Saturday, September 24, 2016

Faith leaders unite vs. summary killings

Posted by Herbert Curia - Promoter at Saturday, September 24, 2016 0 comments

From the Website of CBCP
links: http://www.cbcpnews.com/cbcpnews/?p=84809

Faith leaders unite vs. summary killings

MANILA, Sept. 24, 2016— Faith leaders are joining forces against the spate of summary killings happening in the wake of the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs”.

In Pangasinan, pastors said killings must end as they call for the end to criminality without sacrificing due process.

“The nation must be purged from drug dealers yet the rule of law must prevail and human rights must at all times be respected,” they said in a statement.

17 churches, groups

In less than three months under the new administration, about 3,500 drug suspects have been killed, mostly by unknown assailants and the others in legitimate police operations.

More than 700,000 self-confessed drug pushers and users have surrendered to authorities.

The leaders from at least 17 churches said extrajudicial executions must stop “and the voice of those who are in pain must be heard.”

“The threat of criminality and violence must now give way to the ministry of mercy and compassion,” they added.

Church leaders are also growing increasingly concerned about political wrangling that is sowing greater division and dissension in society.

According to them, the words of hate must stop and give way to hope and brotherhood.
“The bickering and quarreling must cease and let the balm of kindness now flow,” they said.

These churches/groups include:

Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan
United Methodist Church
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Muslim Community in Dagupan City
Christian Evangelical Ministries Federation
Dagupan Chinese Baptist Church
Radha Krisna Hindu Temple
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Philippines Urdaneta Mission
Bugallon Christian Church
Jesus Christ Saves Global Outreach Ministry
Good News Community Church
New Life in Christ Foursquare Gospel

Daily prayer

They also enjoined believers to join them in a prayer for peace in Pangasinan and for the whole country at 9:00 p.m. everyday.

Aside from the victims of summary executions and other crimes, prayers must also be offered for police officers and the military who, in the call of duty, put their lives in danger to maintain peace and order.

“That power is prayer. Our weapon against violence is prayer. There is no peace without prayer. There is no peace without God,” they said. (CBCPNews)

CBCP Website

http://www.cbcpnews.com/cbcpnews/

http://cbcpforlife.com/