Archbishop urges people to reject violence

Jaro Archbishop Msgr. Angel Lagdameo, in a circular letter dated June 30, 2005, urged the clergy, religious communities and pastoral councils to pray for the country and “reject the path of violence and revolution”.

Lagdameo said that the country is passing through a dark tunnel with the ills it is facing.  He reminds the people that “we do not set aright a wrong with another wrong” because in the end it is the poor, innocent people who suffer most in violence and revolution.

The archbishop proposed for a “revolution of the heart”, which means a personal conversion of people in governance.

He further exhorted the people to pray that “an inspired group of people” may arrive at God's solution to our national problem; that we in the Church may see the great need for genuine conversion to God and people, and stop to give mere lip service to renewal and transformation; that politicians may put their acts together for the good of the country; that President Arroyo may open to the true solution of “lost credibility” dictated by God; that more than any form of government we should work  for a credible, honest, democratic civilian government; that the people may respond to evolving political scenario with sobriety, calmness, wisdom and discernment and not be swayed by heightened emotional reaction.

Lagdameo stressed on prayer to be a regular activity, and when possible to hold penitential processions, “until some light in the dark tunnel of our situation is seen.”

He also expressed hope that God will see the Filipinos through all this, as He has saved them through two non-violent transitions of government. (PIA 6).