Easter calls Filipino Christians and Muslims to strive for peace in Mindanao

(April 06,2010) During Holy Week and Easter in the Philippines, Christians and Muslims sought for peace in Mindanao, the scene of war between the Philippine army and Islamic rebels for the last 40 years. Bishop Romulo Tolentino de la Cruz of Kidapawan and member of the Forum of bishops and Ulema, told AsiaNews that in his Easter message, he called on all peoples to commit to peace, justice and development The prelate is one of 24 bishops of the Forum of Bishops and Muslim Scholars, an organization composed of Catholics, Protestants and Muslims, active since 1996 in promoting peace in the region through dialogue. Christ’s message, he said, is open to all and the Gospel of Jesus calls on all Christians, who have the opportunity to be promoters of the good news.
Expressing his concerns for peace and development in Mindanao, the Bishop said people are tired of living under military control. Everyone hopes that sooner or later it will all end. For this reason, he said, the Church and Islamic leaders continue to pursue interreligious dialogue through the Forum of bishops and Ulema. We have recommended dialogue with Muslims as a priority to all our priests and religious in their pastoral activities, he added.