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November 9, 2012
Christian Communities Cautious on Philippines Peace Deal (UPDATED)
Agreement hopes to end disputes between Filipino government and Muslim separatists.
Editor's note: This article has been corrected to reflect that shari'ah law will not apply to Christians living in Bangsamoro.)
A major turning point in tense Muslim-Christian relations in the southern Philippines may be at hand following a recent announcement from President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Aquino recently announced that the Southeast Asian archipelago's national government has signed a peace accord with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a major Muslim separatist group. For many years, separatist rebels have been fighting a violent war for independence for the Muslim-dominated island of Mindanao.
Now, the recent agreement will establish an area called Bangsamoro, which will still be subject to the Philippine constitution but will be governed by shari'ah law rather than the nation's Civil Code. However, shari'ah will not apply to Christians and other non-Muslims living in the area.
The agreement to create an autonomous, Muslim region has been welcomed by religious leaders, including Basilan bishop Martin Jumoad, whose southern diocese has one of the highest Christian populations. Jumoad said the accord is a step toward peace if it helps foster respect for Christians in the nation's south. Several human rights groups reported in July that the Philippines is "one of the most dangerous places for foreign missionaries."
But other groups are concerned about what this new development means for religious liberty. Not only could the government exchange religious freedom for "tenuous peace," but another separatist group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), says it will cause unrest if the current agreement moves forward. MNLF leaders say the recent peace accord violates a failed agreement between MNLF and the government in 1996.
The peace agreement, which will be enacted over the course of two years, still needs to pass the nation's congress before it can be begin.
CT has reported ongoing violence against Christians in the Philippines since 2000, including the kidnapping of an Italian priest in 2007.
Comments
Shariah is not just an "Islam thing," it also has links to American Indian and Asian Indian and other Asian communities. In fact, Shariah may have been adopted by Islam from earlier traditions, including Christian traditon. Saint Paul and the Church clearly endorse a male led society, for example. Some American Indian groups, including some Cherokee, have Shariah like traditons as well. There are various views on Shariah, including a view that it protects women. Food for thought. cherokeeempire.bravehost.com
Posted By: Cherokee Empire | November 9, 2012 10:10 AM
A couple of corrections:
1 It's NOT "2 years" but it's a 3-year transition period (2013-2015).
2 Please read the agreement before you blog again on this matter. The agreement guarantees that the religious freedom of adherents of other religions will be exercised and won't be restricted as guaranteed in the Philippines constitution.
3 If you are going to write about the MNLF and its fears, please spend further research on the MNLF and MILF history in order to understand better why the MNLF is fearful of this agreement. Keep in mind that the President of the Philippines made the following statement concerning MNLF: The ARMM was a failed experiment.
So, while I realize you are blogging, I think you should hold yourself to a better accountability as you report matters concerning this agreement since these erroneous statements that you have made do not assist in bringing peace to the region. It only perpetuates the stereotype and fear against Muslims by the non-Muslim sector in the Philippines and among expats residing in the Philippines.
Posted By: diego silang | November 9, 2012 9:37 PM
"It only perpetuates the stereotype and fear against Muslims by the non-Muslim sector in the Philippines and among expats residing in the Philippines".
What 'stereotype'? Fear of Islam is real not only in the Philippines but everywhere that Sharia is established. Is fear of the Taliban, Al Shabbab, or Boca Haram stereotypes? The only peace Islam is concerned with is the one that leads to totally submission to the 'Prophet'.
'Peace for freedom' is not an exchange it is a sellout, because in the end Christians living in a Muslim territory are guaranteed neither. The Christians in Bangsamoro have two viable choices, convert now (or do it later), or begin leaving the area while they are still able to do so.
Posted By: Steve Skeete | November 14, 2012 11:02 AM
facts muslims never want to be subjected to any non muslim leader and government but rather non muslim must subjected to Islam or Sharia Law. this peace treaty will be broken again and again by the muslims, just like in the past. and there will be killings and kidnappings in the region of mindanao bacause of JIHAD(war against the unbelievers). President Aquino must study Islam so that he will make a right decision. Islam does not have have real PEACE to the non muslims, but only CEASE FIRE treaty, muslims is very good in deception because this what their religion teaches. their using TAKIAH(making LIES) into their enemies(non muslims).
Posted By: echo | April 24, 2013 11:32 AM
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