Thursday, April 03, 2008 Pimentel, Nograles trade barbs on communion for Arroyo
SENATOR Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and House Speaker Prospero Nograles traded barbs over the statement of Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz that he would refuse to give communion to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for she is a sinner.
The bishop, however, clarified that it was not what he meant saying he was just misquoted by some media.
In a text message, Pimentel said: "As Filipino, Archbishop Cruz has all the right to speak on public concerns."
"Threatening him with congressional censure because he would withhold communion from public sinners is veiled invasion on the separation of Church and State," Pimentel said.
In his reaction, Nograles said though the bishop has indeed the right. He also must learn to practice Christ's teaching not to outrightly accuse anyone and sentence who are sinners and who are saints.
"Some bishops love to hug the media limelight now. Bishop Cruz has denied his statements and it's him or the media who interviewed him has lied. Hope bishop didn't say what media said he did. In Ateneo, we are taught we have a forgiving God. Hope we didn't create unforgiving bishops who sentence who are sinners and who are saints," Nograles said.
In his reply to Nograles's statement, Pimentel said sinners are only forgiven if they admit their fault.
"Forgiveness presumes penance. Ang kawatan di mahimong mapasaylo kung magpadayon sa iyang pagpangawat labi na sa kwarta sa gobyerno nga para sa katawhan (A thief cannot be forgiven if he continues to steal especially when the money is from government that should be used for the people)," the Senator said.
Archbishop Cruz readily denied stating that he will not grant the President and her family absolution and communion.
"I cannot say that because it's irreverent," Cruz said in Filipino during an interview over ABS-CBN's morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda."
The prelate, however, admitted that he wouldn't want to be put in a situation where President Arroyo is lined up with other Catholic faithful to receive communion from him. (BOT)
