Message on the Killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the shocking death of Bishop Alberto Ramento. We mourn for him and for the current situation in the Philippines.
On behalf of the member churches and councils of Christian Conference of Asia, we send our profound condolences to the family of Bishop Ramento and members of Iglesia Filipina Independiente. The death of Bishop Ramento is indeed a great loss not only in the Philippines but to the ecumenical movement in Asia and the world at large. We share your grief and pain.
We acknowledge the special contributions of Bishop Ramento to the building up of the ecumenical movement. He has served as the chairperson of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). He was also a co-chairperson of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF) which is composed of bishops from the various churches in the Philippines.
Bishop Ramento has contributed immensely towards building peace communities in the Philippines. He has often voiced strong objections against the political killings and corruptions in the Philippines. It is extremely sad that we have lost an advocate for peace and human rights who has paid with his life.
We are seriously concerned over the brutal killings of Christian leaders in the Philippines. It is a shame that those who stand up for freedom, justice and life become victims of political killings. We affirm our support to you in your efforts to continue to be the prophetic voice of the church, stop human rights violations and to work for a better quality of life and the liberation of the people.
We especially remember the members of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and the member churches in the Philippines in our prayers. May you find the needed strength during this time of grief and pain.
May you also find the continuous grace and guidance of God the Almighty in all your endeavors for peace and justice.
In solidarity,
Prawate Khid-arn
General Secretary
CCA