We, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas composed of 55 National Lay Organizations and 54 Arch/Diocesan Councils of the Laity strongly denounce the decision of the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines to cancel the missionary visa of Sr. Patricia Fox.
Sr. Fox as a missionary has untiringly dedicated herself to serving the marginalized and the oppressed. This is an expression of her Christian faith, not a promotion of an ideology antagonistic to the government and national interest. This move forcibly makes her leave behind almost three decades of devoted service to God and his people. To quote the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’(CBCP) statement signed by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles-CBCP President:
“We believe in the sincerity and dedication of Sr. Patricia to serve our people. We believe further that she is moved to serve our people by the love of Christ. ‘The love of Christ urges us.’ (2 Cor. 5:14)”
We stand by our conviction in advocating the reversal of the Bureau of Immigration’s decision to send Sr. Fox out of the country thereby forcing her to abandon her missionary duties and activities.
We raise our voice in unison with those who share the same sentiment and may this outcry be heeded by our country’s decision-makers.
For the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas,
JULIETA F. WASAN
President
30 April 2018
