Breaking the Wall

Breaking the Wall

As enunciated in our Constitution, Section 6 of Article 2 - The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Catholicism has been part of our history and our present. Its influences have remained our practice today. To recall, church played a vital role in the introduction of education to Filipinos, enrichment of culture and our way of living. Most often, people follow Christian rules and beliefs and make their own society separate from nonbelievers and even the government.

From the political side, different sects have proved their influence as well guaranteeing millions of vote because of their solid & loyal support to chosen politicians. Indeed, church is powerful.

Some agencies are gulity of the violation of this provision. Local government and agencies often favor one religion by providing financial assistance and support for their programs. One is also when a prayer is conducted for every governmental programs held or any program where government officials are present. Public schools, offices, facilities are seen with religious symbols.

Government’s efforts have been challenged during devastations. Prayers and religious supports brought help and made our nation together. But the government should make a stand and implement the law separate from religious beliefs. Head officials should observe the same. It must be a strong, unbiased government for the people. As Thomas Jefferson once said, Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law.

The Church, in contrary, must leave the State on its decisions and administration. They should not run the government and the government should not run the church.They have the right to it’s beliefs and practices which cannot and may not help government.

This separation is the only way the society can be free. But the problem is separation becomes a competition and separation of people. But nowadays when people are not fully aware of the should-be separation between the church and the government, what will be the government’s move to alleviate misconceptions and wrong practices between the State and Church? Is Philippine government, a religious Catholic country ready for its complete separation? Or will this remain a theory or debate, and people will still be classified as pro or anti.