Reflection

Last February 4, 2019, Silliman Universities Divinity School welcomed Ms. Jamila-
Aisha P. Sanguilla, Silsilah’s forum coordinator, to have a lecture and workshop on promoting
interfaith dialogue for peace and harmony. Registration started at 8 am while the main even
started past 9. The event started with the lighting of the candle followed by the ringing of the
gong. Words of welcome were then given by Rev. Dr. Jeaneth Faller, the head of the Divinity
School. After which the participant from different colleges were introduced. Most of these
participants are Senior High students specifically students from STEAM – C. Then a greeting
song was sung followed by announcing of announcements. While reading the Psalms, the Bible
and Quran were brought to the center, stones were then encircled on the holy scriptures. A white
cloth was then placed at the center of the circle forming a cross, then flowers were scattered
within the circle. This part of the worship was a bit weird/unusual for me because it seems as if
they were making a memorial just like in the cemetery. After that, we sung the hymn of praise
titled “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”. After that, we recited a prayer then a confession
followed. Truthfully, I was amazed at the Muslim speaker. That is because it is my first time to
hear a Muslim speak in its native language. He said that he was very thankful to have witnessed
such an amazing event with all of us. I really paid attention to the way he speaks even though I
cannot understand his language. After that a last song was sung and then the lecture started. At
the beginning of the lecture, the speaker told us to arrange ourselves according to our birthdays
in circle depicting a clock. So, after her instructions, we immediately did. It was a lot of fun.
After that, she made us count off from 1 – 10 dividing us into ten groups and making us seat with
our group mates. She then presented 10 questions and asked us whether we agree or not agree.
What I’ve learned from this activity is that Peace can achieved but despite that probability there
will always be violence and conflict. That is because each and everyone of us has our own way
of thinking. We cannot be neutral because we will all pick a side in the end and we al have
different reasons for picking that side. Also, I have learned that each of us has our own idea of
peace, mine could be a war ending, yours could be reconciling with your family member and
many more. Peace depends on our own perspective.