The Role of Interfaith Organizations in Promoting Religious Tolerance and Coexistence: The Case of the Philippines

Islam and Christianity are the two major religions being followed and practiced in the Philippines. Like many countries all over the world, conflict between these two religions has been going on since the beginning of time and the Philippines is not an exception. For centuries, Muslims and Christians have been constantly engaging in violence in the Philippines and this study attempts to trace the historical origin of inter-religious conflict in the Philippines. Many attempts of the Philippine government to promote peaceful coexistence have been executed but none has successfully eliminated the prejudice and biases that the adherents of these two religions have towards each other, until the church leaders, religious leaders, and non-government organizations realize the need for a faith-based approach through interfaith dialogue to be introduced to facilitate intercultural and religious understanding to eliminate the prejudice and biases as well as to promote tolerance and coexistence among the Filipino people. Also, this study measures the effectiveness of the faith-based approach in conflict resolution. More importantly, this research analyses the activities of the interfaith organizations and their impact on the lives of Muslim and Christian communities while exploring the different approaches they employ, activities and events they organize, and as the organizations they established throughout the years to promote tolerance and coexistence. This study draws on interviews with two interfaith organizations: Silsilah Dialogue Movement and Al Qalam Institute of Ateneo de Davao University.