Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple
January 30, 2024

On January 23, 2024, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Mabuhay Temple Abbess Venerable Miao Jing and BLIA Hongkong subchapter President Dharma Sister Luisa So attended “A High Level Multi Faith Synodal Conversation with His Eminence Mario Cardinal Grech” at the Pope Pious XII Catholic Center, Manila. The event was organized by Uniharmony Partners Manila.

Moderators of the event were Professor Bong Baybado of University of Sto Thomas, and Haidi Fajardo of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.  Rev. Fr. Carlos Reyes, Minister, Ministry of the Interfaith and Ecumenical Affairs, Archdiocese of Manila   in his opening remarks said that “We are celebrating the Gift of solidarity. There is a need for dialogue and synodality of religions. The church should be ecumenical and open to dialogues in promoting world peace.”

His Eminence, Mario Cardinal Grech from the Vatican, Secretary General of  the Synod said “ I am a seeker of Truth, with a humble heart, I am  here to listen to the experiences of each faith journey and to learn from everyone… I am speechless in what different faiths are doing; I will report this to the Vatican. Diversity is the spice of life and I appreciate your richness. Ecumenism, solidarity, interreligious dialogues, synodality are the basis for understanding among faith. If we are not ecumenical, we are not synodal and vice versa.”

Presenting Venerable Master calligraphy to Cardinal Grech 2. photo/Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints

Venerable Miao Jing shared, “Our interfaith dialogue was being recognized by King of Jordan indicating a model for oneness and coexistence. Religious groups are seekers for truth in building harmony with a compassionate heart in this human world; like a bouquet of a variety of flowers and green leaves to bring beauty to life.”

FGS founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun (1927-2023) was welcomed to the interfaith family in the Philippines as we share the mission in prayer for love and peace, in youth development and education, in promoting cultural educational environmental activities, to better humankind.

A High Level Multi Faith Synodal Conversation with His Eminence Mario Cardinal Grech. photo/Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints

Leaders from different faiths attended: Catholic Bishop of the Philippines, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Pacific Dialogue Foundation, Imam Council of the Philippines, Religions for Peace Phils, Brahma Kumaris, Archdiocese of Manila, Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines, National Council of Churches in the Phils, Iglesia Filipinas Independiente, Union Church of Christ in the Philippines, Cathedral of Kings, Iglesia Unida Ekyumenikal,  Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, etc.
All religious leaders echoed the same sentiments “we are seekers of peace, love, harmony, to serve people, to be open minded, universal, even with different practice, respect one another, sharing experiences, and collaboration for a better world.”