Philippine bishops celebrate Mass during a meeting in Manila. (Photo by Vincent Go)
The Philippine bishops have called on laypeople "to be actively engaged in the apostolate of evangelizing the political order" as the country prepares for next year's national elections.
The bishops said that while they would never endorse a particular candidate or party, "we commend efforts to arrive at a collective discernment on the basis of Catholic standards and principles, that are not necessarily sectarian".
In their Aug. 11 statement on socio-political concerns titled "Bringing Christ to Politics," the bishops encouraged debate among candidates and called on dioceses to organize public forums and debates that will allow the public "to familiarize themselves with the positions, platforms, plans, beliefs and convictions of our candidates."
The prelates said such meetings should be permeated by a "genuine sense of fairness, consecration to the truth and, above all, charity."
On the issue of poverty, the bishops said that although the economy has improved and economic fundamentals are strong, "as pastors, we are deeply concerned with the inclusiveness of economic gain".
"Government and corporate figures remain items of cold statistics until they are translated into better lives by those now most disadvantaged," said the bishops' statement signed by Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, president of the bishops’ conference.
On the peace process in the southern Philippines, the prelates said they have always insisted that a peaceful and just settlement must be acceptable to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The prelates said there would be nothing more prejudicial to the peace process than a resurgence of violence and lawlessness.
"We urge all to allow the institutions of our democracy to craft a solution, in dialogue with all, to this challenge," they said.