CBCP chief warns vs group posing as Catholic priests

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has advised priests in his archdiocese about the “deceptive operations” of a group of men who present themselves as Catholic priests.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said the group claim they are priests of the Ancient Catholic Church of the East and offer religious services in barangay chapels in Pangasinan.

In a circular letter issued yesterday and posted in the archdiocese’s website, Villegas said the group is headed by a certain Anthony Obinque of Barangay San Gonzalo in Labrador town.

“The sect is not a Catholic group and contrary to their presentation, there are no steps to unite our Churches,” Villegas said.

“They are prohibited from using Catholic chapels for their liturgies which simulate the Catholic rites,” he added.