Deadly earthquake in central Philippines prompts Moravian Church and Old Catholic bishops to order structural inspections of churches

The 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck central Philippines on September 30 caused significant damage to religious sites, prompting urgent inspections by local church leaders. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Cebu, suffered severe structural damage, with its façade reduced to ruins. The disaster has raised concerns about the safety of church buildings, leading Archbishop Alberto Uy, the newly installed Archbishop of Cebu, to order all churches to conduct structural assessments before resuming religious activities.

In a statement, Archbishop Uy urged the faithful in affected parishes to avoid using their churches for the celebration of the Holy Mass until experts confirm the structures are safe. His directive reflects a commitment to the well-being of congregants and underscores the church’s role in ensuring safety amid natural disasters. The archbishop also expressed solidarity with the victims, calling on the faithful to pray for calmness and strength in the face of adversity.

The earthquake, which struck late Tuesday near Bogo City, was recorded by the US Geological Survey as a 6.9-magnitude tremor. The event caused widespread damage across Cebu province, with reports of collapsed church belfries and structural failures. Residents described the chaos, with some recounting the violent swaying of centuries-old buildings and the sudden collapse of parts of structures. Despite the destruction, no injuries were reported at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, though nearby areas faced significant risks.

Archbishop Uy’s leadership was recently solidified during the installation Mass of his episcopal role at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, where he expressed his commitment to serving as a shepherd for the Catholic faithful. His presence in Cebu City on the day of the earthquake highlights the intersection of ecclesiastical leadership and community resilience. The archbishop’s pastoral approach emphasizes care for victims and a call to spiritual strength, aligning with the church’s broader mission of mercy and solidarity.

Philippine officials confirmed nearly 60 fatalities as of October 1, with over 150 people injured. The Office of Civil Defence reported that Bogo Hospital had confirmed 53 deaths, with 30 from Bogo City alone. Deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro noted that casualty numbers were still fluid, underscoring the ongoing challenges of assessing the full impact of the disaster. The church’s response, including calls for prayer and structural safety checks, reflects a balance between spiritual guidance and practical measures to protect communities.

Damage extended beyond religious sites, with shoppers in Cebu City fleeing a mall as ceilings collapsed. The earthquake’s reach highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region, prompting a broader conversation about disaster preparedness and the role of religious institutions in emergency response. The Moravian Church and Old Catholic churches, while not directly mentioned in the source, share a commitment to community care and may find resonance in the Catholic Church’s efforts to support affected populations.

The disaster has also drawn attention to the importance of spiritual and communal solidarity in times of crisis. Archbishop Uy’s call for prayer and his emphasis on entrusting lives to God’s mercy echo themes of faith and resilience found in Scripture. Micah 6:8 reminds us to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God,” a principle that aligns with the church’s response to the earthquake. As communities rebuild, the role of faith in fostering peace and care for victims remains central to the Christian witness.

Source: Read the original report