News“Ecumenical Interfaith Prayer” | 24 January 2020

The bush fires in Australia, that started in September 2019 was a tragedy that has impact on all of us. As well, the eruption of Taal Volcano and other calamities around the world have caused untold human suffering. Australia has been a good friend to the Philippines, supporting development, good governance, capacity building for civil society and women, and peace in Mindanao. Even if we cannot provide material support, let our prayers show we care for them. UPIIS in particular has been receiving Sadaqa for Iftar program during Ramadan organized by Australian Muslim Community in Melbourne. To pray for our fellow Filipinos who have been devastated by the Taal Volcano eruptions. As of now, the impact of Taal Volcano on their lives and livelihood is already estimated at 7.6 billion pesos in Batangas alone. The UP-Institute of Islamic Studies (UP-IIS), the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, organized an Ecumenical Prayer to provide spiritual support to our suffering brethren impacted by these natural calamities, wherever they may be. At the very heart of the ecumenical movement is the power of prayer, that we may all be one. Enable us to journey in prayer affirming our solidarity with others, living in these present situations, experiencing the same problems and sharing the gift of reconciliation. The prayers was held at UP Carillon Plaza, along Osmeña Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City on Friday, January 24, 2020.