MANILA — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the Catholic faithful to respect the views of people belonging to other religious denominations and those who do not believe in God.
“(The) Vatican stressed that we Catholics should respect non-Catholics and their religions. We also respect those who do not believe in God. All people should strive to respect those who differ from their beliefs. Religions are not to be used for conflicts but for mutual understanding and peace,” Tagle said in a circular letter issued Wednesday.
The prelate also urged priests to stay calm and faithful amid various issues and events in the country.
“Be at peace. Be calm. Don’t let things disturb your inner peace. Let us read the situation with the eyes of faith,” Tagle added,
Tagle noted that the issue on questioning God is not new.
“Questioning God and God’s ways is not new. It is as old as humanity and religions. In the history of the church they have become moments for study, reflection and clarification of doctrine Creation and evolution, God’s goodness and evil. God’s grace and human freedom God’s mercy and eternal punishment — these topics have been raised at various moments of the Church’s history,” said the head of the Archdiocese of Manila.
“Those who believe in God must work faithfully and joyfully for the Lord. Those who do not believe in God must serve out of human decency, generosity and concern for neighbors,” he added.
Tagle is currently in Geneva, Switzerland for the Geneva for the UN Conference on Migrants and Refugees sponsored by the Holy See, Caritas Internationalis, the World Council of Churches, International Detention Coalition and other groups. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
