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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