Catholic Church Distances Itself From INC Anti-Graft Rally

The Catholic Church, through the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and its social action arm Caritas Philippines, has distanced itself from the three-day anti-corruption rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) set for 16 to 18 November at the Quirino Grandstand.

In a strongly worded statement written in Waray and released Thursday, Caritas-Borongan said the CBCP and Caritas Philippines “condemn” any participation or expression of support for the INC-led rally. The Catholic groups also warned the public to be cautious of false information online, stressing that any social media post claiming support from Catholic organizations for the gathering is untrue.

They added that the CBCP and Caritas Philippines will maintain neutrality and focus their pastoral efforts on assisting victims of typhoons “Tino” and “Uwan.” This decision underscores the Church’s commitment to its stated priorities and its role in providing aid during natural disasters.

Earlier, INC spokesperson Brother Edwil Zabala said non-members are welcome to join the rally, which he described as a call for “transparency, accountability, justice and peace.” He emphasized that the rally is not intended to interfere in politics but to express the sentiment of the Iglesia ni Cristo in response to the condemnation of corruption by many citizens.

Zabala said the INC is appealing to the government to conduct a just and open investigation into the anomaly, hold perpetrators accountable, and recover public funds lost to corruption. The rally reflects the INC’s ongoing efforts to address issues of corruption and promote ethical governance.

The INC’s stance aligns with its broader mission of advocating for justice and accountability, which it has consistently emphasized in its public statements and community initiatives. The Church’s involvement in such matters is often framed within its commitment to social justice and the common good.

The separation between the Catholic Church and the INC highlights the complex landscape of religious and political engagement in the Philippines. While both groups share a commitment to moral and ethical standards, their approaches and priorities differ, leading to distinct positions on public issues.

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