God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him… God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. (Gen. 1:27, 31)

Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) XIII Statement Diocese of Surigao We, the 208 delegates composed of archbishops, bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders, representing the 21 local churches in Mindanao-Sulu, gathered together for the 13th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference held at Pope John XXIII Pastoral Complex in the Diocese of Surigao, Surigao City from October 22 to 26, 2007, convey this message to all the faithful and people of goodwill.

MESSAGE OF BISHOP PEDRO ARIGO, D.D. Chairman of CBCP-ECPPC In every society, crime and issues of law and order loom large in public consciousness. The Philippines is no exception. Fair and just dealings between and among people constitute the heartbeat of a good society. We all need to feel safe in our homes on our streets, in our communities.

Press Release Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo October 26, 2007 A president granting absolute pardon to a convicted and impeached predecessor is historic indeed. It will give people today and future generations opportunity to debate and evaluate. The pardon covers a multitude of sins which are now left to Divine Justice – cum – Mercy to resolve. In a death-bed scene, a dying person might hear God saying: “I will forgive you, I know you have already suffered, but you should be purified some more in purgatory.”

A Pastoral Statement of Catholic Bishops of Mindanao Of late certain controversies regarding the morality and legality of government contract like the one on alleged broadband facilities as well as the issue on the monetary expression of political patronage have challenged some high officials of the government. According to the media reports these controversies have drawn reaction from various sectors, including Church leaders.

"Sa patuloy ng pagdami ng mga mamamayan at mga samahang naglalayong malutas ang mga suliranin ng lipunan ayon sa katotohanan, higit silang lumalayo sa mga pag-abuso at kumikilos ng naaayon sa pangangailangan ng katotohanan. Ang walang pakundangang paggamit ng salapi ang siyang nagiging dahilan ng mas maraming mga katanungan, na mangangailangang magkaroon ng katapatan sa larangang pangsarili’t panglipunan." (COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, No. 198.)