Is there a need of Inter-faith Dialogue in Mindanao?

 By: Christian Jay Tardo

The population of Mindanao is consisting of 24% of the Philippine population.[1] I was raised in Mindanao almost my entire life and I witness the war between tribes, religions and beliefs. In the midst of all of these, people are asking: How do we break and end this cycle? As the Church how can we contribute in breaking and ending this vicious cycle?

In my observation, “Interfaith dialogue” is one of the options that has not yet explored by the Churches in Mindanao. Interfaith dialogue is a cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions, either spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at the individual, communal and institutional levels. It involves and promotes understanding between different religions or beliefs to increase acceptance of others, rather than to create new beliefs.[2]  Or we can describe interfaith dialogue as:

• DOES go beyond tolerance toward mutual respect.
• Does NOT teaches that all religions are essentially the same.
• DOES help people learn to lead in a pluralistic society.
• Does NOT dilute or destroy religious convictions.
• DOES invite everyone to be honest and open about their own beliefs, questions, and religious identity.
• Does NOT provides an opportunity for religious groups to proselytize or impose their beliefs on others.
• DOES focus on shared values and commitments to the common good of the people in the society.[3]

Advantages of Inter-faith dialogue

• It cultivates people into a deeper sense of their own religious identity while building relationships with people who are different.
• Equips people with skills to navigate in a religiously and culturally diverse world.
• Helps people become more articulate about their own worldviews, beliefs, and values.
• Develops a sense of mutual trust, respect, shared values, and understanding across religious traditions, thus reducing religiously motivated violence, stereotyping, bigotry, or hatred.
• Unites people across faith and ideological lines with a shared commitment to nurturing the lives of young people.[4]
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Challenges in Interfaith Dialogue in Mindanao

·         Churches and church leaders are not yet open for the idea of interfaith dialogue.

·         Lack of understand about inter-faith dialogue with other religions.

·         Churches and church leaders are lack of vision for the society; they just want to focus on the church and its business.

·         Fundamentalism is rampant among different religions.

The need of Inter-faith Dialogue in Mindanao

Mindanao is a place where several religions and beliefs are practice. Each one is exercising their freedom as citizen of the country. In my observation, there are 20% Muslims, 70% Christians, 10% other Religions. However, we cannot deny the fact that there are also a lot of extremist in their faith, for example the Muslims/Islam that is connected to the Abusayaf, BangsaMoro Freedom Fighters (BFF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), etc. The animist that is associated to the Ilaga, Anting-antingan, etc. The Socialist that is related to the National People’s Army, and even some armed Christian extremist that are willing to die and kill for the sake of their beliefs in some places in Cotabato. These religions and beliefs contributed to the socio-political-economic situation of Mindanao. However, there is big gap in understanding each religion and because of that there is no appreciation and acceptance. Instead, each religion is trying to dominate and oppress other religions. For example in Davao, wherein almost 80% are Christians[5], consider the Muslims as 2^nd class citizen. On the other hand, in Maguindanao wherein 90% are Muslims[6], consider the Christian as 2^nd class citizen. Most of the places in Mindanao are dominated by the Christians. However, the minority Muslims are controlling the majority due to the terroristic and violent threats. Can this vicious cycle end? Is there a hope for long lasting peace in Mindanao?

Conclusion

After considering the situation and the benefits of interfaith dialogue I do believe that there is greater need of Inter-Faith dialogue between religions and in my opinion it should be initiated by the Christian Churches and Organizations since majority of the population are Christians. On the other hand, I do acknowledge also the challenges and even the consequences of this idea. However, for a long lasting peace and development understanding each other and appreciation of diversified society is the key to move to that direction and Inter-faith dialogue contributes to that idea.

Questions to Consider:

1.      What do you think are the positive and negative consequences of this idea?

2.      How does inter-faith dialogue look like in your context?

3.      To those who oppose the idea of inter-faith dialogue, what could be the possible contribution/s of the church to the vicious cycle in Mindanao?

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[1] http://www.census.gov.ph (Access Date: August 7, 2014)

[2] Musser, D & Sunderland, D., War or Words: Interreligious Dialogue as an Instrument of Peace The Pilgrim Press, Cleveland (2005).

[3] http://www.inspiredtoserve.org/interfaith (Access date: August 7, 2014).

[4] http://www.inspiredtoserve.org/interfaith (Access date: August 7, 2014).

[5] http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/davao/demography.aspx (Access Date: August 7, 2014).

[6] http://www.muslimmindanao.ph/Islam_phil2.html (Access Date: August 7, 2014).