Media professionals and communicators from different faith backgrounds gathered in prayer during the Global Prayer Assembly for Peace on 13 August, highlighting the media’s role in promoting truth, understanding, human rights and peace amid conflicts and social divisions.

The weekly interfaith gathering brings together people from various faiths and sectors to pray for peace. This week’s assembly was led by members of the media community.

Aida Gonzales, program host of DZME Radyo TV and COMPASS Media, opened the program with a message underscoring the responsibility of journalists and media workers during conflict and crisis.

“As members of the media, we have a crucial role in times of conflict and crisis. Often, journalists and media workers are among the first to witness and report what is happening on the ground — wars, violence, displacement, discrimination and other situations that affect communities,” Gonzales said.

She said the media’s responsibility goes beyond reporting conflicts, noting that “media can also become a bridge for peace through responsible storytelling.”

The interfaith prayers were led by Tu Alfonso, chairman of Bangsamoro Multimedia Network Inc., representing the Muslim community; Martin Racza of the University of the Philippines Manila and the Knights of Columbus, representing the Roman Catholic community; and Pastor Manny Tabingo, program host of “Beyond Sundays” at BIG 101.5 FM, representing the Christian and Protestant community.

Alfonso prayed for the protection of media workers and for their work to promote understanding, peace, reconciliation and unity among communities.

He also offered prayers for communities affected by the typhoon and those involved in relief and rescue operations.

“Oh Allah, bring peace where there is conflict, truth where there is confusion, justice where there is injustice and compassion where there is suffering,” Alfonso said.

Racza then prayed for media workers reporting from areas with and without conflict, asking that they be protected and uphold truth in their work.