POSITION PAPER
“EVANGELIZATION:
JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT AND LIBERATION
in the ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA TODAY”
June 01, 1977
The joys and sorrows, the hopes and fears of GOD’S PEOPLE today, particularly
in the ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA, especially on the part of those who are indigent,
voiceless or afflicted, these too are our own joys and sorrows, our hopes
and fears, as their Pastors and co-followers of CHRIST.
With the Gospel truths in mind,
committed to the sole intent of proclaiming the GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION and
thus continue the redemptive Work of CHRIST Himself in favor of men under
the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT with the love of the FATHER, at this point
in history, we look closely at the signs of the times, reflect upon them
in the light of the Gospel, and herein declare our consonant pastoral task
and thrust.
Wherefore with christian love
and understanding towards all, with no ill-will towards anyone, we, PRIESTS
and RELIGIOUS duly exercising our ministry in the ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA in
full communion with the CARDINAL ARCHBISHOP thereof, formally issue this POSITION
PAPER as demanded by the changed and changing times, and existentially responsive
to our priestly and religious vocation today.
I. EVANGELIZATION
We hold that the dynamic foundation
and eschatological summit of EVANGELIZATION is to bear witness to GOD as revealed
by JESUS CHRIST in the HOLY SPIRIT, to proclaim that through the Paschal Mystery
of the same CHRIST, all men are offered salvation as a gift of grace and mercy
from GOD that has its onset in this life and fulfillment in eternity, to preach
hope in the New Covenant made by GOD in JESUS CHRIST notwithstanding our human
limitations and sinful conditions, to build and renew consistently the community
of GOD’S PEOPLE, the Church of CHRIST, sustained by the sacramental signs,
with the celebration of the Eucharist as culminating point thereof.
We consider EVANGELIZATION
incomplete if no account is taken of the unremitting interaction between the
Gospel truths and man’s personal and social life, between the Gospel message
made explicit in time and the different human situations equally realized
constantly in time.
We see EVANGELIZATION as a
dynamic link between GOD and man, between the salvation of man and human history.
EVANGELIZATION is for man with a life here and now — although not only here
nor only now — subject to social and economic questions that are the concern
of JUSTICE and the factors of DEVELOPMENT.
II. EVANGELIZATION AND JUSTICE
We commit ourselves to the
pastoral service and salvation of the TOTAL MAN — his liberation from evil
that also find concrete expression in various forms of injustice that oppress
his dignity as a person made to the image and likeness of GOD, redeemed by
CHRIST, and endowed with BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS that remain inherent even to the
poorest of the poor, the nameless, the yet unborn.
We look upon the CHURCH as
definitely a Proclaimer of the primacy of the KINGDOM and the transcendency
of man’s salvation in JESUS CHRIST. However, she does not and must not restrict
her divine positive charge and salvific mission in the strictly supernatural
and purely religious sphere particularly during these critical times, by dissociating
Herself from the manifold temporal vicissitudes of
the men of today. To so restrict the evangelizing concern of the CHURCH would
certainly be easier on Her and acceptable to those
who either do not belong to Her fold or do not understand Her nature. This,
nevertheless, would be untrue to the totality of Her calling as willed by her Founder, CHRIST, in the plan of
redemption in conjunction with the plan of creation.
We treasure the christian concept of men as brothers under one and the same
FATHER. We join their rightful claim to JUSTICE, to more human, more equal
and more sound regard of their persons in themselves and in relation
with one another. At the same time we unconditionally uphold the imperative
of their conversion, those in social authority and those thereto subject alike,
less the germ of the evil inclinations of the human heart ultimately destroy
the very JUSTICE behind their otherwise rightful claim.
III. EVANGELIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT
We maintain that the EVANGELIZATION
of man is profoundly related with HUMAN DEVELOPMENT whereas the eminently
evangelical New Commandment of Love necessarily promotes the genuine advancement
of men in justice and in peace. Our love of neighbor, which is at the core
of the Gospel, urges us to be at his side when he suffers oppression and needs
temporal liberation therefrom so that he may ultimately experience his true
dignity as a child of the FATHER.
We stand for a HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
that is centered on the Kingdom of GOD, that is rooted in salvation through JESUS CHRIST, that is consequently open to the Divine Absolute and
eschatological communion herewith on the part of the evangelized man.
We subscribe therefore to a
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT premised on the evangelical concept of man, affecting his
life in all its dimensions, demanding his conversion to a new man in JESUS
CHRIST. While others may also ardently search for JUSTICE and avidly promote
DEVELOPMENT pursuant to their own personal or ideological convictions, the
CHURCH equally speaks for JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT only as these are intimately
linked with EVANGELIZATION — never severed herefrom — as She has consistently
done across the centuries through well known PAPAL SOCIAL ENCYCLICALS drawn
from the Gospel Truths and written down for Peoples as the SOCIAL DOCTRINE
of the CHURCH.
