Mindanao Peace Forum
The Mindanao Peace Forum, organized by the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) and supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy, took place on May 25, 2023, at the Buhangin Stake Center in Davao City. This significant event brought together religious leaders, key stakeholders, and esteemed speakers to address the topic of scaling up religious leaders' engagement in building peace in Mindanao. The objective was to foster dialogue, collaboration, and action towards promoting peace and unity in the region.
The forum commenced with welcome remarks by Elder George Kenneth Lee, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, and Prof. Dr. Desmond Cahill, moderator of ACRP, which set the tone for the event, emphasizing the significance of religious leaders' involvement in peace-building efforts.
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The attendees were greeted by Rev. Nobuhiro Nemoto, Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, Dr. Sunggon Kim, Honorary President of Religions for Peace Asia, and Fr. Carlos Reyes, Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila. Their inspirational greetings emphasized the importance of interfaith cooperation and collaboration in achieving lasting peace.
Resource speakers, including Hon. Isidro L. Purisima, Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, and Atty Datu Michael O. Mastura, President of Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy and former Congressman, shared their valuable insights on peace-building initiatives. The audience also had the privilege of listening to His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, who brought his extensive experience and wisdom to the discussion.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Rev. Yoshinori Shinohara, ACRP Secretary General, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and dedication to
