Reclaiming The Church of the People

There is much discussion back where I am from about legislation that promotes reproductive health, sex education, access to information and choices. You see, I come from one of the last stalwart Catholic nations. Church and state still mix and mingle, indeed the Church men still have a misguided understanding of their role. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and certain Catholic groups have raised a big bratty stink, trying to repress information and keep the country from participating in the modern day discourse of responsible sexual activity. The latest feat is a shaded threat to refuse communion to church goers who support Reproductive Health Legislation. There are too many ways that this is wrong, there are too many levels on which this stand is oppressive, repressive and misogynistic.

I do not know where to start with this, it is a disturbing abuse of power and influence; a sickening degree of oppression. These thoughts refer to a note below which makes very sad. But it also makes me angry. It angers me that men are coming between me and my God. It angers me that these men, who have no idea the plight and struggles of good women, have not even engaged in discussion with us. It angers me that men feel it is within their remit to take away the free will my God so lovingly bestows.

Free will and free choice are God given. When the Church goes out of their way to suppress freedom and take away our rights to choose, they have gone too far. The double standards are hypocritical, they have never gone out of their way when dealing with the countless adulterers in their parishes, or the astounding number of corrupt officials, thieves and liars. Is it perhaps because they are men?

This no longer feels like the work of God, instead if feels like a desperate power trip of men in positions of influence, with hardened hearts. Men who refuse to listen. Jesus was a man of compassion and understanding. Ultimately inclusive and feminist, He would never stand for this misogyny. He would sit with women and listen, understand our needs and enlighten - not block us from information.

The Church and The Faith belong to The People. It is now up to us to guide the lost leaders back to the true purpose of The Faith. It is not about power, suppression or abuse of influence. It is not to meddle with laws or legislation. Ultimately it is about compassion, truth and love. These are tough times, they call for tough love. The Church leaders have lost their way, it is up to The Church of The People to light the path towards compassion, understanding and love.