I think it is too late for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (and the entire Roman Catholic Church hierarchy in the Philippines). They should accept the fact that they were casualties of the scorched earth policy of the Arroyo regime.
Acting on the disclosure by Pampanga Governor Fr. Ed Panlilio, the CBCP is calling on others to follow Panlilio’s example. Not only that, they assail what they call the moral bankruptcy of national leaders. (Not coincidentally, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza says cash giving in the Fortress is normal; he had received money since at least 2001.) Poor bishops, they had not seen this problem when it has been staring at their faces since 2005.
This is what I wrote back in July, 2006, The Church as Another Casualty of War:
This year, which is fast becoming a repeat of last year, the Fortress has utilized a two-prong approach on how to neutralize the Church’s influence on the public. Basically, the Fortress’ aim is to further reduce the public’s trust on the Church as an institution. The attacks are either subtle or brazen, or both.
First, it courted the support of the bishops by doling out cash and other help in the runup to the CBCP plenary this month. Many bishops came out in the open, decried the obvious bribery ploy, and condemned such a foul attempt. Many bishops also saw nothing wrong with the doleouts. Thus, the plenary was divided on how to come up with a pastoral statement. The idea of a consensus, to me, is more of a compromise than a true consensus. And we will probably never know the effect of the doleouts in the voting at the CBCP plenary. You know what happened next.
The Church has been confronted with the sins of the Arroyo administration since 2004, and for the past several years it has chosen to ignore these sins. Now, faced with the brazenness that it has allowed, the Church seriously has a problem with regards to credibility. Its call is too late; the brazen corruption is so entrenched, that I always wonder if major excision is necessary. Whether it will be a civil war or another EDSA moment, I do not know. But I am hoping that I will see such brazenness stopped within my lifetime. (And since I believe my lifetime will be short, I hope that change will happen within 10 years.)
They have a lot of catching up to do. But better late than never.
I. The church moves slow; it consults with God.
II. Past practices (antecedents) make bribery legal. NOT.
III. Make your money by all means.
IV. Fast track your sainthood; buy THE real estate.
V. There is schism in the Philippine Roman Catholic Church. (A part put out a statement that there was no fraud in the 2007 mid-term elections.)
VI. I say, “Amen”.
With Cardinal Rosales protecting Gloria’s ass, expect the church to be always late.
It can’t be helped, religion after all is the opium of the people. Or of the fortress? or of the bishops themselves?
where is cardinal rosales when gloria needs her? Now is the time for him to remind people that there are bigger fishes to catch
…religion after all is the opium of the people.
So that’s what those Buddhist monks in Burma were smoking. Our priests and bishops need some of that.
Seriously, youre right, arbet. But I dont think they were casualties. Their problem is they didnt even show up. When the country’s moral compass was going haywire, they were doing nothing, complacent, living in comfort on donations and the goodwill of those in power. The Church has dropped the ball on this a long time ago. The people look to them for moral leadership and find nothing.
Since jhay quoted Karl Marx, let me do so as well. Mark said religion is the heart of a heartless world, the soul of soulless conditions. What say you, CBCP. The people are looking to you for leadership. Dont let them down. You guys start marching and not a few people will march with you.
Hi, Mam Ellen, as long as Cardinal Rosales and Bishop Villegas keep their mouth shut, I am giving them a chance.
Hi, Arthur, you lack four more.
Hi, Schumey, correction: with Rosales, the Church will never bother at all.
Hi, Jhay, I don’t think so. Marx’ metaphor is wrong. Religion is not addicting. Corruption is.
Hi, Sir MB, please don’t go looking for him, baka masira momentum ng CBCP.
Hi, Jeg, as an institution, they were destroyed by their collective inaction. Yes, you are right, but will they even move at this point?
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