On September 1, 2024, faith communities across Europe gathered online to observe the International Interfaith Day of Prayer for a Just Peace in the Philippines. This significant event, organized by the Interfaith Network of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), marked the anniversary of the Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.

This declaration remains a crucial peace agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, outlining a pathway to achieving a just and lasting peace.

Hosted by ICHRP Europe and streamed live on social media platforms, the event brought together churchgoers, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens from different faith traditions. The service featured prayers, reflections, and calls to action, all focused on the urgent need for peace and justice in the Philippines, a nation still grappling with severe socio-political challenges and human rights violations.

A Call to Action from the Pulpit

One of the highlights of the service was the homily delivered by Fr. Aris Miranda of the Promotion of Church People’s Response Europe Chapter. Fr. Miranda spoke passionately about the moral imperative to fight against systemic injustices and human rights abuses in the Philippines. “We are called to act against the structures that perpetuate injustice and to stand in solidarity with the marginalized,” he said. “Our faith compels us to work for a peace that is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and dignity for all.”

Fr. Miranda’s words resonated deeply with those in attendance, as he challenged the faithful not only to pray but to actively engage in the struggle for human rights. Drawing from biblical passages, he underscored the importance of advocating for the oppressed and holding leaders accountable for their actions. “The call to action is clear,” he continued. “We must listen to the cries of the oppressed and join hands in solidarity to demand change.”

Solidarity from Across Borders

Adding to the spirit of solidarity, Archbishop Joris Vercammen, Emeritus Archbishop of Utrecht, delivered a message of support. His words highlighted the interconnectedness of all people and the shared responsibility of faith communities to stand against oppression. “Believers are entrusted to care for one another,” Archbishop Vercammen stated. “Our interconnectedness calls us to engage in the struggle for a just peace, to lift each other from humiliation, and to challenge the powers that seek to divide and oppress.”

Archbishop Vercammen’s message was a powerful reminder that the quest for peace and justice is not confined to any one nation or people but is a shared responsibility of all who believe in the dignity and rights of every human being. His words emphasized that true peace can only be achieved through collective action and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and compassion.

A Shared Commitment to Human Rights

The International Interfaith Day of Prayer for a Just Peace in the Philippines served as a poignant reminder of the collective duty to uphold human rights and dignity. As participants joined together in prayer, they also affirmed their shared commitment to work tirelessly for a just and lasting peace. The event highlighted the importance of unity, not only among different faith communities but also among all who seek a more just and equitable world.

The participants expressed gratitude for the progress made through the Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, which laid the foundation for peace negotiations in the Philippines. However, they also acknowledged the ongoing challenges and called for renewed efforts to advance the peace process, end human rights abuses, and ensure justice for all.

As the service concluded, the call to action was clear: continue the fight for justice, peace, and human dignity in the Philippines and beyond. The gathering reminded all that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equality, and respect for human rights.

Moving Forward: A Call to All

As we reflect on the significance of this day, we are reminded that the pursuit of peace and justice is a continuous journey, one that requires the active participation of all. Faith communities around the world are uniquely positioned to lead this charge, grounded in their commitment to compassion, justice, and the common good.

Let us heed the call of Fr. Miranda and Archbishop Vercammen and work together to build a world where peace is not just a distant dream but a lived reality for all.

Bishop Antonio Ablon of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church) is presently the Chaplain of St. Catherine’s Anglican Chaplaincy in Stuttgart, Germany of the Diocese in Europe, Church of England. He is a former chaplain to the seafarers in Hamburg, Germany and Bishop of IFI Pagadian. The Philippine Independent Church is a member of the global communion of the Anglican Church. Bishop Ablon is one of the most persecuted church leaders in the Philippines. In 2021, the German government officially granted him asylum.