IV. GOVERNMENT
We feel a manifest enticement
to adopt either one of two radical opposing postures in our pastoral concern
for JUSTICE and the DEVELOPMENT of the People in
relation to their socio-political life. Some would want us to believe that
the present GOVERNMENT were altogether unjust and
oppressive. Others would want us to accept that the same were all noble and
sublime. We subscribe to neither of these options.
We adopt the position of CRITICAL
COLLABORATION with the present GOVERNMENT. We firmly support all government
moves, interventions and programs that safeguard the fundamental rights of
all particularly the less fortunate and underprivileged,
that promote JUSTICE and DEVELOPMENT in their genuine concept and connotation.
We denounce any action by the GOVERNMENT, by groups or individuals identified
therewith, that violates basic human rights, conscience in particular, that
obstructs the observance of JUSTICE and the realization
of HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.
We believe that the CHURCH
and the STATE, while endowed with distinct identities and areas of competence,
are nevertheless BOTH responsible to the PEOPLE in their various dimensions
as TOTAL MEN. We also believe that BOTH should so continue their respective
self-renewal that, progressively purified of their
human negative features, they may integrally collaborate and harmonize their
actions for the TOTAL WELFARE of the People.
V. LAITY
We confirm the long standing
truth that the primary and ultimate task of transforming the TEMPORAL ORDER,
of making it more just, human and christian, belongs
to our LAYMEN, particularly those in position of social authority. We denounce,
Neo-Clericalism that usurps roles and functions proper to the LAITY, that
absorbs purely lay competencies, and arrogates to itself
expertise belonging to others.
We are called for service to
the LAITY in accord with the GOSPEL: to motivate and inspire when there is
indifference or apathy; to instruct and clarify where there are doubts and
uncertainties; to make people realize the different charisms proper to their
state of life as LAYMEN in the CHURCH; to help them organize into Communities
of Believers responsive to the demands and implications of the FAITH translated
into their day to day living; to provide them the celebration of GOD’S LOVE
and LIFE through the Sacraments; to sustain their pilgrim to the KINGDOM with
priestly ministries.
We pledge an EVANGELIZING MINISTRY,
wherein our very identity hinges, and wherefore our own reason for being
emerges, draws its strength and acquires its direction. We however denounce
Clerical Triumphalism that admits no human limitation and claims immunity
from human imperfection. We ourselves are members of a PILGRIM CHURCH, which, on the other hand, is never abandoned by CHRIST.
VI. MINISTRIES
We categorically uphold RELIGIOUS
FREEDOM, the right to WORSHIP GOD in conscience and in truth, as an eminently
fundamental human right that must be safeguarded without ambiguities and equivocal
pronouncements. The MINISTRY OF WORSHIP constitutes an essential element
of our priestly commitment to GOD and His PEOPLE, who, through personal and
ecclesial prayer, recognize their CREATOR and dignify themselves as Creatures.
We unconditionally commit ourselves
to PREACHING GOD’S WORD to MAN as a WHOLE, without departmentalizing his basic
needs nor dividing his life, but with no prejudice either to the transcendence
of the supernatural over the temporal, the primacy of the spiritual over the
material. The MINISTRY OF FORMATION urges us to constantly update our pastoral
knowledge, to be well aware of changing human situations, to consistently
draw inspiration and courage from the GOSPEL TRUTHS and the SOCIAL DOCTRINE
of the CHURCH, and to speak openly to GOD’S PEOPLE for the correct formation
of their conscience as individuals and responsive members of society.
We value SERVICES rendered
to man as concrete expressions of Christian Love and as an integrating part
of our pastoral concern. Following the very examples of CHRIST and the consonant
multi-faceted apostolate of the CHURCH through the ages, the MINISTRY OF SERVICE
impels us to continue attending to the needs of FAMILY LIFE, YOUTH FORMATION,
CATECHETICAL EDUCATION. At the same time, with due
regard for their persons and with utmost respect for their basic human rights,
we maintain our services to the poor, the disabled, the aged, the homeless,
the sick, the prisoners, and others with legitimate claim to our pastoral
attention.
VII. ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL PROGRAM
We regard our ARCHDIOCESAN
PASTORAL PROGRAM as evident from the foregoing: our task and thrust integrated
by the MINISTRIES of WORSHIP, FORMATION and SERVICE can only be cumulatively
directed to EVANGELIZATION, JUSTICE and DEVELOPMENT in favor of GOD’S PEOPLE
in the ARCHDIOCESE of MANILA, through PERSONAL and COMMUNITY pastoral approaches.
We respect PLURALITY of PASTORAL
METHODS in our EVANGELIZING ACTIVITIES, depending on the different and concrete
circumstances of places and persons concerned — without the least prejudice
to the doctrinal integrity and pastoral prudence that must necessarily be
the postulates of all our pastoral actions.
