QUEZON City, Dec. 18, 2012?For Catholics, the passing of the severely divisive RH Bill in both Houses of Congress yesterday means only one thing – more “real” Catholics should run for public office.
“Encourage natin ang mga Catholic lay faithful na formed ang conscience, sila ang sumabak sa pulitika (Let’s encourage the Catholic lay faithful with formed consciences to get into politics),” Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said in an interview after Congress voted to pass the RH Bill on third reading last night.
“Evangelizing the political system”
He explained the need for Catholics to “evangelize the political system” because, according to him, those in power only have vested interests in mind.
Castro also noted how a good number of Lower House Representatives who voted for the RH Bill, talked a lot about being a “devout Catholic”, while going head to head with what the Church advocates.
He said this would not have been the case if real Catholics who understood and hold on to Church doctrine were elected.
Environment, divorce, etc.
“Kapag sila ang naupo, kaya nilang dalhin ang pananampalataya sa public forum. Hindi nila ikahihiya, bagkus ay kanilang i-aadvance ang Gospel values (If they are in power, they can bring their faith into the public forum. They won’t be ashamed of it, but will advance the Gospel values), ” Castro added.
Castro, who celebrated an impromptu mass outside the north gate of Congress last night together with some 200 anti-RH supporters, explained how consistency is key in politics, something Catholics could contribute to the political process.
He said voters could count on the consistent stand of true-blue Catholic politicians on key issues like protection of the environment, divorce, gambling, etc. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
