New Era of Peace Begins in Mindanao: Messenger of Peace Hosts a Peace Agreement to Bridge the Gap between Catholic and Islamic Leaders

For many Filipino-

Americans familiar with the Mindanao Island in the Philippines, it is a region stricken by a long history of religious conflict between Catholics and Muslims that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

Recently however, an international peace group with branches in United States, including Oregon is creating a new era of peace in the area.

The peace movement, led by peace messenger 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 Jan. 23th, Peace advocate Man Hee Lee met with Archbishop Ledesma and other bishops of Cagaya de Oro, who signed the Peace Agreement to work toward ending war and achieving world peace. On Jan. 24, despite high alerts of violence, Mr. Lee traveled to the Mindanao region where he was welcomed by hundreds of students. Messengers were sent to gather people before Mr. Lee’s arrival and a groundbreaking peace walk of students from the University of Mindanao, youth associations, mayors and religious leaders filled downtown General Santos.

The peace 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 of the International Womens Peace Group who is working with women leaders to also 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 and pledged to work together with Chairman Man Hee Lee. In addition, Capalla and Mangudadatu vowed before God, the people of the world, and the approximately 150 participants to work toward ending long disputes between Muslims and Catholics.

Although many 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 Peace messenger 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.


Reference: http://man-hee-lee-frieden.blogspot.kr/2014/02/new-era-of-peace-begins-in-mindanao_4847.html