Local officials spread Bible

Local government units will help spread the good news when the country celebrates National Bible Week in the last week of January.

The event, which brings LGUs to the forefront of evangelizing, was instituted by presidential proclamation Nos. 44 and 1067 emphasizing the importance of the Holy Scripture in the life of the nation.

Starting Jan. 23, the faithful in city and town halls will be rubbing elbows and toting Bibles with members of the Philippine Bible Society (PBS).

In this year’s celebration, the PBS will be working with government offices in holding Bible reading sessions in city and town halls, ecumenical Bible assemblies, and campus saturation with scripture booklets and tracts.

Working on the theme "God’s Word: Power for National Renewal," organizers said they hope to encourage regular reading of the Bible among the faithful to better understand the teachings of the Lord.

"We cannot ignore the sad state of our country as we are faced with alarming issues that create factions in our leadership and divide us as a people. (A) majority of our people suffers because of an unstable economy matched with undeterred corruption in government," the PBS said.

People are encouraged to share a copy of the Bible with those who can’t afford to buy their own. The PBS also announced that scripture products in various translations and formats are on sale throughout Bible week at major bookstores.

"Every Filipino is encouraged to take advantage of our religious freedom by participating in the celebrations organized by local churches, parishes, dioceses and ministerial associations in key cities nationwide," the PBS said in a statement.

The celebration will begin with an ecumenical Bible parade and motorcade at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Sunday.

During the week, there will be Bible motorcades, Bible readings during flag-raising ceremonies in government offices and city halls, inter-church Bible rallies, Bible fairs, symposiums and seminars on positive work attitudes.

Stressing that the need for individual and national renewal was undeniable, PBS general secretary Nora Lucero said, "If we are serious in using God’s word as foundation for change — change in ourselves, change in our families, in our communities, in our nation — we will see a growing, blessed and transformed nation." — Edu Punay