selection Process. You are the living spirit of URI.

Love,
Charles

*The following have been elected trustees in MENA Region:
Anas Al-Abbadi, Jordon Interfaith Action CC, Jordon, Muslim, new trustee
Tareq Altamimi, Volunteering for Peace CC, Palestinian Territory, Muslim, new trustee
Susan Dababneh, Seeds of Peace CC, Jordon, Christian, new trustee

POETRY: "Doves Without Wings"

Doves Without Wings
(a tribute to peacemakers)
by Bok Araneta*

if cast into the world of broken dreams
where darkness looms over the gloomy sky,
where shams and drudgeries silently echo
the pains and cry of wounded souls,
what is there to live for?

but lo and behold!
life is not always what it seems to be
for while walking in the untainted roads of life
where fear and trembling shook our being
where life seemed senseless
and without meaning
a miracle, a glimmer of hope started to unfold

gifted with beautiful wings, DOVES,
calmly smiling, appeared in the sky
though darkness abounded,
their radiance lightened up the skypouring blissful joy to those
with restless hearts

though nestled in a serene and tranquil dwelling place
they descended high above from the sky
they gave up their wings so they may walk
in this world of broken dreams
unfazed by the world's flirtation with hatred and anger
they spread their message of peace and joy
giving hope to a seemingly hopeless world

for their voices are like sweet music
that soothes the troubled soul
their faces like Helen's which launch a thousand ship
and even without words, they paint a thousand smiles

to our dearest DOVES WITHOUT WINGS,
let your presence guide our journey
let your peaceful spirit enlighten our being
let your strength be our courage
that we may boldly go where no one dares to go
let your heart teach our ears
that we may listen the sweet melody of silence
let your faith proclaim the truth,
the truth that we would willingly live and die for
but above all, let your radiance always shine
upon the earth so that TOGETHER
we may help others find the way.

*MCD Batch 2008
UP Hotel, Diliman , QC
April 19-May 01, 2008

URISEAP 4th Regional Meeting in Cebu City, Philippines (June 5-9, 2008)

Cebu City-- the jewel city of Philippines—played host to the 4th annual Regional Meeting of the URI Cooperation Circle (CC) leaders/ representatives and trustees of the Southeast Asia-Pacific region, held on June 5 – 9, 2008. This year’s theme was: “Strengthening Leadership in the SEAP Region.”

Hosted by the Cebu-based Kalinaw CC under the leadership of Sr. Sandra Clemente, RSCJ (outgoing Regional Trustee), the regional meeting was attended by: Ms. Marites Guingona-Africa (incoming Global Council Trustee & leader of The Peacemakers’ Circle - Manila); Dr. Amir Farid Isahak (GC Trustee, leader of INSaF/URI KLCC & also representing the Malaysian Interfaith Network CC); Mr. Musa Sanguila (incoming GC Trustee & leader of Pakigdait CC - Mindanao); Ms. Jessiee Kaur-Singh (leader of COMMON CC - Australia); Mr. Boni Quirog (leader of Bohol Goodwill Volunteers’ CC - Bohol); Ms. Marjorie Angalot (representative of TULAY CC-Bohol); Mr. Lee Collano (representative of Muslim-Christian Peacemakers’ CC - Manila); Dr. Shakuntala Vaswani (URI SEAP Regional Coordinator - Manila); and Mr. Orlan de Guzman, Jr. (URISEAP Regional Information and Communications Officer).

Day 1 – On June 5, 2008 (Thursday) the delegates started to arrive and were checked-in at the Hotel Fortuna – a clean, simple hotel found in the heart of the city, and was conveniently accessible to the different places to be visited.

In the afternoon the first official activity in the program was a courtesy call to the president of the University of Cebu (UC) where Sr. Sandra holds office at the Extension Programs and Civic Welfare Training Service department. Despite his busy schedule, managing four campuses with about 40,000 students, the university owner and president, Atty. Augusto W. Go graciously met the delegates at Sr. Sandra’s office. Having been very supportive of URI projects initiated by Sr. Sandra and Kalinaw CC, the delegates expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the warm and friendly Atty. Go—who also generously lent the university vehicle for use by the delegates for the duration of the regional meeting.

