Kit (GMC Haomiaozi)
February 6, 2024

On February 2, 2024, in celebration of world interfaith Harmony week, Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple together with Rev. Fr. Carlos Reyes (Minister, Archdiocese of Manila Ministry of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs), Rev. Fr. Mattheo Rebecci (Formator, Xaverian Missionaries), Rev. Erahvilla Maga-Cabillas (Iglesia Filipina Independente) and Rev. Alvaro Senturias (United Church of Christ in the Philippines) were invited by fountain international school to be one of the panelists to talk and further the dialogue on peace and harmony. The program hopes to encourage religious leaders to engage more young people in inter-religious programs and activities. In hope for the young leaders to be more open in understanding differences and be the bridge that will close the gap between religious misunderstanding towards belief and practices.

Photo of Ven. Miao Jing (Abbes, Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple), and Ven. Zhipu (Head, Social Education), the photo was taken before the start of the program. photo／The Life News Agency

The program started with exchanging pleasantries of the leaders of different religious group followed by a welcoming performance by the teachers and students. The start of the talk was led by the president of the Fountain International school Mr. Selim Serinoglu that talks about intercultural and interreligious experiences in a school setting. Highlighting that experiences will make us more understanding and open to accept differences. The dialogue was then open by the three students who shared their background in breaking stereotype to understanding each practice by immerging towards their experiences. And that we should make an effort towards achieving peace and harmony.

Giving souvenir to the School Principal and President of Fountain International school together with Ven. Miao Jing, Ven. Zhipu and Hao Miao Zi Kit. photo／The Life News Agency

The host Prof. Bong then invited each panelist onstage to talk about their experiences and programs they establish in each of their communities to spread interfaith dialogues. The dialogue was highlighted towards their own experiences and how it impacts their lives toward understanding peace and harmony. They also talk about how young leader of today should emerge to have connections and be able to transform their experiences in creating unity and be the voice of interfaith activities. The dialogue ended with remarks of each panelist on their thought of interfaith dialogues. They also share activities on their communities in spreading awareness and understanding on each religious group.

In front are the participants of each religious groups and behind are the students of Fountain International School. photo／The Life News Agency

At the end of the dialogue all participants were given a chance to share their thoughts towards interfaith activities and how happy they are that interfaith dialogues are now more open and spreading wide to the Philippines and the world. At the end of the program, everyone is glad that such dialogues are now happening often and everyone is looking forward to more dialogues to come.

In frame are the other participants from different religious groups with Ven. Miao Jing and Ven. Zhipu. photo／The Life News Agency