INTER-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY EXPOSURE AND GATHERING
THEME: “Connecting Dots of Harmony through extensive Interreligious Engagement”
Date: February 4, 2018
Venue:: Pantano, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City
In line with the celebration of World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2018, the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-people, Inc. (IRDT) and through the support of the Asia Foundation held a one-day Interreligious Community Exposure and Gathering with the theme “Connecting Dots of Harmony Through Extensive Inter-Religious Engagement.” the Part 1 of the activity was the immersion of the participants to the community. Group 1 was assigned in the Community of Sumariki while Group 2 was assigned in Upper Calarian.
Cultural Diversity is existing in many communities in Zamboanga City. Pantano Upper Calarian is just one of the communities where one can observe the diversity of cultures and religions in the area. The Christian participants had an opportunity to be with Muslim families while the Muslim participants had an opportunity also to be with Christian families, for them to know and understand how they maintain their good relationship with their neighbors despite having differences.
Most of what the participants have observed is that “Respect” is very essential in maintaining good relationship with each other. Embracing the differences that we have and Acceptance of people for who they are and what they believe in without criticizing them is just one of the key to become a better person and to have a better community.
