Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Nalzaro: Church threat By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
THE Roman Catholic Church is the dominant religion in the country. I embrace that religion, although I am ashamed to claim I am a devout Catholic.
I thought Catholics are no longer under abusive Spanish friars, who imposed the religion on our forefathers using the Bible on one hand and pressure, coercion and intimidation on the other.
The Spanish clergy destroyed local religious practices. They systematically destroyed indigenous holy places and “idols.” They also tried to stamp out all examples of native scripts and literature for fear that Filipinos used exotic symbols to foment rebellion.
I don't want to dwell much on this matter because this is found in our history books and in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.
But I thought things have changed. I thought there is already religious freedom and everybody can question policies and teachings of the Church. I thought we are already practicing one of the teachings of Jesus Christ, which is forgiveness.
Why is the Church hierarchy exerting pressure on Catholics whom they perceive as critical of and do not follow its belief and teachings?
Take for example the Church's stand regarding legislators who endorsed the so-called anti-life bills pending in Congress. Archbishop Jesus Dosado of Ozamis said these legislators will be asked to refrain from receiving Holy Communion because they are “in a situation of sin.”
I remember also Dagupan-Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz say months ago that, if he had a choice, he would not administer Holy Communion on President Arroyo because she is corrupt.
Why would the Church exert this kind of pressure? Why involve one's faith in a political exercise? Congress is a political institution and our Constitution mandates the separation of Church and the State.
I think that what our Catholic leaders should do with regards to the “anti-life” bills is to wage a lobby and register their opposition during congressional hearings. They can also stage protest actions, like what they did last Saturday.
Issuing threats will not do it any good as it would alienate its flock instead of unite them. And why would legislators worry over the threat when there is no Catholic vote?
What if Congress, in retaliation, passes a law imposing importation taxes on religious organizations? Di kaha mokisisi ang taga-simbahan ani?
