GMA Lauds Bishops-Ulama for Interfaith Dialogue in Mindanao

November 29, 2006

Author: Walter I. Balane

Source: MindaNews

http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1364&Itemid=50

DAVAO CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded the Bishops-Ulama Conference as a pioneer of inter-faith dialogue and solidarity in Mindanao, which she said has helped keep Mindanao in peace amid drawbacks in negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Arroyo sought for further support from the religious leaders as she cited “bright prospects” for peace efforts in Mindanao.

Arroyo spoke as guest of honor at the 10th anniversary celebration of the BUC at the Marco Polo Hotel here Wednesday. She cited the celebration as being in a "crucial time in our national life".

The President called the BUC the "sentinels of trust, understanding and goodwill among the tri peoples of Mindanao". She said the BUC pioneered in interfaith dialogue as "an instrument in defending the national community from extremism".