Category: PEACE WITH OTHERS
Socio-Political Transformation
On 28 August 2024, I was invited by Ateneo de Davao University to give a talk on Inter-Religious and Intercultural Dialogue among spiritual leaders from Christian, Islamic, and Indigenous Peoples’ communities in Mindanao. I shared how we, at PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI), practice this kind of dialogue. We begin with intentional listening, focusing on understanding the worldview, values, and behavior patterns of others. This process forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions, which leads to both personal and communal transformation. Effective dialogue requires not only clarity in our own beliefs but also an understanding of the historical and social contexts that shape others’ perspectives. Dialogue also helps reveal the underlying needs driving various interests and behaviors, laying the groundwork for cooperative peacebuilding. Over time, this process fosters inclusive development, benefitting all communities involved. At PBCI, we believe listening is the first act of love, and love-driven listening can lead to lasting peace. Through genuine dialogue, adversarial relationships can be transformed, creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual development.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/08/30/inter-religious-and-inter-cultural-dialogue-lessons-from-the-experiences-of-peacebuilders-community/
In the realm of peacebuilding, the relationship between international and local peace organizations often fluctuates between two distinct modes of interaction: companionship and partnership. These modes represent different approaches, values, and outcomes, each significantly influencing the effectiveness and sustainability of peace efforts. Grasping the subtleties of these interactions is key to fostering genuine, lasting peace in conflict-affected regions. This dialogue began during the July 2024 gathering of Mennonite missionaries working in Asia, and subsequently became a topic of informal reflection among the staff and volunteers at PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) and Coffee for Peace (CFP) throughout the month of August. These concepts of partnership and companionship are illustrated through the relationship between our spiritual siblings at Mennonite Church Canada and us at PBCI-CFP.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/08/15/partnership-and-companionship-reflections-on-the-relationship-between-international-and-local-peace-organizations/
The Department of Sociology and Developmental Studies at Ateneo de Davao University has extended an invitation for us to collaborate as a partner in their Sociology Practicum Program. This program is designed to enrich students’ understanding of the social world by offering them hands-on experience through work with real communities, organizations, or institutions. The Sociology Practicum Program bridges academic learning with structured, supervised work experience, allowing students to apply classroom theories and principles in real-world settings. Through this integration, students are not only trained in the practical use of research and project management but are also guided in developing problem-solving skills rooted in sociological concepts.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/07/29/coffee-for-peace-accepts-ateneo-de-davao-universitys-sociology-students-as-interns/
The current genocidal act of Zionist Israel against the Palestinian people is enabled primarily by the United States of America. The potential presidencies of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris carry significant implications for the future of Palestine and its quest for liberation. This is my Artificial Intelligence-aided exploration and examination on how the foreign policy approaches of Trump and Harris could influence the Palestinian struggle for statehood, liberation, and peace over the next decade. While shouting “Justice!” and working with justice-based peacebuilding networks where I’m at, I am fervently praying that all the systems and structures perpetuating the oppressive and genocidal actions of the Zionist Israel — being armed, financially supported, and diplomatically covered by the US, the UK, and other complicit allies — would be dismantled.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/07/26/the-impact-of-a-trump-or-harris-presidency-on-the-liberation-of-palestine-in-the-next-10-years/
09-13 July 2024, Thailand — A group of us, missionaries sent by the Mennonite Church Canada Witness to various parts of Asia, gathered in Southern Thailand for a time of recreation, relationship building, and deep reflection. This gathering was not just a break from our usual routines but a purposeful retreat designed to foster personal and collective growth through the lens of vulnerability. My personal response focused on decolonizing and liberating the Christian missionary enterprise. For me, it’s essential for fostering a more just and respectful approach to effective Christian witness. By critically examining past practices, prioritizing local cultures, and aligning missionary efforts with the principles of justice-based peace and reconciliation theology, the Christian mission can become a force for genuine spiritual and social transformation.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/07/19/decolonizing-and-liberating-the-christian-missionary-enterprise-a-personal-reflection/
This month, I was tasked with reading and reflecting on Ate Tala Bautista’s thesis paper, which delves into themes of decolonization, localization, and their relevance to Coffee for Peace (CFP) and PeaceBuilders Community Incorporated (PBCI). The paper not only explores these topics’ personal significance to Ate Tala but also sheds light on how they are perceived by individuals within CFP and PBCI. Reflecting on this thesis paper alongside my experiences at CFP and PBCI was particularly enlightening, especially since I lack personal experience as an indigenous person grappling with decolonization and its multifaceted implications. This reflection is a required prerequisite for my 10-day immersion (01-10 July 2024) in the Cordillera Region at the northern part of the Philippines.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/07/07/reflecting-on-ate-talas-thesis-on-decolonization-and-localization-as-a-prerequisite-to-my-cordillera-immersion/
Last Tuesday, 18 June 2024, we participated in the Principles for Peace Constituency Convening held in Davao City, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing Bangsamoro Peace Process. This crucial event, organized by a dedicated body committed to peace—Initiatives for International Dialogue, InciteGov, GZO, Principles for Peace—brought together key stakeholders whose insights and commitment are essential for formulating future strategies and initiatives. As PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI), we joined a diverse array of attendees, members of civil society organizations, and leaders from various sectors involved in the peace process. The event underscored our dedication, along with that of other organizations, to fostering collaboration and dialogue among all stakeholders. We believe that the collective wisdom and dedication of our partners are indispensable in advancing the Bangsamoro Peace Process. This convening provided an opportunity for us to align our strategies and reinforce our commitment to lasting peace in the region.
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Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/06/21/we-participated-in-convening-a-peace-constituency-supporting-the-bangsamoro-peace-process/
