A POSITION PAPER ON THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE

The ghastly death of 57 civilians due to family political rivalry and malpractice in Maguindano last month can only cause horror, disbelief, and shame to us as Filipinos living in the 21st century. It was, no doubt, a case of inhuman execution and brutal murder of people whose only mistake is to struggle against life’s difficulties and challenges.

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) condemns in the strongest possible terms this very sad event.

We agonize and grieve with the victims’ families and loved ones affected by this dastardly event. We are also horrified at the way power was used to seek self perpetuation in positions of political authority by elements which seem to know no way of expressing themselves but through the barrel of the gun.

The CAMACOP believes in the sacredness of life as given to every human being by God. Therefore, every human being should be respected by all others, no matter the religious or political persuasion they may differ. We further believe that government positions are designed by God not so that a few will prosper at the cost of denying the same from others, but that the greater good shall be sought and upheld. Therefore we implore the higher levels of authority in our government to seek out justice and peace in Maguindanao, justice and peace being foremost traits of God which He has extended to us as His image.

No matter what religious persuasion we have, we must respect people. And should the Spirit of God cause one to change allegiance from one Divine to another, that person’s decision should be respected.

As a Christian community, we deplore the sad event. At the same time, we encourage everyone to seek the peace of God in his heart through prayer, repentance, and petition to the Lord that He will bring us one step closer to societal progress and individual improvement. And that we can continue on from thereon.

We say we need to repent, because perhaps we were neglectful in including our brothers and sisters in Maguindanao in our prayers to God.

The Holy Bible has a passage on this, and we want to reflect on it many times as we go through this difficult part of Philippine history:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

May the shalom of God be our portion.