A Christian response to the political crisis

Paul exhorts the Christians in Ephesus: “Live as children of light, for light produces … truth. . . . Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness: rather expose them, the things done … in secret…”

Many Christians unequivocally proclaim to live in the light and denounce the darkness. However, identifying in the concrete what entails living in the light and rejecting the forces of darkness will give rise to a multiplicity of perspectives, some complementary, others conflicting.

A case in point: the Filipino Christian’s moral response to alleged massive corruption in government. While some bishops have demanded GMA’s resignation, the CBCP has recently called for reforms, believing that GMA is a key figure in instituting the reforms needed in government. While some individuals, such as Fr. Joaquin Bernas, think it best to pursue the legal option of investigating the truth through Senate hearings and investigations conducted by the Ombudsman and the Justice Department, others, such as Kilosbayan and the Black and White Movement, believe that extra-parliamentary means, ousting GMA here and now, is justifiable.  Still others, such as the Makati Business Club, promote constitutional succession, and thus are open to Vice President Noli de Castro taking over the presidency, while groups such as Akbayan, desire a total revamp of government.

And yet, many of these individuals and groups claim to be committed Christians.  What can we learn from this?

1. The Catholic Church and most Christian churches in the modern world today reject ecclesial autocracy. The Catholic Church does not and will not prescribe to its members how to think and act politically. The Church leaders will surface the moral issues underlying political ones, yet will encourage the laity to discern, judge and act freely, in accord with their conscience. Thus, while the cacophony of conflicting responses to our present political crisis is cause for discouragement for many, it is, on the other hand, inevitable, given the premium on free, informed choice, and reason to appreciate more deeply the Catholic Church and her hierarchy which refuses to prescribe collective political action.

2. Why can’t there be a unified Christian response to the present political crisis?  Because, at this point, there are several viable moral alternatives. Permit me an analogy: a wife who discovers the philandering ways of her husband can opt to file for an annulment or something less drastic, legal separation. Or she can demand an apology from her husband and decide to work out their marital problems. Moreover, she can decide to give him the cold shoulder until he admits his wrongdoings and renews his promise of fidelity. All these are varying moral responses to the same problem.  Different women will decide differently how to deal with their philandering husbands. Similarly, faced with various moral options, we will decide differently how to respond to alleged corruption in the government.  Imposing my view on others and vilifying them for not espousing my judgment simply aggravates the situation. We can all be thinking, morally upright and deeply committed Christians and yet be divided in our response to the present political crisis.

3. Won’t this division within the Catholic Church further ensconce corrupt leaders in positions of power? Will the Catholic Church ever reach a united stand? Possibly. As the various stakeholders continue investigating and deliberating, new data and insights will eventually give rise to a revision of judgments and resolutions, which may bring about consensus and unified political action. Our present discord teaches us that the truth is inter-subjective. The truth is not always self-evident. Truth emerges through investigation, deliberation and free public discourse. Hence, as people pour out into the streets clamoring for change and reform, as various groups call for truth and accountability within the government, as civilian watchdogs press the Senate, the Ombudsman and the Justice Department to conduct fair and transparent hearings, the concealed truth will eventually be unveiled. Allegations will either be proven or disproved. A critical mass with a unified political stance will hopefully emerge. It is a slow and tedious process, because it respects the freedom and conscience of everyone. Circumventing and short-circuiting the process by pressing the Catholic hierarchy to become an ecclesial autocracy will only undermine the freedom and truth we all uphold and with all our hearts and minds defend.