Evangelicals happy

The national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches welcomed the apology of President Duterte to God himself.

In an interview with the GMA News program “Balitanghali” on Wednesday, Bishop Noel Pantoja said the apology showed the President’s “humility” and willingness to listen to religious groups.

“Natutuwa ako (I am happy),” said Pantoja. “Iyan ay nagpapakita rin ng pagpapakumbaba na advice ng religious leaders (It is an act of humility that he is willing to listen to the advice of the religious leaders).”

He urged the faithful to continue praying for the President and to show him who the God of the Bible is.

“We should continue praying for him, and if we have the chance, show him the real teachings of Christianity and the Bible,” Pantoja said.

In a text message to TheManila Times on Wednesday, Pastor Gus Lising said the faithful need to accept the President’s apology.

“Let’s be thankful that God gives us second and third chances,” he said. “How many times have we said sorry to God and people, only to trip and fall? Let’s just pray for each other that we remain faithful.”

The Word Community Church, where Lising is the pastor, was one of 10 Christian churches that called on the President to apologize for his “stupid God” comment, in a joint statement sent to TheManilaTimes.