Cebu Archdiocese holds conference today on political engagement of public servants
By Fayette C. Ri�en
CEBU CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The Archdiocese of Cebu, in partnership with religious and lay organizations, will hold the Cebu Discernment Conference on Political Engagement of Public Servants in Cebu City today, July 20.
Under the theme, “God’s Love: Everybody Called to Share Responsibilities for Public Welfare,” the conference will gather some 1,500 public servants - elected and appointed in the local government units, schools, business, professional organizations, civic clubs, advocacy programs and representatives from parishes and religious communities.
Led by Cebu Archbishop Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, the president of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines or CBCP, the archbishop hopes the huge number of participants is enough initial force to effect a ‘dent’ or to ‘shovel off’ the mountains of social problems.
The objectives of the conference are: 1) To create a venue where different or even opposing interests can come together and start a process for Church-State collaboration for the common good; 2) To raise the awareness of participants that public service in politics or in any field is a noble Christian vocation; 3) To help inculcate in the minds of participants that the good-governance continuum requires a discernment process.
Archbishop Palma said that the problems of the people are increasing therefore there is an urgency to cooperate for the common good, “Even as we are focused on our respective approaches, I think we share the common conviction that we also need to be united and actively participate in some specific activities…We feel the urgency to come together and help one another, through prayer and sharing of resources.”
Speakers include Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG) Head Convenor Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo, Diocese of Novaliches Msgr. Antonio Labiao and Dilaab's Fr. Carmelo Diola.
The conference is co-sponsored by the Couples for Christ, Association of Women Religious of Cebu, Dilaab, Council of the Laity, Archdiocesan Service Committee and the Cebu Clergy. (FCR-PIA7 Cebu, with Cebu Archdiocese PR)