What do you think should be the Christian response to the Con-Ass issue here in the Philippines?

[Jofti Villena Delizo]

I hope this may not sound off to this group especially that I am a newbie to this group. I like the introductory/welcome message of this group, which is...the Body of Christ should be more about actions. It is putting your faith in Jesus into practice. After all, He taught us how to fight for justice.

I am Jofti Villena Delizo and I am the Project Coordinator of the Faith-based Congress Against Immoral Debts (FCAID). Apart from what I do at work, my mission in life is to encourage more Christians to put their faith into practice. Prayer and action is a very important combination. In my own observation, some Christian communities are so concerned about personal salvation. Of course, I believe that is important but apart from believing in Jesus Christ, He also said that we should follow His path if we want to be saved. As I understood that entails more than just believing in Him, it requires taking action.

Right now, our country is in crisis. Our officials are morally bankrupt and do not listen to the calls of the Filipino people. Therefore, I come to encourage this community, this network, to start a project, embark on a study mission. Study nationally-significant issues (i.e., ConAss) and identify the appropriate Christian Response for this group/network no matter how little they may seem to be. At least, we are getting started. The group may start composing a prayer of enlightenment, a Bible Study Service talking about social justice, or organize a study session about ConAss.

For those who are ready to join the "masa" on the streets, I am also inviting everyone, every Filipino, foreigner friends in the Philippines to join the protest action on 10 June 2009 at Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

I believe it is already time to make painful choices than doing band-aid solutions like what most of us, the faith-based community did in the past. We need to take immediate and painful choices motivated by our conviction and faith. If we chose to be with the Lord, like what we all claim to be, then we should be on the side of the poor where Jesus is as always.

I shall be adding more to the discussions and talk more about our faith-based "Ecumenical" campaign. I hope I will not be banned in the network because of my political involvements. I hope the group welcomes this kind of discussion and healthy exchanges. I am here to help provide enlightenment and to help in any way I can to start this mission.

(I attached a copy of the House Resolution 1109 - Con-Ass for your further study and reference.)

To learn more about my engagements, please visit http://civilsocietyact101.blogspot.com.

I welcome replies, comments and suggestions to this post. Thanks.