Davao, Philippines – “We are peacemakers. Peace based on justice is our duty,” declared members of the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference (MRLC) in a final statement following their gathering on October 8 and 9 in Davao. The conference, a key platform for interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the southern Philippines, underscored its commitment to fostering peace and sustainable development in Mindanao, particularly in the Autonomous Region of Bangsamoro, where many Muslim, Christian, and indigenous communities coexist.
The religious leaders, comprising members of various faiths, pledged to uphold values such as love, justice, harmony, respect, unity, and spirituality as they work towards peace. Their declaration highlights the vital role of the Bishop-Ulama Conference (BUC), an organization born out of the 1996 peace process, which continues to serve as the backbone for interreligious efforts in the region. The BUC is composed of 24 Catholic bishops, 26 ulama (Islamic scholars), and 18 Protestant bishops and pastors, united in their mission to promote dialogue and peace initiatives.
Central to the conference was a reaffirmation of the BUC’s pivotal role in bridging divides and fostering peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and throughout the southern Philippines. The religious leaders emphasized their “moral obligation” to be a dynamic peace movement, capable of contributing to both governance and conflict resolution. They committed to playing an active role in addressing key issues such as extremism, terrorism, environmental injustice, and the marginalization of the Sulu Islands.
The Bishop-Ulama Conference was first established as the “Bishop-Ulama Forum” in 1996 by then Catholic Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla of Davao and prominent Muslim religious leader Mahid M. Mutilan. The forum was founded in the wake of a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), with the aim of using shared moral and spiritual values to foster lasting peace. Over the years, the BUC has been a central platform for peacebuilding in Mindanao, particularly through its efforts in promoting dialogue among Christian, Muslim, and indigenous communities.
At the conference in Davao, the religious leaders acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing Mindanao, including extremism and environmental degradation. However, they emphasized that these issues only strengthen their resolve to engage in peace dialogues at all levels. These discussions are to involve not only politicians but also representatives of youth groups and indigenous associations, with the goal of fostering a deeper sense of solidarity and cooperation among diverse communities.
A crucial aspect of this movement is the belief that interreligious dialogue can significantly advance peace efforts, especially in Mindanao, where historical divisions between religious groups have contributed to tensions. The conference participants called for continued interreligious cooperation in a spirit of unity, emphasizing that dialogue and shared spiritual practices can build stronger communities.
One of the key elements of the BUC’s peace efforts is prayer, which serves as a powerful tool for bringing communities together. The religious leaders plan to hold both individual and joint prayer meetings across different communities, reinforcing the importance of spirituality in peacebuilding efforts. These gatherings are intended not only as a form of religious devotion but as a unifying activity that can help transcend religious and cultural boundaries.
As the MRLC continues to revitalize the mission of the Bishop-Ulama Conference, their efforts are seen as vital to the ongoing peace process in Mindanao. By actively engaging local communities and fostering interreligious dialogue, the BUC aims to stabilize the region and promote long-term peace and prosperity. The recent conference in Davao marks a renewal of this commitment, as religious leaders from across Mindanao reaffirm their shared responsibility to work for justice, harmony, and reconciliation.
In a region historically scarred by conflict, the enduring role of the Bishop-Ulama Conference serves as a beacon of hope for a future where peace and justice prevail.
