Interfaith Peace Conference gathers faith leaders, scholars at Silliman
Silliman University (SU), through the Divinity School’s Religion and Peace Studies Department, co-hosted the Interfaith Peace Conference 2026 from June 15 to 17, bringing together scholars, religious leaders, and delegates from diverse faith traditions to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration for peace.
Held at the Multipurpose Room, IMTC, and Magdamo Hall, the conference carried the theme “Gathering at the Table: Faiths in Dialogue,” organized in partnership with the College of Theology of Central Philippine University (CPU), whose delegation joined participants from various religious traditions, including Islam, Judaism, the Bahá’í Faith, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP), and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).
The three-day gathering sought to promote interfaith understanding through respectful dialogue among Christians, Muslims, Jews, indigenous spiritualities, and other represented faith communities.
The conference explored religion’s role in peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation while encouraging collaboration in peace education, empathy, and shared initiatives across faith traditions.
Dr. Milanie Catolico-Arandela, Acting Dean of the College of Theology (left), together with Dr. Jerson B. Narciso (sixth from the left), chairperson of the Interfaith Committee of Central Philippine University, presents the Certificate of Commendation to recognize the valuable collaboration with the Religion and Peace Studies Department headed by Asst. Prof. Christopher A. Burgos (fifth from the left), department chair.
Dr. Alma B. Ruiz of the Religion and Peace Studies Department delivered the keynote address, “Interfaith Initiatives for Peacebuilding,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation among faith communities in addressing contemporary social challenges and advancing lasting peace.
The conference also featured presentations from scholars and practitioners representing various institutions.
Asst. Prof. Almahdi G. Alonto of Mindanao State University-Marawi discussed “The Struggle for Peace in Bangsamoro,” while Dr. Tirmizy E. Abdullah of the same institution examined “Sharia Law and Peace.”
Dr. Lily F. Apura presented “The Inclusivity and Exclusivity of Jesus,” followed by Dr. Jerson B. Narciso of Central Philippine University, who spoke on “Christianity and Islam: Cultivating Shalom (Katawhay) and Salaam in the Philippines.” Jose Aldous Rubi Arbon II of St. Joseph Seminary College concluded the conference presentations with “Gender and Spirituality: My Journey Away and Back to Faith.”
Participants also engaged in interactive dialogue through faith-based learning stations featuring representatives from Messianic Jews in the Philippines, the Focolare Movement, the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines, and the Bahá’í Faith.
The program concluded with visits to sacred spaces in Dumaguete City, including the Bell Church, a mosque, and St. Joseph Seminary, providing participants with opportunities to experience different faith traditions firsthand.
