Silsilah Dialogue Movement was founded in Zamboanga City in 1984 and in 1987 launched the first Silsilah Summer Course on Muslim-Christian Dialogue.
In 1996, the Silsilah Summer Course Program was incorporated into the Silsilah Dialogue Institute (SDI) which offers many other courses, seminars, trainings, trainers’ trainings and exposure-immersion program. All the participants of the different formation programs of SDI are considered Silsilah alumni.
Silsilah has already a few thousand alumni, a majority of them Muslims and Christians from Mindanao, but a large number also come from other parts of the Philippines as well as from other countries. Silsilah alumni are now committed to different programs and initiatives of dialogue and peace promoted by the government, non-government organizations, groups, schools, religious communities and parishes. Many of the Silsilah Summer Course Alumni recognize the importance of the Silsilah experience which they have shared with others. Filled with enthusiasm and determination they begin their commitment for dialogue and peace in their areas.
This great achievement becomes a great responsibility convinced that for Silsilah, dialogue is not a strategy but a spirituality that is needed in moving together towards peace.
Due to the looming signs of the times, Silsilah started to give formation to the alumni in their own areas to sustain their commitment, but it was only in the year 2004, during the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Silsilah, that the Movement formally launched the Silsilah Forum Program in different areas for the Silsilah alumni, as well as for others who wish to partake of this experience.
Today the Silsilah Forum program is extended to all the members and friends of Silsilah in different areas.
The primer is a good starting point to move together and become witnesses of people of different cultures and religions committed to live and promote the Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace.
What is a Silsilah Forum?
It is a group of Silsilah members (regular or associate members), alumni and friends who voluntarily commit themselves to live the spirituality of life-in-dialogue. The members also promote, in all possible ways, the spirit in their families and in their work places, groups or institutions.
Who are its members?
They are alumni of Silsilah and other friends who are convinced of the spirituality of life-in-dialogue which help them to sustain their mission and commitment to promote dialogue and peace in our society.
THE SILSILAH FORUM AREAS
Antipolo
Basilan
Bongao-Tawi-Tawi
Bukidnon
Cagayan De Oro
Cebu City
Cotabato
Davao
Iligan
Jolo
Kidapawan
Manila
Midsayap
Marawi
Pagadian
Pikit, Cotabato
Siasi
Zamboanga Sibugay
What is the composition of a Silsilah Forum?
It is comprised of individuals who are convinced of its importance and who may be part of other existing groups but are willing and committed to be part of the Forum. The bonding among the members has to be strong – the members have to share their time, talents and resources in the spirit of volunteerism.
The various Silsilah Forums are part of the Movement. To be more dynamic, creative and to move as leaven in the midst of the different groups and institutions, the Silsilah Forum maintains a simple composition but the members are called to a great commitment which promotes peace in their areas.
Thus, the Silsilah Forum in each area can easily work in collaboration with other groups and institutions. A group and its members can also be free to share their time to other groups and institutions, bringing the spirit of dialogue and peace.
What are the activities of Silsilah that a Forum can replicate/conduct/pursue in its particular area?
- Have a regular prayer (dua’a) and meditation
- Resolving conflicts through Active Harmony Approach
- Basic Orientation Seminar and Workshops on Culture of Dialogue
- Organize Madaris Gurus and Catechists Seminar
- Formation of a SILPEACE youth group
- Conduct Young Professionals Discovery Seminars
- Promotion of Silsilah personalized membership and sharing of life-in-dialogue experiences.
- Contact and organize individuals and groups for the Harmony Chain Initiative.
- Choose communities of Muslims and Christians for the development of Harmony Zones.
- Conduct formation seminars, including the INTENSIVE COURSE.
- Represent Silsilah in conferences and invitations when requested.
- Use of radio/TV programs for the promotion of dialogue and peace.
- Conduct survey for the Silsilah Bulletin subscribers in the area.
- Submit list of recipients of Silsilah calendars.
- Recommend participants for the Summer Course.
Why is there a need to form the Silsilah Forum in different areas?
The formation of Silsilah Forum in different areas allows Silsilah members, alumni and their friends to reflect and share their experience of dialogue. This attitude empowers them to face any issue and support each other in a dialogical spirit, ready to hurdle obstacles and misunderstandings in this journey of dialogue and peace.
How is a Silsilah Forum formed?
Silsilah members, alumni and friends in a given area may request the secretariat for the Forum in the administration of the Silsilah Dialogue Movement to establish a Silsilah Forum in their locality.
What are the objectives of the Silsilah Forum?
- To strengthen the spirituality of life-in-dialogue among the Silsilah Forum members, starting with the core group members;
- To sustain initiatives of dialogue and peace to attain reconciliation;
- To develop a Formation Team which will conduct formation sessions on Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace;
- To establish better and deeper relationship among Muslims, Christians and people of other faith traditions.
- To cultivate and enhance positive experience of friendship among young people for harmony and peace in the society;
- To help in the promotion of Muslim Women for Dialogue and Peace (MUSLIMAH), the Emmaus Dialogue Community (EDC) and the EMMAUS Circle;
- Conduct Young Professionals Discovery Seminar
- To promote personalized commitment of members;
- To provide a venue for active involvement of Muslim and Christian religious leaders as well as leaders of other living faiths for the attainment of dialogue and peace;
- To promote spiritual links and commitment for dialogue and peace through prayer and meditation; and
- To build Harmony Zones of people of diverse cultures and religions.