Philippine Bishops announce prayer for peace in the South China Sea
Bishop David, president of the Bishops' Conference, issued an appeal for dialogue between Manila and Beijing at the end of the recent bishops’ assembly. "Nobody wants war,” he said, stressing the need for dialogue. A prayer will be broadcast and recited across the country. A close encounter between two rival coast guards ships risks degenerating into a geopolitical conflict.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued an appeal to government authorities to resolve the ongoing territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea through dialogue, not war.
At a press conference at the end of the CBCP assembly in Cagayan de Oro, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, called on the country's Catholics to pray for a peaceful solution to outstanding issues.
"We are spiritual and moral leaders, not political leaders, and we are aware of the tensions among our fellow citizens,” Bishop David said, adding that nobody is in favour of conflict, and tensions must be quelled through dialogue.
"Our parents, ancestors, and others have witnessed the dross of the Second World War. And no new generation should face the same again,” he explained.
At the heart of tensions between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China is navigation in areas that Beijing arbitrarily claims are under its sovereignty.
In recent weeks, the Chinese Coast Guard has employed more aggressive tactics, seriously endangering the interests of Filipino fishermen.
A few days ago, near the Spratly Islands that Manila claims as within its Exclusive Economic Zone, a Philippine military ship was also boarded.
The clash over the South China Sea is not just a local issue. The West is looking at Chinese expansionism in the Pacific with concern, as do Japan and South Korea. The issue is also on the agenda of the NATO summit currently underway in Washington marking the 75th anniversary of the organisation.
In recent days, contacts have been made between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China to ease tensions, but the risk of incidents remains high.
In fact, controversy surrounds a rescue operation of a Philippine sailor living on a rusting warship beached in 1999 on the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly to claim its sovereignty.
The Chinese coast guard said that it "allowed" the evacuation on humanitarian grounds, while the Philippine navy disputed this claim, saying that the Chinese statement shows the "illegal" blockade imposed by Beijing.
In view of the situation, Bishop David announced that a special Oratio Imperata (Obligatory Prayer) will be issued in coming days in support of peace amid geopolitical conflicts. The Church conducts this type of liturgical prayer in case of special events or calamities.
"Praying for peace is just as important as working for it," Bishop David said.
A few days ago, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, addressed the South China Sea dispute in Manila, calling on the parties to "abide by international law" and resolve their disputes amicably.
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