Atienza: Defend clergy credibility, culture of life

CATHOLIC laity should defend and promote the culture of life and credibility of the clergy, a pro-life advocate said.

The Cebuano flock should defend bishops under fire for receiving donations from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes’ Office since the issue was in retaliation for the prelates’ opposition to the Reproductive Health bill, said Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza.

Atienza, convenor of the National Coalition Family and Life attended the solidarity prayer rally against the Reproductive Health bill, divorce bill and same-sex marriage last Saturday at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño pilgim center.

He also led the collection of donations to buy vehicles for seven Catholic bishops who returned to the government their PCSO-issued vehicles.

“Some people are attacking the credibility of our church,” Atienza told reporters yesterday in an interview at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Atienza said the bishops need replacement vehicles to continue programs and activities led by the clergy especially for the poor.

“We wanted to involve the community and the parishioners of Cebu in the effort of helping our bishops,” Atienza said.

He said the National Coalition Family and Life already gathered P2.5 million in funds.

Atienza said he would also visit other provinces to gather more money for the bishops’ vehicles and consolidate opposition to the Reproductive Health bill. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya