ICON to spearhead interfaith prayer for peace
Iloilo -- As part of the celebration of the 6th NGO-PO Week on December 1-7, the religious sector of the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) will spearhead the Interfaith/Ecumenical Service and Prayer for the Nation on December 4, 2005, 2:00-6:00 pm at the New Provincial Capitol Ground.
Expected to participate in the activity are pastors, nuns, priests, and lay leaders and members of various religious groups, as well as the Muslim community. The program, which will start with a mini concert by various musical bands, and youth musical groups, will culminate with ceremonial candle lighting activity and a Prayer chain for peace and development.
By sponsoring the interfaith prayer service, ICON wants to do its share towards immediate resolution to the worsening crises that beset the country. In a press statement, ICON noted that President GMA obviously does not intend to step down just as her opponents are bent on seeking her ouster. Inevitably, a final showdown is expected as conflict intensifies which may become disastrous and affect the populace. Rather than being reactive when the worse comes, the religious sector of ICON believes it is better to seek God's intervention side by side with other forms of struggle to effect change of hearts and minds of leaders concerned.
Amidst political bickering, ideological conflict and personal quarrel which most often dominate the national scene, it is undeniable that poverty situation and corresponding problems continue to worsen in the country. At times, these are put in the side light due to obvious grandstanding and media mileage on both sides. Hence, the call of ICON on the poverty situation as reflected on this year's theme: Sabat sa Kaimolon, Yara Man Lang sa Aton.
Through this paper, ICON invites other religious organizations, and well-meaning individuals, groups, organizations to join the Interfaith Service and Prayer for the Nation on December 4. Interested parties may contact the committee members as follows: Rev. Samuel Talha, CPU Chaplains Office- 09183462042; Bro. Edwin Araña, Christ Centered Fellowhip-09219630237; and Sr. Ma. Linda Belo at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.