CEBU CITY — Leaders from various religions and denominations on Monday gathered at the Archbishop’s Residence here and offered inter-faith prayers for clean and peaceful elections.
Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma underscored the importance of prayer that the mid-term election next week will not be influenced by money or fear.
Palma led religious leaders in lighting candles during the Inter-Faith Convergence for Peace in Our Elections at the Filipiniana Hall of his residence here.
He was joined by Ustadz Najeeb Razul, the mufti and expert of Islam in Central Visayas, Rev. Steve Berdin, pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Ted Segura of the Focolare Movement, Diosdado Bestria Jr. of the United Methodist Church, Susan Lazaga of the Latter Day Saints, Nurdin Basang of the Cebuano Tausug group, Salim Daham of Islamic Propagation Society of Cebu, and Catholic priests and nuns.
“We realize how important this election is, with hope that we make the people aware that every vote is sacred, every vote should be counted, and every vote should be done prayerfully and courageously and not to be influenced by any factor like money or fear,” Palma said.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Cebu said the inter-faith dialogue should also transcend beyond the election, bearing in mind the duty of the citizens to see to it that three branches of government — executive, legislative, and judiciary — will function according to their respective mandates.
“Our prayer is that whoever comes out of this (election) really reflects the peoples’ choice in the light of their faith and discernment of the people,” he said.
Berdin cited three important aspects of a candidate — integrity, intelligence, and energy — that the voters could use in discerning whom to choose among the candidates.
“We have seen how candidates are made up to show that they are advocates of this and that but the truth is they are using such issues to further their interest and garner votes,” he said.
Razul, an expert on Islamic law and mufti in the region, said Muslims in Cebu joined the inter-faith service, hoping “to awaken the people and to rekindle the spirit of unity among us.”
“We have to inform them about what is happening in our society and the ongoing political exercise and implications of this to the individuals or collectively. We have to decide. We have to be very meticulous. We have to be very pragmatic in choosing (leaders),” Razul said.
In the joint prayer, the religious leaders called on voters “to make conscientious choices that reflect our faith in God, our values and our collective hopes and dreams.”
“In the remaining days leading up to May 13, let us be one in prayer for clarity and enlightenment of conscience. We encourage our communities and congregations to take a prayerful pause and form circles of discernment among families, neighbors, friends, and colleagues,” they said. “Let us take our faith and citizenship beyond May 13… This is an everyday act.”
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