Group of Bishops calls to lift Martial Law

A GROUP of bishops in the country is calling to lift the martial law declaration as it denounced the proposed Charter Change as a “threat to the nation”.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Council of Bishops issued the statement on Saturday, May 26, as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary and 11th General Assembly here in the city.

The announcement was historic as exactly 40 years ago in Cagayan de Oro, the UCCP also declared its strong condemnation against the martial law of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“We declare the same strong condemnation and opposition to the martial law in Mindanao declared by President Rodrigo Duterte for the same reasons we announced 40 years ago: it kills democracy, robs the people of their rights and freedom, and causes intolerable suffering to the people in Mindanao particularly the

poor masses,” the statement says. One year of martial rule in Mindanao has razed Marawi City to the ground, destroyed lumad communities, and persecuted those who took the side of justice and freedom, the bishops said. A number of UCCP pastors and lay readers have also been subject of harassment and threats, and were dealt with trumpedup charges.

The bishops also took a jab on Duterte’s proposed charter change, saying it is akin to authoritarianism which is against the people’s interest.

“We as UCCP, affirming our belief that persons are called to participate in the establishment of a just and compassionate social order, opposes any change in the Constitution that institutes a sociopolitical order that is unjust and violent.

The church’s 70th anniversary theme “Doing Christ Mission in these Changing Times” they said, manifests that UCCP remains steadfast and courageous in its pastoral and prophetic ministry.