|
A solemn Memorial Celebration
was held October 8, 2006 to pay tribute to Bishop Alberto Ramento, chair
of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Council of Bishops and co-convenor
of the Ecumenical Bishops' Forum (EBF), who was murdered last Oct. 3 in
his convent in Tarlac City.
The memorial celebration for Bishop Ramento and all Martyrs of the
Struggle for Justice and Peace, was held at the St. Getrudis Cathedral of
the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The memorial celebration was officiated by Dr. Arcbishop Joris A.O.L
Vercammen of the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands, who also
delivered an inspiring homily.
Others who gave oral tributes and testimonies include: Prof. Jose Maria
Sison, chairperson of the International League of People's Struggles (ILPS),
Luis Jalandoni, chairperson of the NDFP Peace Panel, and Theo Droog,
chairperson of the Dutch-Philippine Solidarity Movement (NFS).
The Dutch and Filipinos who attended the service, participated in an
emotional candle-lighting ceremony led by United Church of Christ in the
Philippines pastor Rev. Cesar Taguba, and Rev. Fr. Rudolf Scheltenga of
the Old Catholic Church. ### |
 |
 |
|
Alliance
for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) USA
Stand Firm against the Persecution and Senseless
Killing of Church People and Other Social Justice Activists in the
Philippines!
Justice for Bishop Alberto Ramento! Justice for all 756 victims of
political killings including church workers, peasants, union officials and
organizers, journalists, women, student activists, lawyers, doctors and
peace advocates who, in their pursuit of justice for the poor and
oppressed, have been felled down by the military death squads of the
government of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Bishop Ramento, the former Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipina
Independiente (IFI Philippine Independent Church), died in his convent
early morning from multiple stab wounds inflicted by a cowardly assassin.
The Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF), of which Ramento was a co-chairperson,
is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation because he was a
staunch peace and human rights advocate. Shortly before his murder, Bp.
Ramento often mentioned that he had been receiving death threats in
connection with his advocacy.
Ramento was a convenor of the Pilgrims for Peace and the Movement of
Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL), and was a staunch
supporter of the striking sugar workers of Hacienda Luisita. Military
assassins also claimed the life of Fr. William Tadena of IFI after holding
a service for the striking workers on a Sunday.
Being a supporter of civil liberties and human rights, Bp. Ramento earned
the ire of US- sponsored Arroyo government and her military in his
constant condemnation of the unabated political and extra-judicial
killings targeted against legitimate opposition.
To us peace advocates in the United States, this is just another attempt
to sow fear among the Filipino people in order to stop them from
organizing and mobilizing to achieve genuine change in government
policies. The Philippine military that is armed and trained by its US
counterparts has extended its counter-insurgency campaign to the senseless
killings of unarmed civilians and church people.
After Bishop Alberto Ramento, Fr. William Tadena, United Church of Christ
Conference Minister Ed Lapuz, United Methodist Church Isaiah Sta. Rosa and
so on, who comes next in the assassins list?
We will not be cowed by violence against church people and unarmed
civilians. We stand firm in the path of righteousness and justice as we
extend our solidarity to the Filipino people in their unyielding faith to
struggle for genuine peace.
Stop the Political Killings! Uphold Civil Liberties!
Resume the Suspended Peace Talks between the Philippine Government and the
National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)! |
Initial Signatories:
Rev. H. Wilson Deocera
Daly City United Methodist Church*
San Francisco, CA
The Rev. Steven J. Sprecher, Chair
Peace with Justice Work Area, General Board of Church and Society*,
The United Methodist Church- Lake Oswego, Oregon
Rev. Timothy Phillips
University Baptist Church*
Seattle, Washington
Fr. Toting Tronco
Ecumenical Fellowship for Justice and Peace*
Los Angeles, California
Most Rev. John B. Reid, Ph.D.
Bishop
Orthodox Catholic Diocese of
Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties*
Western Rite, Southern California
Rev. B. David Williams
United Methodist Missionary to the Philippines (retired)*
Seattle, Washington
Rev. Richard Rubio-Bowley
Evangelical Lutherans in America*
San Francisco, California
Franco Arceval
Laity Catholic Church*
Los Angeles, CA
Rev. Diane Schmitz
United Church of Christ*
Seattle, Washington
Rev. Beverly Spears
University Baptist Church*
Seattle, Washington
Rev. James Campbell
Broadway United Church of Christ*
New York, New York |
