Friendly, unsolicited advice to my Catholic Church

Before I begin, let me state that I am a practicing Catholic. I studied in Catholic schools and I have done my very best to live out what it means to be a true Catholic. I even used to teach Catholic Theology to college students at the Ateneo de Manila University.

 

Yet, despite this strongly Catholic background, I am not one to accept everything that the hierarchy of the Catholic Church preaches without properly discerning whether it is right or wrong. Besides, it was my own Catholic education that taught me to think critically and make sound decisions especially on relevant social issues that concern not only my welfare but others as well.

 

This is perhaps the reason why I was disappointed when I heard that there are several leaders of the Catholic Church who are planning to campaign against current government leaders who supported the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. I am disappointed because in some instances, they will be putting themselves in a situation where they will actually help corrupt leaders get elected rather than effective leaders with integrity.

 

RH bill or graft and corruption?

 

One such example is in the 3rd district of Quezon City where Cong. Jorge “Bolet” Banal Jr. is known to be a staunch supporter of the RH bill. In fact, when Cong. Banal was still a city councilor, he was one of the principal authors of the Reproductive Health ordinance that was passed in Quezon City. Banal was also one of a handful of congressmen who registered a perfect attendance record in all sessions in the House of Representatives in the past year. His main opponent in this district is former Cong. Matt Defensor who is a close ally of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Challenge to Catholic Church: Police your own ranks

 

The reality is that the bigger problem in our country is not the RH Bill but the continuing graft and corruption that pervade all levels of our government. Recent studies have shown that we lose billions of pesos every year due to graft and corruption which can go towards providing quality education for the Filipino youth, access to better medical facilities for the poor and housing for the homeless. Perhaps this can also serve as a challenge to the kind of formation that our Catholic Church gives to its flock since many of those who perpetuate these illegal activities are known to be Catholics who regularly hear mass every Sunday or have studied in the best Catholic institutions.

 

In Pampanga, it is also disappointing that we have priests and other Catholic leaders who have supported “jueteng” politics in the province. Many of them have even accepted money from known jueteng operators and have used these funds in their own projects. As far as I can remember, we have been taught in our Catholic schools that gambling is immoral yet now we hear about these priests who have no moral dilemma about accepting money from illegal means. The challenge is now for the leaders of the Catholic Church to stay true to what it teaches to its members and police their own leaders who do the contrary. Hopefully, by cleansing their own ranks, they will be able to attract more Filipinos to become part of the Catholic faithful.

 

Still a devout and staunch Catholic

 

Despite all these, I have never considered leaving my Catholic Church. I still believe that this institution continues to be the best way for me to have a strong spiritual relationship with my God. I share these pieces of advice because I believe that like any institution, healthy discourse and debate among its members are what is needed for it to grow and become stronger. After all, I have always believed that our Church has always played a critical role in shaping our country’s history and destiny. Now, as our country again troops to the polls this May, we hope that our Church will take the time to reexamine itself, its pronouncements and stands so that once again it can properly serve as a guiding light so its members choose the right leaders for our country. I expect nothing less from my Catholic Church.

 

Comments are welcome at harveykeh@gmail.com

Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/harveykeh

 

Harvey S. Keh is Director for Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government and is also the Lead Convenor of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership.