A Muslim Leader Condems Church Bombing in Jolo

It is heart-warming to read a Filipino Muslim religious leader condemn the recent Church bombing in Jolo to the extent in saying the “culprits are serving Satan”.

The Ulama’s tone is reconciliatory, a welcome gesture in sending off this year. Personally, before an authentic reconciliation is attained, (a) the guilty must admit the guilt committed and (b) acknowledge the wrong done and its effects; (c) solemnly promises never to do it again and (d) offers a contrite “I’m sorry; please forgive me.”

The offended party, upon noting the sincerity and contrition of the offending party if both are indeed interested in peace and reconciliation there’s no other recourse than to accept the remorseful offending party’s olive branch offer. If one of the four elements mentioned is missing, everything is a farce if not foolishness and waste of time.

Muslims in this country can freely and safely worship in their Mosques and so in other parts of the world. I wonder why Catholic Churches in particular are bombed, their priests and bishops are murdered and those who believe in Christ live under the sword of Damocles especially in the Middle East! If all of us are descendants of Abraham, Jacob, Isaac and Ishmael and believers in the All-Compassionate and All-Loving God, why are Christians killed and threatened in practicing their faith when our Muslim brethren are left alone in peace while they worship Allah? Do brothers and sisters have to kill each other? Or love and embrace each other?

As a Catholic, I don’t believe in religious confrontation. No matter what faith others have, we are all in the process of maturing as far as our faiths are concerned and all of us are on a journey with a common destination. Religion must be a binding key for us to be ONE and at PEACE and not live as enemies.

I have a small and insignificant voice but no matter how small, insignificant and low:

“Enough is enough! A lot of innocent blood have been spilled. A lot of orphans and widows have been created. Let us learn to love and respect each other again. Please respect our freedom of religion and we respect yours. Please do not threaten or kill us and our priests and bishops for we do not threat and kill your religious leaders. Let us have one caravan and help each other along the way. We have one destination and dream --- that is to see and meet the All-Compassionate and All-Loving God.”

السلام عليكم

Peace be upon you! As-Salamu Alaykum! -30-