Updates from Manila: PEACE DAY 2008

FAITHS IN HARMONY SOWING PEACE THROUGH PRAYERS, LIGHTS AND SOUNDS

The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) and the United Religions Initiative Southeast Asia & the Pacific (URI-SEAP) Regional Office joined forces with the Sowing Peace for Mindanao network* in organizing a back-to-back peace event in Quezon City, Metro Manila on Saturday September 20, 2008, eve of the UN International Day of Peace.

Just before sunset a motley crowd of more than a hundred people lined the sidewalk along Katipunan Avenue-- in front of Miriam College-- to make a stand for peace and call for the cessation of violence in Mindanao. They were students, teachers, artists, lay and religious, members of the interfaith community, NGOs, and employees who took time from their busy schedule to gather together in order to make their voices heard. In solidarity, they wore white, and brought flowers, musical instruments and food to share.

Interfaith prayers were said amid the din of the careening traffic. But the energy around the circle was high. A fellowship Iftar (breaking of the fast) was offered in solidarity with the Muslims with everyone sharing the potluck food.

Torches were lit for the peace walk that followed with all marching to the beat of the drums, ringing of chimes and gongs and voices raised in a chorus of chanting - “Stop the war in Mindanao! Give peace a chance!” The traffic on the street kept going but it was heartwarming that many cars stopped and blew their horns in support.

Around 7:00 o’clock in the evening the crowd proceeded to the Environmental Studies Institute inside the Miriam College campus for the FAITHS IN HARMONY, SYMPHONIES OF PEACE, an interfaith concert. Hosted by Ms. Marites Africa of PCFI, the musical celebration offered an array of creative peace presentations – meditation, chanting, songs, dances and prayers-- from the various spiritual groups and partner organizations.

The program was opened by Dr. Shakun Vaswani (URI SEAP regional coordinator) who welcomed everyone to the familiar hall that gets to be annually decorated with the colors of diversity through the flags of various faith symbols and the UN flags of the different countries in the world. Meditation & silencing was led by Mr. John Dowling of Brahma Kumaris. This was followed by an opening dance of peace & blessing offered by the KaliPiMu Innerdance group with musical accompaniment provided by SangHabi, Inc.

An inspirational peace song was rendered by Ms. Mirma Tica of Pax Christi – Miriam College, while chanting and peace prayers were heard from Mrs. Tomomi Shima and members of Shinji Shumei Kai (Japanese spiritual organization) ; Babaji Surinder Singh Ragi of Guru Nanak Mission (Sikh); and Mahraj Prem Shanker Pandey of the Hindu Temple-Manila.

The Self-Realization Fellowship (Paramahansa Yogananda-founded group) presented a song and engaged everyone in a healing action prayer.

Other body movement arts were demonstrated by Step Universe – International (Indonesian energy exercise); the Byakko Shinko Kai –Phils. (with their Divinity-In body prayer); and T’ai Chi master Mr. Ed Sevilla.

A loose-group of interfaith performers called Higher Chakra, led by Ramesh Balgos, offered a musical poetry reading number.

Some of the more modern numbers include a Samba dance from PCFI’s Ms. Judy Banu and partner; and peace songs from an all-female rock group, Velvet band —led by Ms. Tet Gallardo, who represented the Unitarian Universalist Community – Manila.

But definitely the crowd’s favorite was the most joyful and entertaining presentation from the cute and adorable pre-school pupils of the Creative Space Center for Integrative Learning for Children who performed a song and dance number entitled: “Mapayapang Mundo” (peaceful world).

Mr. Mario “Toots” Fungo of the World Peace Prayer Society-Phils. read the United Nations’ official message for IDP ’08 and led the peace prayer for each country by distributing flag-cards of the different nations.

During the program, an intensified campaign for A Million Signatures for Yes! We Unite in Sowing Peace for Mindanao was launched.

The evening was capped off with the ever-lively music and chanting by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON/Hare Krishna) that led to community jamming as everyone pushed their seats to the side and, hand-in-hand, formed a big dance circle across the hall.

It was a wonderful sight to behold as people from different faiths and cultures sang, chanted and danced together in joyful harmony and celebration as we continue to demonstrate solidarity in sowing peace in the country and the whole world!

