CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction
The Philippine population is made up of 90% Christians, making it the
fifth largest Christian-majority country. Religion plays a significant role on
the daily lives of Filipinos; Christians have drawn strength from Christian
practices and attitudes for guidance and to help them manage life’s
challenges.
Ecumenism is the concept of developing closer relationships between
Christians who belong to different Christian denominations. Unanimity and
cooperation among different Christian religions is rarely achieved because
there are differences between their culture, beliefs, traditions, and
architecture. Lack of understanding on the architectural characteristics of
every Christian religion’s traditional parochial space in the Philippines
hinders the ideal ecumenism to influence connections between different
Christian churches in the country.
The project’s goal is to understand the architectural distinctions and
similarities between selected Christian religions which will be used to design
an ecclesiastical complex ensuring tolerance and respect for their religious
differences.