Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reviews a military honour guard during Independence Day celebrations in Manila June 12, 2008. (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco)
Philippines (MNN) ― On June 27, the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved a commissioner's resolution regarding human rights violations in the Philippines, Christianity Today reported.
A number of pastors and lay leaders have been killed, abducted, and imprisoned for speaking out on social issues like poverty, landlessness, and corruption, according to International Christian Concern.
"A number of congregations have virtually stopped their regular worship services," said Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua, an ecumenical delegate at the General Assembly and General Secretary of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). "So many have become afraid, asking, ‘Why are our pastors being killed? Why are so many [who are] advocating for change being killed?'"
The resolution directed the stated clerk of the General Assembly to write a letter to the president of the Philippines asking her to stop human rights abuses by the military, and called on the U.S. Congress to condition military aid on improvements in the Philippine military's human rights record.
It also urged American Presbyterians to increase their awareness of human rights abuses and do what they can to help. Pascua said such statements increase the UCCP's credibility in the Philippines, and the nation has experienced some improvements in human rights over the last two years.
"These are official manifestations that give credit to what we have been advocating and fighting for," he said. "The UCCP is not seen as just a small denomination, but because of these international connections, [the government] realizes we have clout and influence."
Pascua said the government does not distinguish between the UCCP's peaceful advocacy and the violent methods of guerilla groups. Since newer Protestant denominations often avoid open advocacy on social issues, the government sees the actions of the UCCP as leftist, communist and terrorist.
As a result, 26 pastors and lay leaders have been killed in the last five years, several have been abducted, and more have been imprisoned. One pastor has spent a year in jail, but a trial date has never been set. Nevertheless, the UCCP is dedicated to advocating for the marginalized no matter the consequences, Pascua said.
"As one of the largest mainline denominations, we believe an integral part of our mission and ministry is to get involved in the struggles and hopes of the people," said Pascua. "The whole UCCP carries this conviction."
"God is with us," he declared. "We are made more than conquerors."