In the evening, the delegates met the members of the Kalinaw CC in a vegetarian welcome dinner held at the Body, Mind & Wellbeing studio (owned by one of the members, Mr. EBJ, who is a yoga teacher from the Ananda Marga Society). Afterwards, the group enjoyed a musical evening (from mantras, to Cebuano love songs, from Elvis Presley to patriotic tunes) and were engaged in “innerdancing” – a free flow, unstructured body movement healing art.

Day 2 (June 6- Friday) – In one of the conference rooms of the hotel, the regional meeting was officially opened with sacred silence, offering of symbols from each CC, and inspirational reading led by Mr. Boni. This was followed by messages and reflections from each delegate and a formal welcome by Sr. Sandra.

The message of URI executive director Rev. Charles Gibbs for the delegates was then read by Shakun, and this was followed by the reading of the Preamble, Purpose and Principles. Presiding over the meeting as outgoing chairperson, Sr. Sandra gave an overview of the goals and guidelines for the meeting and facilitated the modifications on the program schedule as suggested in order to maximize the short and valuable time together.

Setting aside the meeting for the remainder of the morning, the delegates then took a walk from the hotel to the City Hall to pay a courtesy call to the city mayor, Hon. Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who warmly welcomed the delegates and shared his vision for interfaith cooperation in Cebu city .

Resuming in the afternoon, the delegates reviewed and approved the minutes of the previous meeting (3rd regional meeting in KL, Malaysia). This was followed by a slide show report on updates in the SEAP region presented by the regional information & communications officer (Orlan). The CC representative then took turns to share their CC’s successes and challenges in the recent months.

After the report on 2008 work plan & budget by the regional coordinator (Shakun), the group proceeded with the first part of the workshop on Strengthening URI in the SEAP region facilitated by Marites. The day was capped off with a Japanese dinner hosted by the Shinji Shumei Kai – Japanese spiritual organization.

Day 3 (June 7th – Saturday) – The session started with a viewing of the URI introductory video and Rio Assembly-- before continuing with Marites’ workshop wherein the group tackled the realities facing the region as well as the dreams envisioned, and the proposals/plans for moving forward.

One significant ways forward achieved was the formalization of the regional council composed of the representatives of all active CCs in the region. It was decided that the three incoming trustees lead this regional council and, as per tradition, the three shall choose among themselves who will sit as chairperson for each year. Ms. Marites Africa was appointed the first official chairperson for the URI SEAP Regional Council, both Dr. Amir Isahak & Mr. Musa Sanguila will be vice chairpersons.

Marites then presided over the rest of the meeting and facilitated further discussions on: the next regional meeting in March 2009 in Mindanao; Multifaith week celebrations encouraged as part of International Day of Peace celebrations by each CC; planning for the regional budget; the regional council’s strategic plans of action; plans for the Global Assembly 2008; and the Bowes Award.

The day was concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian dinner and spiritual music hosted by the talented Araneta family -- who are devotees of the Chaitanya Mission.

Day 4 (June 8, Sunday) – Enjoying a relatively free schedule in the morning, some delegates visited a Butterfly Farm and the Sikh Gurudwara, while others went shopping. But the highlight of the day was the launching of the Interfaith Sector of Cebu City in the afternoon at the historic Fort San Pedro of Cebu. In the presence of the city mayor, representatives from the Catholic Archbishop of Cebu, United Council of Churches in the Phils., Office on Muslim Affairs, the other distinguished guests and the local interfaith community-- the delegates were honoured to participate in the momentous occasion which was envisioned to inspire the active role of interfaith cooperation in the next 10 years of the city.

The four-day regional meeting was concluded with meditation, reflections and prayers at the Brahma Kumaris Center which also hosted the dinner. Here the Kalinaw CC proudly announced the formal launching of two youth CCs applying for registration in the URI!


A most fruitful, awe-inspiring and promising gathering Cebu has indeed gifted the URI in the SEAP region, and we congratulate and thank Sr. Sandra Clemente & the Kalinaw CC for the indefatigable commitment and uplifting energy they have poured in to have made it all possible. May URI continue to shine brightly upon this jewel city as it envisions to host the next URI Global Assembly in 2011!