Christmas in Our Hearts

'Iglesia ni Duterte'

President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte (Photo from New Mandala)

By: Red Tani from Inquirer Opinion

Tweeter @inquirerdotnet
12:18 AM June 1st, 2016

After admitting in a recent press conference that he is no longer a Catholic, Rodrigo Duterte remarked that he had a new religion: “Iglesia ni Duterte.”

He invited people to join it, presumably after leaving the Catholic Church, which he has called “the most hypocritical institution.”

Many will dismiss the invitation as just another joke. But I think the idea of a religion with Duterte as its deity is not as far from the truth as you’d expect.

For starters, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call some of Duterte’s followers fanatical, even cultist. Teachers at the high school where Duterte recently cast his vote plan on preserving the chair he sat on as he voted in a museum. In at least one sortie, supporters braved crowds for a chance to get a towel graced with his sweat—a scene that evokes the Black Nazarene procession. A Facebook page called “Duterte Savior of the Philippines” has over 27,000 fans.

Duterte is without fault for this fanaticism. In a speech he delivered at an assembly of the Makati Business Club, he said that to understand his mind, we must “forget about the laws of men” and “imagine the… justice of the Lord.”

In a program hosted by Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of a sect that believes him, Quiboloy, to be the actual Son of God, Duterte recalled how the evangelist’s prophecy gave him the idea to seek the presidency. He said that despite his initial reluctance, God made it his destiny to become president.

Many #DearPresidentDigong posts on social media sound less like requests and more like prayers. And who can blame them for expecting this much from someone who originally promised to eliminate crime in three to six months?

Understanding the ‘Catholic vote’

Catholics are not blind followers.  They use their consciences to vote. -CD2000

(Source:Opinion Inquirer) Many people will liken the notion of a “Catholic vote” to the alleged bloc vote of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. First, we must explain what it is not. The Catholic vote is not a bloc vote according to the dictates of the clergy. It would not be acceptable for the bishops and priests to dictate whom to vote. All this would be very alien to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Catholics are united in what the “Magisterium,” or the teaching authority of the Church, teaches regarding faith and morals. The true mark of Catholicity is this unity in matters of faith and morals combined with great respect for individual freedom and responsibility in temporal matters. Since politics is concerned with temporal matters, Catholics are free to use their own criteria, keeping in mind the common good.

Thus, the decision process of a Catholic is two-tiered: The top tier is the criteria for matters that have to do with faith and morals, and the lower tier is concerned with temporal issues. Before Republic Act 10354, there was never any need for a Catholic vote: Legislation was exclusively concerned with policymaking on temporal matters regulating civil life. The situation changed completely with the introduction of the reproductive health bill—a policy that impinged on the sacredness of human life and the sanctity of marriage. The Catholic vote was born in the hearts of the faithful as they helplessly listened to politicians they elected cast their votes in favor of RH.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says: “When the Church addresses her social teaching to issues of the common good, she has no intention of giving the Church power over the State or to impose on those who do not share the faith ways of thinking and modes of conduct proper to faith.”

Bravity in Leadership with Honest Truthfulness

"President Abbas must do what I have done. I stood before my people, and I told you it wasn’t easy for me, and I said… “I will accept a Palestinian state.” It is time for President Abbas to stand before his people and say… “I will accept a Jewish state.”

-Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress 24 May 2011

"Iglesia ni Cristo lobbying for Guitierrez" - Tupaz

By Cynthia Balana

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupaz Jr. (Photo Source: PolWatch)

MANILA, Philippines—A high-ranking official of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has been calling members of the House of Representatives, urging them to kill the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., chair of the House committee on justice, said in making the disclosure: “Gumagapang na (They are furtively maneuvering already).”

“Members from both the Liberal Party and parties that are non-LP, and even some members of the justice committee, reported having received calls from this official from Iglesia,” Tupas said, without naming the official.

The Inquirer attempted to get a response from INC officials but they declined to comment.

In Egypt, young people are changing Islam, separating religion and politics

by Husani Massri

The demonstrations do not stop after Mubarak's speech and the declaration of the Supreme Council of the army. The international community is guided only by their own interests, but does not understand the needs of the Egyptian people. Should be supporting the youth of Tahrir Square. The transition in Egypt is a symbol that can change the Arab world and the planet.

