Manila archdiocese takes neutral stance on Celdran conviction

The Archdiocese of Manila said on Tuesday that it was up to the government to implement the law after the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeals’ affirmation of a ruling by lower courts convicting cultural activist Carlos Celdran of “offending religious feelings.

“We leave to them the tasks that are properly theirs, especially in implementing the law, as long as the rights and dignity of a person [are] respected,” said Fr. Roy Bellen, head of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Office of Communications.

According to him, the archdiocese did not pursue any legal case against Celdran.

“We do not say that the archdiocese is pleased simply because a person has been convicted,” Bellen said when asked for a reaction to the decision released by the high tribunal on March 21.

Desire for the good

“The Church has always desired the good of persons and institutions. And we are not the only institution with such desire. I am sure the government also works for the similar good and so we leave it to them to implement the law,” he added.

In 2010, Celdran held up a sign with the word “Damaso” during an ecumenical service at the Manila Cathedral to show his opposition to the Church’s stand on the reproductive health bill.

In a Facebook post, Celdran said he would file a motion for reconsideration on Aug. 15.

He was sentenced to a jail term ranging from three months to a year and a month. —Tina G. Santos