Silliman University President Calls for Prayers for Peace Following Aceh Crisis

Dumaguete City (PNA) – Dr. Ben Malayang III, president of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, on Tuesday called for prayers amid the ongoing tensions in Aceh Province in Indonesia.

Dr. Malayang said in a media release that “many now live in fear” after 10 churches were burned down in Singkil, Aceh province in North Sumatra, Indonesia last October 13, which claimed the lives of many people, injured others and causing thousands to flee.

“The conflicts in this region is said to be racial and religious. These have been going on for many years. But the damage that they caused to places of worship and of refuge is said to be among the worst this time”, said Dr. Malayang.

“We urge everyone, including all our partner schools and institutions in the Philippines, Indonesia and elsewhere in the world, our faculty, students and alumni, to be one in prayer. Let us pray for peace and mutual understanding and respect. Let us pray for religious and racial tolerance and for a fuller understanding of our existence on earth being rooted on our ability to care for each other,” he added.

Malayang also called for prayers for healing, to cross “dividing beliefs and traditions” and “to see ourselves in all others”.

The Silliman University president also appealed for donations in cash or in kind and be a blessing to Christians and Muslims alike who are in distress to alleviate their suffering and improving living conditions.

“It is true that the issue confronting Singkil Aceh may be geographic, but it rocks at the core of our humanity. It rocks at the core of our individual well-being and aspirations to live our faith in a manner that binds, cares and reaffirms God’s greatness in all, for all,” said Malayang. (PNA) LAP/JFP/PR