Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic laity should actively participate in the pastoral life of the Church and social renewal, with an “evangelically fruitful presence” in institutions, politics, the structures of society, for the common good of the nation: this is what is stated a new pastoral letter published by the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and signed by the President, Bishop Angel Lagdameo.
The Letter is part of a concrete effort of awareness and formation regarding political life and the active role in society that the Church in the Philippines wishes to carry out in preparation for the important presidential elections scheduled for June 2010. This year (June 2009-June 2010) has been proclaimed “year of prayer and commitment for the construction of peace,” to thus promote “the participation of the laity in changing society.” The Catholic faithful have been encouraged to recite a prayer on Sundays, with the special intention of the nation's future and the important 2010 elections. The document highlights the urgent need to restore morality in politics, contaminated by the search for personal interest, cynicism, apathy, corruption, dishonesty, and the “structures of sin” that threaten the welfare of the nation and the coming of God's Kingdom.
The text, in quoting various passages from various documents and encyclicals on the social teachings of the Catholic Church, specific modalities and lines of action of the Church in the Philippines in this important sector.
First of all, the laity are exhorted to be witnesses to the faith in the political arena, thus carrying out a true mission for the common good. The Bishops also make a call to the parishes, the Catholic schools, and volunteers, requesting their full collaboration so that they preserve their integrity and their freedom in voting. There is also a call made to all citizens, to know how to safeguard, both during and after the vote, the secret and transparency of the scrutinies, as well as the correct use of the ballots.
In the text, the Bishops make their position clear, rejecting several hypothesis that have circulated in the political scene: the possibility of postponing the 2010 elections or transforming the House of Representatives in a sort of “constitutive assembly” right on the eve of the elections, which would have the same effect as changing the popular vote to a later date.
Moreover, there is also the subject of respect for human rights (with the firm condemnation of the illegal executions, kidnappings, and torturing) and peace, mentioning the situation of violence and conflict that continues to be present in the South Philippines.
Finally, a call is made to the government, asking that it respect the laws, protecting the weak, once again trying to negotiate with the guerrilla movements, to reach an authentic peace, affirming that the path to peace involves “repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/7/2009)
