Presented at international conference on "Reflection and Curriculum Development Interreligioys Understanding and Peacebuilding in Asia" held 21-23 May 2011 at the International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan. Project documents at www.smarkideas.com

1. Developing an Institutional Interdenominational Faith-Formation Program Using the Bottom-up Approach MARK RAYGAN E. GARCIA Project Leader Director, Office of Information & Publications Silliman University | Philippines

2. Team Members Dr. Muriel Montenegro, Dean, Divinity School Prof. Lily Apura, Chair, Religious Studies Program Ms. Sharon DadangRafols, Peace Education Coordinator, Justice and Peace Center

3. Background Silliman’s diverse student profile (geographical & religious distribution) 5 Cs of Silliman education | FIRE (Faith, Instruction, Research, Extension) Religion as an institutional course requirement Religious freedom on campus

4. Approaches | Assumptions Bottom-Up Approach Students are treated as “experts”; reverses traditional thought: one-way mentoring (teacher >>> student) Perception is reality “Alternative Packaging” Use of non-conventional, “non-threatening” ways of engagement and of stimulating the teaching-learning process Capitalizes on creativity; receptive to limitations

5. Objective 1 Provide an open space for discussion among students from at least three religious denominations represented in the University on their own religions and other people’s religions Methods utilized: Face-to-face, “alternative packaging” (paintings, play, dance, songs) Online/Digital tools

6. Objectives 2 Develop a collective understanding of religion by drawing up from the discussions commonalities and differences among religions in presenting what will be identified as actual and/or potential areas of conflict or tension among religions;

7. Objective 3 Serve as basis for the Justice and Peace Center to come up with an interdenominational faith-formation program specifically targeted at continuing dialogues on the role of religion in the life of students and the community, in fostering domestic and international peace Production of a material that incorporates: Module Guide Comic

8. Implementation Phase 1 Preliminary orientation Phase 2 Theme: “Me, Myself & My Faith Community” Objective / Expectation Setting Tell Your Story Dialogue / Team Dynamics Processing

9. Participants 13 student-participants 8 countries: Philippines, China (Tibet), Iran, Italy, Jordan, Korean, Nigeria, USA 4 religions: Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism

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14. Dialogue What is the meaning (and role) of your religion in your life? What is unique in your religion? Is there a characteristic in your religion similar to other religions? If yes, what are these? How do you refer to your creator? What about your religion (song, text, gesture, symbol) that you want to share with the group? How do you look at peace in your religion? Do you think your religion can work with other religions in achieving peace? How? In what ways?

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29. Implementation Phase 3 Theme: “Me & The World” 4 Topics: Environment Gender Equality Politics Education

30. Implementation Phase 4

31. Deliverables Module & Guide Comics

32. Let’s Connect Daghangsalamat(Thank you very much)! E-mail: markraygan@yahoo.com Web: www.smarkideas.com FB: www.facebook.com/markraygan