CBCP pastoral exhortation

We have been informed that a segment of the Philippine Army has planned a “coup" on the occasion of rallies commemorating EDSA People Power 1, a sign of withdrawing its support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. As a result thereof, the President has declared a “state of emergency"- among others prohibiting holding of rallies, resulting in the arrest of some civilians. As the governance of President Arroyo continues to be haunted by questions of legitimacy and corruption, our life as a people is unavoidably affected. In the meantime, as we discern the “signs of the times" we call upon all in civil society to exercise prudence, sobriety, patience and vigilance. Let us meet this event with calmness. We reject violence from whichever group that may come either in pursuance of its purpose or to take advantage of the crisis-situation. Remember Tayo’y kapwa Pilipino, mahal ng Dios! To all parties concerned, we as Shepherds appeal to you to be open to reason and respect truth and the Rule of Law and to avoid creating the atmosphere of belligerency –because innocent people are likely to become involuntary victims of selfish interest. The situation is a challenge to magnanimously prove that your patriotism and concern for the poor and the suffering are of higher value than personal political survival. May the players in the military and political unrest all listen to one another in dialogue and come to agreement for the good of our country. May there be honesty, peace, freedom and justice in the pursuance of the democratic order. May the decision-makers and problem-solvers have the integrity and wisdom to put the total welfare of the suffering republic above party interest and ambition to power, and to soonest end our military and political crisis without bloodshed. We invite all people of goodwill, especially the Church organizations and the contemplatives to have a chain of Holy Hours, where feasible, before the Blessed Sacrament to pray for our country. We invoke the Most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary that they may help us in these trying times. Lord, deliver our country from further corruption and greater crisis. Pastoral Exhortation (Call for Patriotism) Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Sgd. + ARCHBISHOP ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO CBCP President