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Philippine Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’ Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’ MANILA, June 19, 2012— Why ban something that would remind people to be good Christians? Catholic bishops raised the question as a …More
Philippine Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’
Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’
MANILA, June 19, 2012— Why ban something that would remind people to be good Christians?
Catholic bishops raised the question as a reaction to a proposed measure filed in Congress, which seeks to ban prayer services and religious symbols in government offices.
According to church officials, such things do not violate any law and there is no reason for banning them in public offices.
“Majority of our employers and employees are Catholics. The small crucifix and a short prayer will remind them to be good, honest and just employers and employees,” said Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
“It has many positive and advantageous results. I hope our legislators will be more discreet,” said the former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the people have always the right to express their faith “because of its social dimension.”
“Since majority of our people are Catholics, then they should be respected in expressing their belief,” Ongtioco said.
For Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez: “We have freedom in practicing our religion. That bill is a limitation of the exercise of religious practices.”
A left-leaning lawmaker has earlier pressed for approval of the Religious Freedom in Government Offices Act, a bill that seeks to ban all religious ceremonies including Mass, prayers, Christmas parties and blessings, among others in all government premises.
The measure, filed by Kabataan party list Rep. Raymond Palatino, also pushes for the removal of religious symbols like crucifix, Bible, Koran and others in public offices.
“If the majority wants the image there, then well and good. If it doesn’t like it, well and good… but I am quite amazed that somebody could think of this bill, honest,” said retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, also a former CBCP president.
“It’s a good advertisement if you really want to run for higher office. People will talk about you and, before you know it, you will become better known. In that regard, I admire him. I think it is a very good strategy,” he said. [CBCPNews]
Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’
MANILA, June 19, 2012— Why ban something that would remind people to be good Christians?
Catholic bishops raised the question as a reaction to a proposed measure filed in Congress, which seeks to ban prayer services and religious symbols in government offices.
According to church officials, such things do not violate any law and there is no reason for banning them in public offices.
“Majority of our employers and employees are Catholics. The small crucifix and a short prayer will remind them to be good, honest and just employers and employees,” said Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
“It has many positive and advantageous results. I hope our legislators will be more discreet,” said the former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the people have always the right to express their faith “because of its social dimension.”
“Since majority of our people are Catholics, then they should be respected in expressing their belief,” Ongtioco said.
For Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez: “We have freedom in practicing our religion. That bill is a limitation of the exercise of religious practices.”
A left-leaning lawmaker has earlier pressed for approval of the Religious Freedom in Government Offices Act, a bill that seeks to ban all religious ceremonies including Mass, prayers, Christmas parties and blessings, among others in all government premises.
The measure, filed by Kabataan party list Rep. Raymond Palatino, also pushes for the removal of religious symbols like crucifix, Bible, Koran and others in public offices.
“If the majority wants the image there, then well and good. If it doesn’t like it, well and good… but I am quite amazed that somebody could think of this bill, honest,” said retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, also a former CBCP president.
“It’s a good advertisement if you really want to run for higher office. People will talk about you and, before you know it, you will become better known. In that regard, I admire him. I think it is a very good strategy,” he said. [CBCPNews]