Bishop Tobias to lead Inter-Faith Movement in mass, protests on Aug. 30
The Most Rev. Antonio Tobias, Bishop of the Diocese of Novaliches, through the Inter-Faith Movement for Truth, Justice and Genuine Change (IFM), in coordination with the White Ribbon Movement, will celebrate a Holy Mass for the Nation and lead a “collective expression of the people’s vigilance” regarding the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through a march rally towards the Batasang Pambansa tomorrow, August 30, 2005.
The Concelebrated Mass and Ecumenical Prayer Assembly will be held from 10:00 am – 11:30 am in St. Peter Parish, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Participants of the Holy Mass and March Rally are all encouraged to wear white as a symbol of the people’s quest for Truth, Justice and Genuine Change.
Recognizing that the country is in deep crisis, IFM was established by the Ecumenical Bishops Forum and other faith-based groups to engage religious leaders in the “commitment, vow and life towards the realization of truth, justice and genuine change.”
Bishop Tobias explained the IFM’s four-point basis of unity during a press conference in St. Peter Church today:
The Call for PGMA Resignation: IFM believes that the “Hello Garci” scandal was not just a “lapse in judgment.” In the face of manipulations and plunder of public funds to rig the elections in favor of GMA and Noli, apology is not enough. IFM actively supports PGMA impeachment and/or resignation. IFM affiliates with the White Ribbon Movement in its call for PGMA’s resignation for the good of the people and country. IFM is one with the churches, people’s organizations, political parties and individuals who call for the immediate resignation of GMA for she lost credibility to effectively govern the country. IFM also supports the impeachment complaint against GMA for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption and bribery.
NO to Charter Change: IFM strongly opposes charter change. Changing the form of government from presidential to parliamentary will not produce fundamental changes and social transformation since the same traditional politicians will dominate the law-making body.
Economic and Political Sovereignty: IFM believes that economic and political sovereignty should be promoted in order for our nation to survive. This country must have a clear policy on national sovereignty, land reform and national industrialization, patriotic and scientific culture, and independent foreign policy for development and world peace against aggression.
People Empowerment and Good Governance: IFM believes that empowering the people is an important element in a democratic government. A united and empowered people is our best chance in resolving the crisis and moving forward in the struggle for genuine change. A “new government” after the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime, should be formed by the various groups, sectors and movements especially the worker and peasant sectors.
“It is imperative for us, leaders of Church Institutions, Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions, Religious Congregations and Faith Communities, to exercise our prophetic ministry. This is the time to unite as religious leaders and laity so that the Lord’s prayer, “May they all be one as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they be one in us; so the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21, CCB), may be realized. In behalf of Coordinating Council, I cordially invite you to be part of this movement. Let us champion the Gospel values of truth, justice and genuine change!,” Bishop Tobias asserted.
The IFM is an ecumenical and inter-faith movement composed of Catholic and Protestant Bishops, Muslim leaders, priests, pastors, religious sisters, church workers, seminarians, deaconesses, teachers, formators and lay people who have bonded together to work for truth, justice and genuine change in Philippine society.
The Concelebrated Mass and Ecumenical Prayer Assembly will be held from 10:00 am – 11:30 am in St. Peter Parish, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Participants of the Holy Mass and March Rally are all encouraged to wear white as a symbol of the people’s quest for Truth, Justice and Genuine Change.
Recognizing that the country is in deep crisis, IFM was established by the Ecumenical Bishops Forum and other faith-based groups to engage religious leaders in the “commitment, vow and life towards the realization of truth, justice and genuine change.”
Bishop Tobias explained the IFM’s four-point basis of unity during a press conference in St. Peter Church today:
The Call for PGMA Resignation: IFM believes that the “Hello Garci” scandal was not just a “lapse in judgment.” In the face of manipulations and plunder of public funds to rig the elections in favor of GMA and Noli, apology is not enough. IFM actively supports PGMA impeachment and/or resignation. IFM affiliates with the White Ribbon Movement in its call for PGMA’s resignation for the good of the people and country. IFM is one with the churches, people’s organizations, political parties and individuals who call for the immediate resignation of GMA for she lost credibility to effectively govern the country. IFM also supports the impeachment complaint against GMA for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption and bribery.
NO to Charter Change: IFM strongly opposes charter change. Changing the form of government from presidential to parliamentary will not produce fundamental changes and social transformation since the same traditional politicians will dominate the law-making body.
Economic and Political Sovereignty: IFM believes that economic and political sovereignty should be promoted in order for our nation to survive. This country must have a clear policy on national sovereignty, land reform and national industrialization, patriotic and scientific culture, and independent foreign policy for development and world peace against aggression.
People Empowerment and Good Governance: IFM believes that empowering the people is an important element in a democratic government. A united and empowered people is our best chance in resolving the crisis and moving forward in the struggle for genuine change. A “new government” after the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime, should be formed by the various groups, sectors and movements especially the worker and peasant sectors.
“It is imperative for us, leaders of Church Institutions, Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions, Religious Congregations and Faith Communities, to exercise our prophetic ministry. This is the time to unite as religious leaders and laity so that the Lord’s prayer, “May they all be one as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they be one in us; so the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21, CCB), may be realized. In behalf of Coordinating Council, I cordially invite you to be part of this movement. Let us champion the Gospel values of truth, justice and genuine change!,” Bishop Tobias asserted.
The IFM is an ecumenical and inter-faith movement composed of Catholic and Protestant Bishops, Muslim leaders, priests, pastors, religious sisters, church workers, seminarians, deaconesses, teachers, formators and lay people who have bonded together to work for truth, justice and genuine change in Philippine society.
posted by Bantay Impeachment at 12:27 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home