Church leaders from various Christian churches call for faithful to unite in One Voice at open-air gathering in Rajah Sulayman Park
Different Christian traditions, sects, and denominations will join in a prophetic chorus to proclaim the God’s calling to choose LIFE (Deuteronomy 30:15-29), to defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:9), and to declare the favourable year of the Lord for justice and freedom.
“As much as ever, our FAITH is both tested and strengthened, as we engage mission and ministry to work for truth, justice and peace in our NATION, which continues to face a crisis of truth, intensive poverty, violations of human rights and widespread killings,” said Bishop Broderick Pabillo, DD of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity
“The Christian imperative to defend human dignity and promote the respect of God-given LIFE unites us in ONE VOICE so that our people will know God’s intention for justice to roll down like a never-ending stream (Amos 5:24), so that peace may be known throughout the land,” said Ms. Minnie Ann Calub of the Ntional Council of Churches in the Philippines.
“As we work for Christian unity in the Philippines, we summon the Christian faithful to bring their prayers and concerns to a public gathering. We seek to focus on the truth that will unite us and our common hope the Christ’s peace may prevail in our communities and nation,” said Bishop Ciriaco Francisco of the United Methodist Church.
One Faith. One Nation. One Voice. will be held at Rajah Sulayman Park on January 25, 2018 from 4-7pm. The participants will be calling for truth, justice and peace in the Philippines through a dynamic program of singing, testimonies, dance, drama, and messages.
“By focusing on truth, we hope to inspire those gathered that we can be people at work for good in our communities and neighborhood. We wish to shine a light of compassion for the poor and downtrodden and be a sober voice that our God is alive and ready to heal and redeem the brokenness of the world. We wish to be joyful voice that proclaims God’s love and justice which can restore and rectify relationships between peoples and nations,” Bishop Melzar Labuntog of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
“Our gathering will be a visible expression of affirmation by people of faith that we love our country and that we want to participate in building peace in our nation. Holistic peace means that people have food, shelter, livelihood, and access to basic and social services. Genuine peace must be founded on justice,” said Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC of De La Salle Philippines.
“We envision this Friday’s gathering to be a meeting place for diverse Church organizations, parishes and congregations to gather. Anyone who shares our desire to unite for truth, justice and peace in the Philippines is encouraged to join us, “ Bishop Pabillo added.
“Bring a Tubaw as a symbol of our common story as Filipino people. Bring your prayers and hopes for a better Philippines. Together we can demonstrate our faith and stand for what is right. Our testimonies, prayers, and prophetic witness are as important as ever. Join us as we proclaim that God’s presence in our lives motivates us to stand for truth, justice and peace,” appeal from the organizers.###
The Most Revd. Broderick Pabillo, DD
Bishop Ciriaco Francisco
Bishop Melzar Labuntog
Ms. Minnie Ann Calub
Br. Armin Luistro, FSC