See more photos here











*The Sowing Peace for Mindanao network

Since the first outbreak of violence that followed the aborted signing (last August 5, 2008) of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), over 500,000 innocent civilians, mostly women and children, in over 66 municipalities in 11 provinces across Central Mindanao continue to suffer displacement from their homes and are living in difficult conditions in evacuation centers or makeshift evacuation sites in their areas. Homes, schools, mosques and chapels in those areas have been burned during the fighting between the renegade factions of the MILF and the government troops.

Concerned peace advocates in the country called for the cessation of violence and the resumption of the peace talks, but their calls largely remained unheeded. In Metro Manila, those of us who have been engaged in peacebuilding work realized that we needed to join forces if we were to hope for some gains in our efforts. In this spirit, we--representatives of various NGOs--got together and called our collective endeavors SOWING PEACE FOR MINDANAO (SPM).

Among the organizations represented in SPM were: The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. (URI CC), Binhi ng Kapayapaan, Inc., Center for Peace Education of Miriam College, Balay Rehabilitation Center, Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, Anak Mindanao (AMIN), Pinay..Kilos (PINK), Moro Human Rights Center, and Interfaith Center for a Culture of Non-Violence (ICCN). Together they engaged in various forms of collaborative action in partnership with and support of the Mindanao Solidarity Network and Mindanao Peoples' Caucus (through the help of Atty. Mary Ann Arnado).

For more info, please check out: www.sowingpeace.multiply.com

Updates from Manila: SOWING PEACE CARAVAN & INTERFAITH EIDL FITR CELEBRATION

MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- An historic event took place in Metro Manila on Thursday October 2, 2008. About 30 motorcyclists and 12 vehicles carrying colored flaglets and banners of the Sowing Peace for Mindanao network drove through the streets in a Peace Caravan that called for a more intensified campaign for awareness and solidarity for the growing number of people affected by the conflict in Mindanao. Escorted by MMDA mobile traffic enforcers and several media crew, the convoy—composed of members representing the different peace organizations, religious communities and interfaith groups had earlier assembled at the Miriam College parking lot in Quezon City, and traveled all the way to Maharlika Village in Taguig City.

Awaiting them at St. Joseph Catholic Church was a contingent of about three hundred parishioners from the community led by their parish priest, Fr. Victor Virtudazo. Joining together in a Peace March the two groups filled the streets to the beat of a local drum-and-lyre marching band, interspersed with drumming and harmonium music (provided by the ISKCON) while everyone chanted, “Peace in Mindanao… Now!”-- as they made their way to the Blue Mosque. Here they were welcomed by the Muslim community led by young boys and girls who received the white flowers offered to them by their Christian neighbors and the visiting interfaith community.

Beside the mosque, everyone gathered under the sun in a circle where the interfaith manifesto for peace was read aloud and interfaith prayers for peace were offered by leaders and representatives from the Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Indigenous, Hare Krishna and Hindu faiths. Concluding the ceremony was the planting of a “Tree of Peace” at the center of the circle around which each faith representative put a peg to fence the seedling —symbolizing the concerted effort of protection and continuous nurture that peace would require from each of the stakeholders.

Right after, a celebratory cultural program was held in a tent area nearby where everyone enjoyed musical entertainment from the Muslim community and listened to the solidarity messages and Eidl Fitr greetings from the different participating groups.

Also held there was a symbolic offering of food from the Christian and interfaith community which was received by the Muslims led by their respected leader, Sultan Pangandaman.

A simple but harmonious feast was shared as a general feeling of hope filled the air and the promise for peace had been planted in each one’s heart through this fresh, new kind of interfaith Eid celebration that has been started.

The event was featured in several national newspapers the following day.

See more photos here

On behalf of the conveners of Sowing Peace for Mindanao network (Binhi ng Kapayapaan, Inc., GZO Peace Institute, Anak Mindanao, Moro Human Rights Center, Center for Peace Education - Miriam College, The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc., Balay Rehabilitation Center, Mindanao Solidarity Network, Interfaith Center for a Culture of Nonviolence), we heartily thank all groups and individuals who have participated and contributed to the success of the event: Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan (AKKAPKA), Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Motorcyclists Assoc. of the Phils., International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), SangHabi, Inc., KaliPiMu Inner Dance group, Environmental Broadcast Circle-PeaceComm., Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women, St. Joseph Parish - Taguig.

