“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9)

The challenge of the Beautitudes is to “peacemaking”. It is a call to action and not passivity. It is a call to challenge institutions, mindsets and frames that sow discord, that impedes the flowering of full human development, especially of those who do not share our religious beliefs.

To be a christian is to be an active builder of peace and to engage in the great debates of our times for there are many who say they love “peace” but only a few who work for it. 

This the reason why Archbishop Tony Ledesma’s voice (and that of Archbishop Quevedo) is very important for the peace process in Mindanao. They have seen the ravages of war and conflict and see the need to push the peace process. Of course, it goes without saying that the peace process as currently handled (or mishandled) leaves a lot to be desired. The lack of effective transparency, of bringing the peoples of Mindanao into an authentic dialogue has not happened. Maraming mga pagkukulang ng gobyerno, ng MILF, ng mga national and political leaders and this has created a lot of problems and fears that now threaten the Mindanao peace process.

It is imperative that the Church and civil society must now take active participation in the peace process. They must not leave the peace process in the hands of Government and the MILF alone. Without the people’s support, no peace process will succeed. When everybody is being dragged to take positions (either pro or con) the Church and civil society must provide the space for dialogue.

Bong Montesa Blog