Interfaith Friends Bring Music During "Maha Sangga sa Sugbo" Celebration

Over a thousand people of various faiths gathered together to witness the musical festivity of “Maha Sangga sa Sugbo: An Interfaith Peace Concert” on the eve of 30, September 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ (LDS) Lahug Meetinghouse, Cebu City. The free concert was organized by the Cebu City Interfaith Movement (CCIM) as the culminating activity to their World Interfaith Month celebration.

Sr. Sandra Clemente, chairperson of the CCIM, commented about the goal of the activity: “This gathering will help everybody feel the Spirit of God. We need to touch their hearts because it is the heart that will move us into action.”

Various religious groups belonging to the CCIM enchanted and inspired the audience with their music and the beauty of their traditional costumes. Musical presentations ranged from choir numbers, drums and chants, a flute-violin-piano repertoire, and a children’s ukulele ensemble.

“We consider everybody as our partners for a good cause in our society. We can give charitable projects and display efforts based upon universal values,” said LDS leader Edmarc Dumas in his concluding remarks. He emphasized that human beings are religious in nature and that religion offers a framework by which we find our purpose, meaning, belongingness and identity. “With mutual respect and civility, we can all live and even flourish. Religion will remain not only relevant but also an essential part of what it means to be human.”

The CCIM is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has been actively holding local interfaith activities since 2007. It is focused on upholding principles of mutual respect, tolerance and love in Cebuano communities. It also promotes freedom of religion.