Updates from Manila: GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP TRAINING WORKSHOP ON MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

MANILA, PHILIPPINES— The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) CC, with the support of the Australian Embassy's Strengthening Grassroots Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding (SGIDU) Program, has been conducting a GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP TRAINING WORKSHOP ON MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE in four communities in Metro Manila since June 2008. The participating communities are: Maharlika Village in Taguig City, Salam Compound in Culiat, Quezon City, Quiapo in Manila, and Tala in Caloocan City.

Weekly training workshops have been conducted by the PCFI facilitating team (composed of Lee Collano, Imam Kazir Bensani, and Marites Africa) with the team of community-based coordinators in the four areas. The trainings that started in June will continue for nine months and are based on a syllabus that was carefully designed and crafted by the PCFI with respected Muslim leaders (headed by Dr. Abdulhusin "Jo" Kashim, PCFI Board member and Muslim scholar responsible for providing it with Islamic grounding on peace).

Despite the difficulties of the work, the efforts are yielding heartwarming results. Muslim participants are deepening their understanding of peace in Islam through the study of the teachings in the Holy Qur'an. The moral imagination is being awakened and they are expressing the desire to respond to the challenges of their times and help bring about social change through peaceful dialogue with their Christian neighbors.

To date the training workshop is ongoing in the four areas, this time focusing on Christian grassroots leaders.

Update from Manila: ENGAGING THE MORAL IMAGINATION IN THE SEARCH FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES-- The Peacemakers' Circle CC, with the help of its network of partners in SOWING PEACE FOR MINDANAO (SPM), the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and the Mindanao Peoples' Caucus, successfully followed up the series of projects and activities they conducted (from August to October) with a dialogue workshop-forum last October 23, 2008. This was entitled: IN SEARCH FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO: Engaging the Moral Imagination in Community Dialogue and Relationship- Building (a leaders' dialogue workshop-forum).

The forum was inspired by the two-year training that some members of The Peacemakers' Circle underwent as representatives of the Philippine Team to the Peacebuilding Training Program of the United Religions Initiative (URI). The training was designed and conducted by Dr. John Paul Lederach and Dr. Herm Weaver. Dr. Lederach was the author of the book (entitled, "Moral Imagination: Art and Soul of Building Peace") that inspired the two-year training under him. He is one of the world's foremost experts on Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding, and he pioneered the Conflict Transformation Program of the Eastern Mennonite University.

The October 23 workshop-forum was held at the Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City and was hosted by Jasmin N. Galace of the Center for Peace Education of Miriam College. Over one hundred representatives of organizations from various sectors of society--government, media, civil society, academe, religious and interfaith institutions, and the diplomatic community-- attended.

It started with a solemn interfaith opening prayer ritual led by Orlan de Guzman, Jr (indigenous tradition), Shakuntala Vaswani (Hindu), Fr. Leonardo Mercado, SVD (Catholic Christian), Aleem Said Basher (Muslim), and visiting Australian Jessiee Kaur Singh (Sikh).

Welcome remarks were given by Marites Africa, followed by an introduction to Dr. John Paul Lederach's book on the Moral Imagination by Dr. Abdulhusin "Jo" Kashim.

The workshop-forum aimed to help participants awaken to and engage the moral imagination in the endeavor of building lasting peace in Mindanao. It was emphasized that the moral imagination focuses on the centrality of relationships, and these relationships can be built through deep dialogue and heart listening.

Marites Africa gave an introduction to interfaith dialogue, and guidelines to heart listening (based on the book of Kay Lindhal). This was in preparation for the Listening Circle with Atty. Mary Ann Arnado of the Mindanao Peoples' Caucus, Musa Sanguila of Pakidgait in Kauswagan (Lanao del Norte), and three evacuees--Samira Usman (Pikit), Mashod Salik (Datu Piang), and Brenda Alvarico (Midsayap)--sharing their experiences of the war in Mindanao. Angelina Herrera of the Binhi ng Kapayapaan, Inc. facilitated the circle.

The stories shared by the Mindanaoans were heart-rending and the reflections and responses that followed affirmed the difficulties of their plight, and reiterated the general concern to help address the challenges to peace in Mindanao.

The afternoon session brought groups of people sitting around the table together to share their thoughts and reflections on what struck them most from the sharings, and about ways to collectively respond to the challenges and contribute towards peace in Mindanao.

