Messenger of Peace Hosts a Peace Agreement to Bridge the Gap between Catholic and Islamic Leaders
Mindanao is the second largest and southernmost major island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country (the other two being Luzon and the Visayas), consisting of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. Davao City is the largest city in Mindanao. Of the island's population of 21,968,174 (according to the 2010 census) 10 percent is Muslim.
Mindanao is the only geographical area of the Philippines with a significantly large Muslim presence. The southernmost part of Mindanao, particularly Maguindanao Province, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi provinces (part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)), are home to a sizeable Muslim population. Due to widespread poverty and religious differences, the island has seen a communist insurgency as well as armed Moro separatist movements.
Eight of the top 10 agri-commodities exported from the Philippines come from here.
MANILA— A new era of peace has started in the Mindanao Island, a region stricken by a long history of religious conflict between Catholics and Muslims that has claimed over 100,000 lives. The peace movement, led by peace advocate Man Hee Lee marks Lee’s third visit to the Philippines from South Korea at the request of Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma and other religious leaders and students.
On January 23rd, Messenger of Peace Man Hee Lee met with Archbishop Ledesma and other bishops of Cagaya de Oro, who signed the Peace Agreement for ending war and achieving world peace. On January 24th, despite high alerts of violence, Mr. Lee traveled to the Mindanao region where he was welcomed by hundreds of students. Messengers were sent ahead of him to gather people before Mr. Lee arrived and a groundbreaking peace walk of students from the University of Mindanao, youth associations, mayors and religious leaders filled downtown General Santos. The walk, held for the first time in the midst of high alerts of violence, transcended religions and nationalities and inspired the Filipino youth generation that peace is possible. Joining Mr. Lee was also Ms. Kim Nam Hee who is working with women leaders to advocate peace.
Following the Mindanao peace walk, a forum to discuss a solution of peace brought together Fernando Capalla, former archbishop of Mindanao Davao and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao (an Islamic autonomous district in Mindanao). For the first time in 40 years, these representatives of Catholicism and Islam united to sign the peace agreement for ending war and achieving World Peace and pledged to work together with Chairman Man Hee Lee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light. In addition, Capalla and Mangudadatu vowed before God, the people of the world, and the approximately 150 participants to end disputes between Catholics and Muslims.
Although a previous Peace Agreement meeting hosted by the Philippine government and the Islam autonomous region was signed in 2012, violent killings have since interrupted the call for peace. Now, through Mr. Lee’s efforts to meet with religious and city leaders, empowering youth and the united signing of the Peace Agreement, the Filipino government and its citizens were able to see a change in their nation from death to life. They expressed their gratitude to Mr. Lee by commemorating the memorable day with a peace festival in the city.
The work of Messenger of Peace Mr. Lee is becoming recognized throughout many nations as this visit to the Philippines marks his 8th World Tour. He has since travelled to over 58 countries to advocate the message of peace. In November of last year, Mr. Lee began his tour in the United States and spoke at the University of Southern California. Furthermore, working together with school organizations of UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal Poly Pomona, Pepperdine and Cal State Fullerton, he organized a rally for peace aboard theSS Lane Victory ship in San Pedro, CA.
Reference site
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao
http://pakistantimesusa.net/pakistan/?p=14552
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