Muntinlupa Religious Leaders Come Together Through an Interfaith Luncheon

To strengthen unity and harmony in the religious community in Muntinlupa, the Las Piñas Philippines Stake (Diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted an interfaith luncheon with the different religious groups within the city.

Held at the Church meetinghouse in Muntinlupa City, the 2^nd interfaith luncheon is part of the annual celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Las Piñas Stake President Raymund Vicente warmly welcomed guests, expressing love, appreciation, and respect for the efforts of each leader who gave their time to be in the small gathering. 

"May this be a beginning of a wonderful relationship between each and every one of us," he said.

Thirty guests from the different religious groups graced the event, including the Aglipayan Church – Alabang, Association of Born Again Christian Inc., El Shaddai, Evangelical Methodist Church, and the Victory in Jesus Christ Church.

Also present in the event were Cultural Counselor Muhammad Jafarimalak and his wife Dr. Tandis Jafarimalak of the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran-Manila, Ms. Annalyn Mercado of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Ms. Maricel Labra of the City Cooperative branches of the Muntinlupa City Government. 

In support of the interfaith efforts in the city, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi also attended the luncheon. In his message, Mayor Fresnedi assured the religious leaders about the city's full support in implementing interfaith activities across religious organizations.

Following the mayor's message, religious leaders participated in a friendly introduction and shared messages on unity and love as the best ingredients for a better society.

Zen Payumo, El Shaddai, expressed that this is the perfect time for organizations to show good examples of unity and friendship for the younger generation. It was the first time of the El Shaddai to participate in such an interfaith luncheon and Payumo expressed gratitude for being a part of it.

As a leader of their religious organization, Pastora Josephine Gudes of Southville Christian Church expressed her desire to raise the young generation with good moral values and believes showing unity among different faiths is the right way to do it. 

After the messages, Rodel Mendoza, a member of the Las Piñas Philippines Stake, presented four upcoming interfaith activities for the year and invited all of the guests to participate. He also encouraged the group to invite everyone to attend interfaith activities organized by other organizations as well.

Respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths is one of the hallmark teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the early days of the Church until the present, the Church continues to build relationships with different religious organizations, sharing mutual concerns without compromising doctrinal tenets, as a way to elevate religious freedom and tolerance.