After Dr. Kashim synthesized the presentations made by each group, Sr. Arnold Maria Noel of (Balay Rehabilitation Center) and Djalia Hataman (Anak Mindanao) of the Sowing Peace for Mindanao network presented to the assembly the SPM contributions to the endeavor of promoting ways forward for peace in Mindanao.

Before the afternoon ended, a brief inspirational message from Dr. John Paul Lederach himself (who flew in earlier from Nepal for a brief visit to the Philippines) energized the assembly.

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It was a moment of heartwarming synchronicity for the Peacemakers' Circle and this augured well for the training workshops on ENGAGING THE MORAL IMAGINATION IN GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY DIALOGUE AND PEACEBUILDING that the Peacemakers' Circle is hoping to conduct for various communities in Mindanao (and elsewhere in the country) in its effort to help bring forth a transformative cultural force for lasting peace in the country.

A Million Signatures for "Yes! We Unite in Sowing Peace for Mindanao"

We, people for peace of diverse cultures and beliefs from different walks of life in the Philippines, unite in the endeavor to support our brothers and sisters who are being adversely affected by the escalation of conflict in Mindanao.

We unite because we are concerned that the renewed fighting between the renegade factions of the MILF and government troops is awakening old fears and attitudes of mistrust, and fomenting division among peace-loving Muslims, Christians and Lumads in the war-torn grassroots communities in central Mindanao. This is polarizing our people and creating huge obstacles to our path to peace.

We unite in the belief that peace is possible. But peace can only come about if we look at one another anew as brothers and sisters and see the same hopes, dreams and aspirations reflected in each other's eyes; and if we begin to listen more deeply to each other and hear our pain echoed in each other's heart.

We unite in our appeal to all those who are concerned for the peace and wellbeing of our country—our leaders of government, the military and armed forces, the rebel groups, and the various sectors of our society including the media, and the religious and academic institutions—to join us in sowing peace for Mindanao.

We unite in the endeavor to sow the seeds of peace, justice, and healing for our ailing brothers and sisters in Mindanao and to tend to the wounds that are alienating us from each other in our country.

We unite with all individuals, groups and organizations in the country whose efforts for peace are in keeping with the spirit of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation…

To read full version and to support the campaign please log on to http://www.sowingpeace.multiply.com/

Updates from Kalinaw CC - Cebu

Cebu holds big International Day of Peace 2008 celebration

CEBU, PHILIPPINES— On September 19, 2008 (Friday), Kalinaw (“peace”) CC collaborated with the University of Cebu’s Civic Welfare Training Service - National Service Training Program (CWTS-NSTP) and the Advocates of Living Values Education (ALIVE) in organizing one of the biggest UN International Day of Peace celebration in the SEAP region. With over 5,500 people gathered at the newly constructed Cebu Coliseum, the grand event saw the city’s largest participation and widest collaboration so far of multisectoral, multifaith and multicultural celebration of the UN IDP in one venue.

Around 3,000 NSTP-CWTS students from the University of Cebu (UC) were joined by 2,000 from ten other schools and colleges, plus about 500 participants from local government units, civil society groups and non-government organizations.

The event featured songs, dances and cultural performances from many different groups—students, children, choirs, bands, government officials, and even some foreign guests like the Koreans who rendered a musical number with local police officers!

Among the special guests of honor who graced the occasion were Hon. Gwen Garcia, governor of Cebu and the President of Cebu Normal University.

One of the main highlight of the program was the prayers for peace in each country. World Peace Prayer Society Philippine representative, Mr. Mario “Toots” Fungo who led the students and the audience in performing the Divinity-In body prayer movement as the flags of each country was honored. Special prayers were offered for peace in Mindanao where currently there is unrest.

The finale for the evening was the interfaith prayers and lighting of a thousand candles for peace, and lively community singing and dancing while video clips were presented and also a thousand butterflies were floated to signify the rise of hope and peace in the hearts of all.

Updates from Cebu Youth CCs

CEBU YOUTH CCs ENGAGE IN PRAYERS FOR MINDANAO ON PEACE DAY

Reported by Jaimini dasi Araneta

CEBU, PHILIPPINES-- Youth for Peace (Prayers for Mindanao) was a very successful and very heartwarming event for all the participating youths. Giving, Respect, Opportunity, Wisdom, Transcendence & Harmony (GROWTH) CC, in cooperation with Mugna Kabataan (“youth…create!”) CC and supported by the Kalinaw CC, gathered together at the Multipurpose hall around 30-40 youths from the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the Lyceum of Cebu (LC).

