There
are Filipino politicians who decry the ‘intervention’ of Church leaders in
Philippine politics. They always cite the Constitutional provision on the
separation of Church and the State. But majority of politicians tolerate the
political activities of some Church leaders, especially during election season.
This is understandable since many Filipinos remain obedient to the teachings
and instructions of religious leaders.[1]
As is the case in other parts of the world, there are increasingly more evangelical
charismatic Christian organizations being established – which in the
Philippines, naturally have political connections. Within the Catholic Church,
there is El
Shaddai, headed by Mike Velarde whose son Rene is a member of
congress for the Buhay (“life”) Party List. On the Protestant side, there is
Jesus is Lord (JIL) headed by Eddie Villanueva whose son Joel in turn served
the maximum three terms as party list congressman and was appointed by the
Aquino administration to head the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA). “Bro. Eddie” himself has run repeatedly for president,
though his vote percentage totals are always in the single digits[2]
The
Iglesia Ni Cristo’s sphere of political influence is much revered by those who
would like to have seats in the government. The group’s endorsement is also
much awaited for during campaign period. According to Inquirer.net, on May 10, 2007, the Iglesia Ni Cristo “has a
membership of at least two million — only a fifth of the 10 million required
for a senatorial candidate to land in the winning circle of 12, but enough to
provide a head start.” This ‘head start’ is an eye candy to politicians, enough
even for presidential candidates to court the sect leader. They deem that
whoever is given the blessings of the group’s executive minister, his seat in
the government is assured.[3]
Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father, the principal
author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United
States (1801–1809)[4] explains that “Religious institutions
that use government power in support of themselves and force their views on
persons of other faith or of no faith, undermine all our civil rights.
Moreover, state support of an established religion tends to make the clergy unresponsive
to their own people, and leads to corruption within the religion itself.
Erecting the “wall of separation between church and state,” therefore, is
absolutely necessary in a free society.” [5]
The main
purpose of the church leaders is the soul winning, the clergyman sees his
primary role as an evangelist, save souls and reach out the lost through
witnessing, evangelism, visitations, and crusades.
Clergyman has the passion for
the area of worship, focus on the presence and power of God in worship and
revival. He loves to be with the people by fellowshipping, caring and be like a
family member in the community. His role of being a teacher and preacher
completes his divine task in the church.
On the other hand, it is not encouraging for the people seeing a clergyman in the middle of social and political issues. Though, he can have the so called “social conscience” like the prophet and reformer in the bible who wants to take the stand, do something for changes of the society. But to be like an activist or act like as liberal and do political process that tends to focus on the injustice of the society, then this will not be good and encouraging as Man of God to influence the community that He is serving.
On the other hand, it is not encouraging for the people seeing a clergyman in the middle of social and political issues. Though, he can have the so called “social conscience” like the prophet and reformer in the bible who wants to take the stand, do something for changes of the society. But to be like an activist or act like as liberal and do political process that tends to focus on the injustice of the society, then this will not be good and encouraging as Man of God to influence the community that He is serving.
The leadership of church and state should really be
separated to avoid the influence of the Church leader to manipulate the
Government just like the Spanish period in the Philippines all the priest are
the one who is manipulating the Government. Clergymen should concentrate to
serve the Lord with holiness. Unlike, if he is serving in the government he is
prone to temptation like corruption, abuse of authority, immorality etc.
because in the government or the political world, there is only evil or less
evil, even though your intentions are good in running for politics but there
will always be temptation
I definitely in favor that clergymen must stay in his spiritual mission, bringing people closer to God and separate from social and political concern and issues. With these, His spiritual purpose will be achieved as God’s design and plan for him.
[2]
Weekly Insight and Analysis In Asia, See http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2012/02/29/religion-and-politics-mix-in-the-philippines/
[3]
Iglesia Ni Cristo Wordpress, See http://iglesianicristo.wordpress.com/what-is-the-reality-behind-bloc-voting-of-inc-of-manalo/
[4]
Wikipedia See, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson
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