Ni NOEL ABUEL
Hindi umano dapat gamitin ang pagdarasal upang itulak ang isang political agenda.
Ito ang sinabi ni House Minority Leader at 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan matapos na kumalat sa social media ang naging pagdarasal ni Senador Imee Marcos sa Jesus is Lord Worldwide Prayer and Vision Casting 2024 noong Sabado na hinaluan nito ng isyung pampulitika.
“As an ex-Catholic seminarian, I wish to address a matter of great concern that touches upon the sacred boundaries of faith and the operational ethics of politics. I have always believed in the separation of church and state, and in the purity of worship,” sabi ng kongresista.
“The sanctity of our prayers should not be overshadowed or darkened by political agendas. Let us all avoid using the pulpit as a platform to broadcast masked political remarks, or as a stage for political advancement,” dagdag nito.
Kasama sa naging dasal ni Marcos ang isyu ng pag-amiyenda sa Konstitusyon.
“I appeal to all leaders and citizens alike to uphold the blessedness of faith in public life, and to ensure that all our actions, words, and prayers are consistent with the genuine pursuit of the greater good, under God’s guidance and grace,” wika pa ni Libanan.
Nanawagan din si Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., na isa ring pastor sa mga lider ng bansa na huwag gamitin ang dasal para sa ‘political points.’
“When we pray, we communicate directly with our Father… it is our direct line to God, a sacred conversation meant for worship, repentance, and genuine supplication,” ani Abante.
“The Bible teaches us in Exodus 20:7 that ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.’ This commandment, a cornerstone of our faith, is not merely about utterances, but about the very attitude and reverence we hold towards God. It is a directive against using God’s name for purposes such including political gain or influence,” paalala ni Abante.
Si Abante ay isang senior pastor ng Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church at pangulo ng Bible Believers’ League for Morality and Democracy (BIBLEMODE), na mayroong 6,000 miyembrong Baptist pastor sa bansa.
“I respectfully urge all public servants and private citizens to reflect upon the profound responsibility we carry in our public expressions of faith. Let our prayers be true reflections of our hearts, seeking only God’s will and devoid of any personal gain,” aniya pa.
Umapela rin si Abante sa mga mambabatas na manatiling magalang at propesyonal sa gitna ng umiinit na debate sa People’s Initiative.
“As the leaders of the land, we should serve as examples for our countrymen. Let us show that we can disagree without being disagreeable––that we can advance our positions with passion, yet remain personable,” giit pa ni Abante.
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