Church Hosts First Interfaith Forum in La Union

The San Fernando La Union Philippines Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted the first interfaith forum in La Union on March 5, 2022, with the theme "Building Stronger Communities by Strengthening Family Values" in observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. 

The event was participated by five religious leaders from various denominations, namely, Rev. Antero Guillermo Jr, Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines; Sheikh Zainal Macapundag, President of the La Union Muslim Association; Rev. Joel Solomon, Pastor of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Rev. Robert O. Chiu, Senior Pastor of the United Evangelical Church of La Union; and Fr. Edwin Fontanilla, Director of the Commission on Ecumenical Affairs and Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Roman Catholic Church.

Josue G. Jundos, President of the San Fernando La Union Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomed the participants and guests. In his opening remarks, he said, "The world is in a better place if every Filipino family will come unto Christ." He also introduced The Family: A Proclamation to the World and emphasized that families are essential in the sight of God.

After his remarks, different religious leaders shared their messages. Rev. Guillermo from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines talked about how the social values of families can contribute to the strength of their communities. He said, "The first and foremost undying social values are developed in the family." He also lauded the Church for initiating the first interfaith forum in La Union.

Sheikh Zainal Macapundag of the La Union Muslim Association shared about the structure of Muslim families, emphasizing the importance of the parent's role in the upbringing of their children. Pastor Joel Solomon of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church said, "Though we belong to different religious organizations, we all believe in God. A godly family will make a stronger community."

In his remarks, Rev. Chiu, Senior Pastor of the United Evangelical Church of La Union, quoted an African Proverb saying, "It takes a village to raise a child, but if that village is not strong enough, how can we raise a child?" He then added, "By strengthening the family values, we will be able to see better children and a better generation."

Fr. Edwin Fontanilla of the Commission on Ecumenical Affairs and Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Roman Catholic Church shared that how parents raise their children is very important to improving the community and society. He said, "Husbands and wives must respect each other's roles within a marriage and value both equally."

Video clips on interfaith activities were also shown during the event. Roderick M. Andrada, Director of the Baguio Communication Council, introduced the Family Values Award, which is given by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to recognize the honorable efforts of moral, upstanding community leaders who are striving to advance standards and values that are consistent with the Church's position on the sanctity of the family. The Family Values Award is presented annually to community leaders in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Due to local restrictions, the event was streamed via Zoom and Facebook live to allow members of the different denominations to participate virtually.

It was a moment filled with friendship, love, respect, and unity as religious leaders expressed their desire to encourage every individual to develop family values that will help strengthen the community.