The event started with an inspiring invocation from Ms. Evelyn, one of the students from LC, and followed by a Welcome address from their campus Guidance Counselor, Mr. PJ Calliao.

That 20th day of September 2008 was very memorable because we learned a lot of things. GROWTH CC members and officers presented a Yoga Dance, and some musical numbers.
Meanwhile, Akmad—a Muslim member of Mugna Kabataan CC shared about the Islamic practice of Ramadhan. He explained the basic teachings and purpose of this tradition and how it is being practiced by all Muslims everywhere in the world. It was very inspiring for everyone to hear from the Muslim community.

Mr. Rene Araneta of Kalinaw CC and adviser of GROWTH CC also gave a short message and shared on WHAT IS REAL PEACE? As a youth we were so enlightened by his words of wisdom.

The youths then gathered together and each lighted their candles to silently pray for Mindanao. Youth representatives from different religions and faiths, namely: Catholic, Born again Christian, Muslim, Chaitanya Mission—each shared their own prayers for peace.

As the program drew to a close the participants had a WONDERFUL and JOYFUL chanting for PEACE and singing of the Prayer Peace Song (see lyrics here).

With this great experience we learned that we—even as youths-- can make this world a better place and that PEACE is POSSIBLE.

view more photos here

Updates from Pakigdait CC- Mindanao

Pakigdait CC Leads the 27th International Day of Peace

LANAO DEL NORTE, Mindanao -- The civil society organisations of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte gave recognition to a member of the peace panel, Prof. Rudy Rodil, at the celebration of the International Day of Peace (IDP). The network of civil society organisations of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, through the initiative of Pakigdait, Inc. CC-- in partnership with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD-UK)-- commemorated the Peace Day on September 21, 2008 at the Balay Mindanaw Peace Centre in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to Mr. Musa Sanguila, Pakigdait CC leader and Chairperson for the Civil Society Organisations of Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development (CSOLNPPD), the major challenge encountered in planning the celebration was the safety and security of Prof. Rudy Rodil whom the civil society awarded with a special tribute during the celebration for his dedication and contribution to peace in Mindanao.

Among other guests present in the celebration and awarding were: Ms. Jo Andot – Programme Manager for the ACT for Peace Programme, Mr. Carino V. Antequisa – Country Accompanier for CAFOD-UK, Ms. Jane Bernardo – the Chairperson for the Civil Society Organisations Forum for Peace, Ms. Regina Salvador-Antequisa – the Secretary-General for the CSOLNPPD, members of the civil organizations in Iligan and Lanao del Norte, and Cagayan de Oro media members.


We Continue Interfaith & Cultural Solidarity Amid Armed Conflict in Lanao

KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE, MINDANAO-- It was a moving moment. Christian leaders waited outside the town’s main Mosque in celebration of solidarity with Muslims on the last day of Ramadhan. Muslims were greeted outside the Mosque after they completed their worship (Sambayang) by the Christian leaders with offering of warm embrace, flowers, garlands, and fruits. It highlighted the celebration of the Eid’l Fit’r, the feast signifying the end of the month-long fasting.

The Christian community led by Rev. Fr. Reggie R. Quijano (Parish Priest of Kolambugan and Chairman of the Board of Pakigdait, Incorporated), Sr. Jen-Jen Aligdo, RSM, Hon. Lorenzo V. Manigos (Vice-Mayor of Kolambugan), Sr. Helen Liboon (Directress for the Holy Cross High School), Ms. Jovy Abesola (Principal of the Holy Cross High School), and teachers joined our Muslim brothers and sisters in this special occasion.

The Muslim community led by Datu Tannie Marambon warmly received the Christian community in a spirit of understanding and unity and celebrated the most special day in the life of Muslims in a feast where Maranao food and delicacies were shared by the Muslims and the Christians. The celebration affirmed that the destruction brought about by the August 18 MILF attack to the municipality has not conquered the peace between Muslims and Christians. Peace ultimately reigns among the people of Kolambugan.

