With four (4) more weeks to go before the opening of CHURCHES ’08, the 1st International Ecumenical Event in Asia featuring exhibits on church construction and renovation, religious art and paraphernalia, public worship services and lectures/workshops on ecumenism and interfaith, support from different religious groups and organizations, including the Office of the president, have started flowing in.
According to Ms. Maria Isabel Tobias, Secretary General of the Presidential Council for Values Formation/ Presidential Liaison for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs/ National Committee on Interfaith Cooperation, ”We express our full support for the launching of CHURCHES ’08, regarding with high esteem the visionary and the organizers behind this event.” Ms. Tobias then adds, “The undertaking will clearly serve as an avenue to further intensify our government’s sustained efforts towards providing the right climate for ecumenical and interfaith cooperation to bloom in our country and globally.”
The Philippines, ranking 7th in the top 10 countries with the Largest National Christian Population and being one of only two countries in Asia with a Christian majority (the other being East Timor), is the best venue for this very first ecumenical event in Asia. Invited exhibitors include local and international companies and groups involved in the construction of places of worship and their environs, liturgical needs, evangelization and manufacture of icons and prayer aids. CHURCHES '08 also kicks off after the start of the Week of Prayer (Octave of Prayer) for Christian Unity, normally from January 18 to 25 around the world.
CHURCHES ’08 is scheduled on January 24-27, 2008 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Manila, Philippines. Religious groups, organizations, associations, schools and manufacturers of religious articles are enjoined to be part of this religious milestone in Asia either as exhibitors or visitors. For further details, log on to CHURCHES '08 website: http://www.gsmi.com.ph/