Cairo (AsiaNews) - Tahrir Square is not only about social demands (wages, jobs, bread, etc. ..), but implementing change in Islam. Young people reject both the military dictatorship and the Islamic republic, they want a modern state that guarantees full citizenship to all, Christians or Muslims. Proof of this is that since 25 January, when the demonstrations began, police have removed security details from Christian churches and there have been no attacks. This is why, what is happening these days in Cairo has the power to change the Arab world and the entire planet. Here we publish the considerations of an illustrious figure from the Egyptian Christian world, who wanted to share them with AsiaNews readers. The name used is a pseudonym.

Still today, Tahrir Square is overflowing with hundreds of thousands of young and old, men and women, disappointed and unhappy about Mubarak's speech yesterday. Last night, the Rais, in a televised address categorically ruled out his abandonment of power, which the crowds continue to demand. Mubarak has only promised to cede some powers to his deputy Omar Suleiman, but insists on remaining in power until presidential elections next September.

Cardinal Zen laments China’s illicit ordination of Catholic bishop

Beijing, China, (EWTN News/CNA)

xxxxxxx

China’s government-run Catholic organization has ordained a bishop without the approval of the Pope. In response, a prominent cardinal (link mine) said the action never should have happened.

Fr. Guo Jincai was ordained at Pingquan Church in northeastern Hebei province’s Chengde city on Nov. 20 in the presence of eight Vatican-approved bishops.

The ordination took place under strong security, with dozens of police blocking the building and denying entrance to reporters, the Associated Press says. At least three of the bishops had been sequestered by the government for several days to pressure them to participate.

China and the Vatican broke off diplomatic relations nearly 60 years ago over the unapproved ordinations of bishops. Relations between the Catholic Church and the Chinese government had improved in recent years, though Catholics loyal to Rome have faced harassment and persecution.

Islamic nations snub UN plea to help flood victims

Pakistanis desperately in need of help.

PAKISTAN (theaustraliannews) -ISLAMIC nations are shunning a United Nations appeal for the worsening Pakistan floods, amid tensions with President Zardari.

Western countries have rallied to Pakistan's aid, with the US and Britain the leading donors in the drive to raise $US460 million in the first 90 days. Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, is expected to attend a special meeting of the UN General Assembly on Thursday to show solidarity with Pakistan, diplomats said.

Not a single Islamic nation appeared yesterday on the UN's latest list of donors, despite efforts to reach out to them.

The US had pledged $US62million, followed by Britain with $US26 million, bringing current commitments to $US204million - less than half of the UN's goal.

Japan came third with $US13 million, followed by lesser pledges from 18 other countries. The World Bank promised a $US900 million loan.

With 20 million people affected by the floods, the disaster has touched the lives of more people than the Haiti earthquake earlier this year, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, and the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. UN officials lament, however, that the aid response is falling short. "The response so far has been strong but we do need for it to be sustained and continue," said Nicholas Reader, a spokesman for the UN's humanitarian co-ordinator.

Mr Reader noted that Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia had traditionally given aid directly to Pakistan rather than through the UN. "The money we track is ... given to the multilateral process and given through UN appeals," he said. "It does not track the money that is given bilaterally."

Analysts blamed Riyadh's strained relations with President Zardari for the apparent indifference of the oil-rich Saudi Government. "King Abdullah has never liked Mr Zardari, for various reasons," said a former Pakistani diplomat.

"One is Mr Zardari's closeness to the Americans. His being a Shia may also be a factor."

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, has asked the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to convene a special session to help his country.

Turkey and Kuwait have pledged $US5million each and Malaysia has offered $US1 million. Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered $US100million, but has so far sent only one aircraft with relief goods. The United Arab Emirates has dispatched six helicopters.

Anti-government protests broke out yesterday in many areas of Pakistan affected by floods as the UN warned that 3.5 million children were at risk from cholera and other diseases because the aid effort was inadequate.

Demonstrators blocked a road and attacked vehicles in Sukkur in President Zardari's home province of Sindh, as raging waters marooned dozens more villages. Protests were also reported in Punjab province, where millions of people are still without food, clean drinking water, shelter and proper medical help.

The Times