We denounce without reserve,
in all our EVANGELIZING MINISTRIES, the tenets of VIOLENT MOVEMENTS, of ATHEISTIC
COMMUNISM, of MARXIST DOCTRINE, of MATERIALISTIC SYSTEMS, and any ideology
contrary to the lNTEGRAL CONTENTS of EVANGELIZATION.
We stand in unity with and
in support of all our CO-WORKERS for EVANGELIZATION, JUSTICE and DEVELOPMENT
as declared in this POSITION PAPER and envisioned in the ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL
PROGRAM. We shall exercise due caution and vigilance less our truly
christian pastoral commitment and ministerial endeavors
be deviated by individuals imbued with a different conviction and ideology,
to a direction and objective other than that we are pledged to.
We adhere to the spirit in
which PAUL VI closed HOLY YEAR 1975 and prefaced his apostolic exhortation
“Evangelii Nuntiandi” — the spirit of RECONCILIATION — which according to
him characterizes all evangelizing activities of the CHURCH. We believe that
for the GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION to be effective for the man of the twentieth
century, the WHOLE CHURCH must try to repair and bring back to unity the severed
bonds between MAN and GOD (Gen 3:24); between MAN and HIMSELF (Gen 3:7-10);
between MAN and MAN (Gen 4:8); between MAN and NATURE (Gen 3:17).
We know that divided among
ourselves, we are weak, and isolated from one another, we are weaker. With
the BOND OF LOVE for the FATHER, instilled by CHRIST through the HOLY SPIRIT,
united we shall stand and in close ranks we shall do the
EVANGELIZING WORK which we hold sacred and imperative.
We take courage, draw inspiration
and find consolation in the covenant of CHRIST who vowed: “REMEMBER, I
AM WITH YOU ALWAYS TILL THE CONSUMMATION OF TIME” (Mt 28:20).
SUBMITTED BY:
T H E A S S E M B L Y O F V I C A R S
(SGD) VICAR OF STO.
NIÑO (SGD) VICAR OF NTRA. SRA.
DE GUIA
(SGD) VICAR OF THE HOLY (SGD) VICAR
OF ST. ANDREW
SPIRIT
(SGD) VICAR OF SAN JOSE (SGD) VICAR OF THE HOLY
DE TROZO
FAMILY
(SGD) VICAR OF OUR
LADY (SGD) EPIS. VICAR OF MANILA
OF LORETO
(SGD) VICAR OF STA. CLARA (SGD) VICAR
OF ST. RAPHAEL
(SGD) VICAR OF STS.PETER (SGD) VICAR
OF SAN ROQUE
& PAUL
(SGD) VICAR OF ST.
MARTIN (SGD) EPIS. VICAR OF PASAY
DE PORES
(SGD) VICAR OF SAN
(SGD) EPIS. VICAR OF CAL.-ROQUE MALABON
(SGD) VICAR OF SAN (SGD)
VICAR OF OUR LADY BARTOLOME OF PEACE & GOOD VOYAGE
(SGD) VICAR OUR LADY (SGD) VICAR
OF ST. JOHN
THE OF THE ABANDONED BAPTIST
(SGD) VICAR OF ST. JEROME (SGD) EPIS. VICAR OF N/W
RIZAL
(SGD) VICAR OF STA. RITA (SGD)
VICAR OF THE H. FAMILY
(SGD) VICAR OF ST.
JOSEPH (SGD) VICAR OF STO. NIÑO
(SGD) EPIS.
VICAR OF Q. CITY
T H E A R C H B I S H
O P 'S C O U N C I L
(SGD) REPRESENTATIVE OF (SGD) REPRESENTATIVE
OF MANILA CAL.-MALABON
(SGD) REPRESENTATIVE OF (SGD) REPRESENTATIVE
OF Q. PASAY CITY
(SGD) REPRESENTATIVE OF (SGD) APPOINTED
MEMBER
N/W RIZAL
(SGD) APPOINTED MEMBER (SGD) APPOINTED
MEMBER
(SGD) APPOINTED MEMBER (SGD) DE OFFICIO
MEMBER
Rector of Minor Seminary
(SGD) DE OFFICIO MEMBER (SGD) DE
OFFICIO MEMBER
Chancellor-Vicar General Aux.
Bishop for Manila
(SGD) DE OFFICIO MEMBER (SGD) DE
OFFICIO MEMBER
Aux. Bishop for Pasay
Aux. Bishop for Q. City
(SGD) DE OFFICIO MEMBER (SGD) DE
OFFICIO MEMBER
Aux. Bishop for Cal.-Malabon Aux.
for N/W Rizal
May 31, 1977
CONFIRMED BY:
(SGD.) CARDINAL ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA
JUNE 01, 1977
