Peace, Love, and Harmony Evident at Virtual Interfaith Gathering in Davao City 

Leaders and members of various faiths in Davao City have come together in a Virtual Interfaith Fellowship hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on February 5, 2022, in observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) celebration.

Nearly 40 participants from 10 religious groups - Islam, Roman Catholic, Episcopal Diocese of Davao, Ovu-Manuvu Tribe, United Methodist Church, Davao Indian Sikh, Brahma Kumaris, Focolare Group, Seventh-day Adventist, and United Church of Christ in the Philippines, attended the 2-hour virtual gathering via Zoom.

Creating a space for harmony despite diversity and differences was witnessed throughout the event as different faiths fostered unity through dialogue, music, and prayer. To start the event, five religious leaders offered prayers. Members of the Seventh-day Adventist also rendered musical presentations. 

The participants were then welcomed by Rizaldito Castro, a leader of the Church.

In his welcoming message, President Castro from the Davao Philippines Stake (diocese) shared the common goal of interfaith relationships. "The spiritual and physical needs of the world require goodwill and cooperation among different faiths. Each of us makes a valuable contribution to the larger community of believers," he said.

"These efforts represent the ongoing desire of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to teach and live. The two great commandments are to love God and neighbor. We don't have to be alike and look-alike to have love for each other. We don't even have to agree with each other to love each other. If we have any hope of reclaiming the goodwill of humanity for which we yearn, it must begin with each of us, one person at a time." - President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church

Following his remarks, faith leaders then shared messages of faith, hope, love, and mutual concern. 

"Despite our religious and cultural differences, we will be able to unite together and have that vision of helping each other to rise beyond the challenges of time," said Jun Mark Amban from Ovu-Manuvu Tribe.

Analogous to Jesus Christ, who prayed for peace and unity to reign, Bishop Rodolfo Juan of the United Methodist Church extended an invitation to follow Christ. "Amid differences, there can be peace," he remarked. 

Sultan Ubpon, Chair of Islamic Studies of Ateneo de Davao University, shared how the Muslim community promotes peace to the same extent as any other religion. He expressed, "You only have faith if you have love; to have love, we should spread peace to Muslim and non-Muslim brothers."

Arlene Lozano of Lighthouse Davao, Brahma Kumaris, spoke on focusing on similarities rather than differences. "We, in the Brahma Kumaris, join our minds and hearts with all those who believe in our oneness, regardless of faith, gender, age, ethnicity, social, and cultural backgrounds." This was also echoed by Grace Cortez of Focolare Group, who said that unity does not equate to uniformity but diversity in harmony. 

Church leader Phillip Tan shared that peace comes with a lot of effort. He ended with a positive note. "I look forward to our organizations working together taking relief to those in need, education that empowers, individuals achieving God's given potential to each of us, and creating bridges of communication and understanding among our communities," he said.

Meanwhile, Fr. Victor Gonzaga of the Catholic Church taught, in particular, the principle of walking together with other believers and non-believers. Addressing all leaders, he expressed, "Although we have not seen each other, I have felt the friendship and communion." 

A discussion of possible interfaith activities in 2022 was facilitated by Mercedita Tabuclin, Christian Coordinator of Silsilah Forum Davao, the lead convenor of the WIHW celebration in Davao City. Leaders have agreed to set another schedule to discuss proposals further. 

The virtual gathering also featured Church interfaith efforts in the Philippines and other countries. 

The Church and its leaders have been active participants in World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations. In 2020, the Church hosted an interfaith luncheon wherein spiritual leaders in Davao have attended, including Philippines Area President Taniela Wakolo and Catholic Archbishop Romulo Valles. 

Church Communication leader, Donna Pareja, imparted her thoughts on interreligious unity for all faiths. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so grateful to be given the opportunity to host a Virtual Interfaith Fellowship during the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration here in Davao. We are so happy for the very positive responses of interfaith leaders and members to our invitation. The messages shared during the virtual event were truly inspiring and heartwarming. We may have different beliefs, but it is apparent that we all share the common goal of achieving peace, unity, and love among our brothers and sisters."