Let us Observe the National and International Day of Prayer for Just Peace in the Philippines
Sunday, September 1, 2024
On November 23, 2023 the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) released a Joint Statement indicating a possible resumption of peace negotiations.
However, since then, there has been no further developments.
The two Parties, the GRP and the NDFP should be supported and encouraged to resume the formal peace negotiations. The peace negotiations should not work for the surrender of one of the parties but for identifying and addressing the roots of unpeace to prevent their continuation and aggravation.
One of the most important features of successful peace negotiations is the role of a strong peace constituency, most especially among Filipinos, but also from the international community. This peace constituency should always push for the resolution of the armed conflict based on social justice. It must tirelessly advocate for the two sides to persist with the peace negotiations on the basis of mutually agreed upon principles until a final negotiated peace settlement is achieved.
At the core of NCCP’s ecumenical vocation is peace building and it has faithfully supported the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. On April 25, 2024, the NCCP Executive Committee approved a resolution for a National and International Day of Prayer for Just Peace in the Philippines on Sunday, September 1, 2024, to show support for the resumption of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. The date is significant because of the Signing of The Hague Joint Declaration in The Hague, The Netherlands by representatives of both parties on September 1, 1992. The Hague Joint Declaration sets the objective of the peace negotiations which is the attainment of a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of the armed conflict and thereby resolving it.
Several of NCCP’s international ecumenical partners have already indicated support for this day of prayer. On July 5, 2024, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) decided to adopt the Day of Prayer and encourage churches from other denominations to observe it
We are hoping that you will join us in observance of this Day of Prayer for a just and lasting peace in the Philippines.
Resources available:
- Prayer for Just Peace in the Philippines in (English, Spanish, French, Italian and Filipino, Filipino, Bicolano, Bisaya, Ilocano, Kapampangan), by Deaconess Norma P. Dollaga of the United Methodist Church. Ms. Dollaga, Secretary General of KASIMBAYAN, is the recipient of the 2024 World Methodist Peace Award from the World Methodist Council, given to individuals who have struggled for peace with courage, creativity and consistency.
- Liturgy that was originally prepared for the NCCP Peace Module by Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, our former General Secretary from 2000-2007
- Brief background paper on Day of Prayer for JustPeace in the Philippines.
- Affirming our Fidelity to the GRP-NDFP Peace Process, statement approved during the 26th General Convention of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines on November 24, 2023.
