NOTÍSIA LITERÁRIA, (LIBERDADETL.com) — In Timor-Leste, peace has emerged not only through political reform and national rebuilding, but also through ongoing interfaith efforts rooted in education, dialogue, and community engagement. Among these efforts are long-running initiatives involving religious leaders, educators, and civic groups—highlighting the importance of collaboration across faith and political lines.
One example of such interfaith engagement can be seen in the contributions of Pastor Arlindo Francisco Marçal, whose work intersects faith, education, and civic responsibility in support of national healing. He currently works in partnership with HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), an organization that promotes peacebuilding through cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue.
This interview draws on the experience behind these initiatives to explore the idea that peace is fostered through personal reflection, sustained practice, and the willingness to overcome division.
From Suffering to Faith, and Then to Peace
Pastor Marçal’s life is closely tied to the modern history of Timor-Leste. As a young man, he was captured by the Indonesian military and forced into labor. It was during this period of hardship that he first encountered faith. He later became the first officially ordained Protestant pastor in the country and has since dedicated himself to the pursuit of justice, reconciliation, and peace.
From his involvement in the nation’s independence movement and constitutional development to his roles as an educator and spiritual leader, Pastor Marçal has consistently worked to promote the well-being and harmony of his community.
A Journey Toward Interfaith Harmony
Although he once held political office, Pastor Marçal has since returned to the spiritual core of his vocation and now works with HWPL to advance practical peace initiatives. His engagement with HWPL began through an interfaith dialogue where religious leaders gathered to explore pathways to peace. He said he was particularly drawn to HWPL’s philosophy of promoting peace beyond the boundaries of any single religious denomination. After enrolling in HWPL’s IRPA (International Religious Peace Academy), he gained a renewed appreciation for the value of interreligious cooperation and civic peace education.
With over 40 years of experience in ministry, Pastor Marçal emphasizes, “Religion should transcend doctrinal differences and institutional divisions to actively contribute to social justice and peace.”
“Peace Begins from the Heart”
“Building roads and cities is certainly important,” Pastor Marçal said in the interview. “But even more essential is cultivating upright character and the values of peace in people’s hearts. Without inner preparedness and harmony within communities, even the most well-designed systems can ultimately collapse.”
“True peace begins when we lead by example—in both our words and actions. And it all starts from within,” he concluded. His message stands as a powerful reminder that the roots of lasting peace lie not only in physical development, but in the moral and spiritual foundation of individuals and communities.
He describes HWPL as “an international organization that pursues genuine peace beyond the interests of any particular religious group.” He notes that this principle is what draws many long-serving religious leaders, including himself, to strongly identify with the organization’s mission.