Since 2001, Pakigdait CC has been conducting interfaith dialogues and multi-cultural activies. The “Panagtagbo sa Panaghiusa ug Kalinaw” (Coming to Meet for Unity and Peace) – the annual theme of the Ramadhan greetings was initiated by Pakigdait. It has grown to be the venue to foster unity, reconciliation and conflict resolution in the war-ravaged and conflict-ridden towns of Kolambugan and Kauswagan.

Updates from MALAYSIA CCs

International Day of Peace – Malaysia

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PETALING JAYA & TAIPING, MALAYSIA--The 2008 International Day of Peace is commemorated in Malaysia in many fronts. In one of these celebrations the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF)/KLCC, and Malaysian Interfaith Network CC, joined partners--the Service Civil International (SCI)-Malaysia, Malaysia for World Peace (M4WP), and Malaysian Indian Youth council -- in a 2-day event aimed at touching the hearts of the participants with peace activities that involved children, youth, schools, non-government organizations (NGO), and local council units.

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The main feature of the event is a Peace Convoy that traveled some 330 kilometers from Petaling Jaya to Taiping. Held for a third year in a row, the travel to its destination (Taiping means “peace” in Mandarin) symbolizes a journeying together towards peace. The motorcade, which consisted of 15 cars and 50 NGOs, was launched with interfaith prayers where representatives from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikh, and Taoism recited prayers for peace and safety of the trip.

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At the launch of the event at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) headquarters, PJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman announced its city council Local Agenda’s set priority on peace-building wherein workshops and speeches regarding the ‘alternative disputes resolution’ had been organised for community leaders to learn various techniques and approaches to solve community conflicts. As a peace gift from one Council to another, Roslan presented to chief delegate Sanggat Singh two Petaling trees which were then planted as Peace Trees at the ‘peace pole’ monument in Taiping.

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Some of the other various activities for the event in Taiping include: Buka Puasa (breaking of the fast), peace video presentations, peace essay competition, peace art competition and exhibition, and launching of ‘1 Minute of Silence’ campaign and the Rakan Cop project.

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They also conducted a visit to two famous of places of worship, launched the Peace One day campaign, viewed Special Olympic's film, and conducted a Signing of the Peace Declaration. The finale activity which concluded the event was the Lighting of Candles for Peace.

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Chief High Priest of Malaysia Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Nayaka Thera hoped that more organisations and people would organise such activities to foster good relationships. “This is a unique event to promote peace and harmony among Malaysians. Being a multiracial country, we should find ways to be united,” he said.

Updates from COMMON CC - Australia

Sharing our Space: Multi-faith Healing Conference held by COMMON CC

Held: 21st September 2008: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Venue: Aboriginal Advancement League, 2 Watt Street, Thornbury, Victoria

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA-- In celebration of the UN International Day of Peace 2008 Center for Melbourne Multifaith and Others Network (COMMON) CC successfully organized the annual MULTI-FAITH WEEK that kicked off with a Multi-faith Healing Conference entitled: SHARING OUR SPACE—held on its first day on September 21, 2008.

Sharing Our Space was a free event held at the Aboriginal Advancement League in Thornbury, Victoria. It aimed to demonstrate the support of the interfaith community for the Commonwealth Government’s apology to the members of the Stolen Generation and to build on the foundation laid down by Australian Prime Minister Hon. Kevin Rudd.

Organized in cooperation with the Victorian Multicultural Commission and AALI, the multi-faith healing conference was a process of recognition, reconciliation and learning between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. The conference featured interfaith prayers and solidarity messages from leaders and representatives from different religions and spiritual traditions (Aboriginal, Native American, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Sikh, Hindu, Baha’i, and Buddhist). Together the community recognized what they all have in common and shared the sacred space with each other.

The Multi-faith Week 2008, which ran from the 21st to the 27 of September, featured open house invitations to a particular place of worship of a different faith for each day of the week. Among the activities and faith communities that opened their doors to the public were: Langar (communal kitchen) and congregation at the Sikh Gurudwara Sahib in Blackburn; Buddhist meditation at the Fo Guang Art Gallery in Melbourne; Catholic mass and prayer service at the St. Francis Church in Melbourne; Soul-food meditation and devotional gathering at a Baha’I house in Hawthorn; Islamic weekly prayer at the City Mosque in West Melbourne; Hindu Pooja at the Murugan Temple in North Sunshine; Jewish Shabbat at the Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne; and an Aboriginal culture, spirituality and art tour at the Koori Heritage Trust Cultural Center in Melbourne.