More than 100 women and men from the NCCP member churches and ecumenical partners attended the Ecumenical Women’s Forum held at NCCP Ecumenical Ministry, Church of the Risen Lord, UP, Diliman, Quezon City with a theme “Our Love Compels Us to Celebrate the Spirit of Resistance, Redemption and Liberation”, last February 11.
The forum formally started at 9:00 a.m. Each participant was asked to register his/her name at the registration table. Afterwards, the participants were requested to read “Call to gather” to unite in the name of God’s peace, justice and love. It was immediately followed by the opening song entitled “When the Spirit of the Lord” and the discussion about one billion rising global campaign.
Rev. Irma Balaba, Pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) read the Scriptures and gave her talk eventually. She emphasized that women have big roles toward achieving justice and peace. She also encouraged everyone to be united in fighting the evils of our present society. She sung “Ang buhay ay Kasiya-siya” to end her talk. It was subsequently followed by a song number entitled “I am but a small voice” presented by Aijeleth Shahar Ayat Mense.
Personal testimony was then given by Mary Ann Domingo. She shared that lots of changes have taken place in her life after the crime. She also said that her experience was really a nightmare. She was crying when she recalled that she was not given a chance to explain her side. The last part of her testimony was giving thanks to “Rise Up” for all the help and support given to her and her family.
Afterwards, Princess Balaba, daughter of Rev. Irma Balaba gave a special song number entitled “I am Rising, We are rising”. While she was singing, the participants were asked to share their financial blessings, love gifts, offerings and inspirational messages for political prisoners thru SELDA. The closing song entitled “Let There be Peace on Earth” blessed the participants and send them off to live the theme of the forum: Go, in the spirit of resistance, redemption and liberation.
A community dance - “One Billion Rising Dance” – concluded the forum.
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