Zamboanga City (Agenzia Fides) – A madrasa where alongside the teachings on the Koran, there will also be lessons on dialogue and brotherhood with all mankind and with believers of all religions. It is a school for learning the Koran that will become promoter of a moderate Islam that rejects hate, violence, war, death, and favors the education of young people in respecting life. The initiative has been organized by the Islamic-Christian Center “Sisilah” that has been working for 25 years in the southern Philippine Islands, on the island of Mindanao, in the city of Zamboanga.
The “Sisilah” (meaning “chain”) Movement was founded by PIME missionary Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra and includes many members, including Muslim collaborators. It has always been an untiring promoter of dialogue among believers, of friendship and respect among Muslims and Christians, of universal brotherhood, uniting people of diverse cultures and religions, organizing concrete initiatives of peace and reconciliation among the different communities.
The Center works mainly in the formation of youth, holding encounters with Christian and Muslim school and university students, to encourage dialogue, reciprocal knowledge, and a culture of peace.
It is now working on a completely new initiative, the institution of a school for learning the Koran, approved by the Office for Muslim Affairs of the government, which will insert the dialogue style of Sisilah into the teachings on Islam.
The initiative has begun thanks to efforts from the Interfaith Council of Leaders, formed by Christian and Muslim leaders in the Zaboanga area. The school is near Pitogo, in the Sinunuc area, not far from Harmony Village, also founded by “Sisilah” in Zamboanga.
The various curriculum and teachings are given by renowned professors of Islam, contributing to the school's credibility and stability.
Present at the school's inauguration ceremony was Prof. Sharif Jullabbi and Abdul Haki, and Christians such as Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra and Dr. Minda Sano, current President of the “Sisilah” Movement. “It is a dream come true,” members of “Sisilah” say, with the hope that the initiative will encourage dialogue and peace.
“Sisilah,” the pioneer movement for Islamic-Christian relationships, has taken an important step and they hope to be followed by others. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2008)
