Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – “Pray and work for peace and for social transformation” in view of the imminent general elections on 10 May: this appeal is part of a statement with the title “Transforming the elections with solidarity of consciences”, a copy of which was sent to Fides Agency by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The statement is signed by the president of the Conference, Bishop Nereo Ochimar.
This is the second message addressed to Catholics and to the whole population in days (see Fides 28/4/2010 ) and this, according to Fides sources in the local Church, “bears witness to concern of the local Church at this determinant moment in the history of our country”.
The urgent call to “pray and work for peace and social transformation ” is a call to everyone – the statement reads – “to instil morality and spirituality into political activity and into the electoral process, by means of active involvement of the laity in impartial tasks such as offering instructions to voters, also on how to use automatic means ”. This urgency calls for active participation in discernment groups” and, for the work of men in uniform, “to guarantee and maintain peace ”.
Bishop Ochimar says he is optimistic, because he sees, despite the difficulties and challenges, commitment for transparency and morality at all levels, and this, he affirms “is a ray of hope for the country”.
The Bishops' statement makes a lucid analysis of the situation, noting persisting “ political patronage”, violation of the law in the electoral campaign, cases of violence, intimidation, vote trading, and voices trying to “silence the consciences of the citizens' ”.
On the other hand the Bishops praise groups of citizens, organisations, including parish councils, which are doing everything possible to guarantee a fair, credible and peaceful vote: commitment considered “essential for guaranteeing peace and order”. On the one hand there is “fear”, on the other, hope: this latest drift “from the vigorous emergence of democracy ” and the widespread conviction that “to be God -fearing is one of the most fundamental qualities for leadership”.
“The faithful – the statement affirms – are not only committed to guaranteeing credible elections”, they also help “discern credible candidates”. “As a nation we are learning to pray and work for social transformation”.
The statement ends with this appeal: to voters to “reject evil and listen to their own conscience”, illuminated by the Social Teaching of the Church; to the Electoral Commission to oversee carefully the functioning of new automatic machines to be used in this vote; to candidates to behave with “proven integrity and in a spirit of service”, with full respect for the Constitution.
“Let us say yes to our conscience, to the Constitution, and to Christ, committing ourselves with political involvement based on patience, humility and peace”, the Bishops conclude. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/5/2010)
