Bro. Eddie Villanueva. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Members of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church are “free to join millions of other Filipino children of God” in celebrating Pope Francis’ pastoral and state visit to the Philippines, church leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva told the Inquirer on Thursday.
Stressing that they believed in “freedom of worship,” Villanueva said JIL did “not impose any policy of religious dictatorship on our members.”
In a text message, the evangelist cum ex-presidential candidate said the Christian Charismatic group shared the Pope’s “belief that Jesus is Lord, which is a prerequisite for salvation, and He died for all of us, not just for a particular race or nation.”
In an earlier interview, Villanueva said the papal visit was “not only a Roman Catholic event.”
No barriers
He said that “aside from the Catholic Church, others who value genuine world peace, freedom of worship and interfaith dialogue should also welcome this historic event.”
He expressed confidence the Pontiff’s trip “would be a breakthrough in effecting unity among various religious leaders not only in the region but also worldwide.”
“Let there be no barriers. Let there be a free market of ideas as religious leaders freely discuss the pros and cons of their respective beliefs and push for freedom of worship. That is, without resorting to violence,” he said.
Villanueva’s son, Joel Villanueva, who is director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, praised Pope Francis for “ushering in optimism, unity and the message of transformation.”
“Indeed, Pope Francis is the pope of hope,” he said.
The younger Villanueva, who is attending Friday’s meeting between the Pontiff and top government officials at Malacañang, said he would “seek his blessing and prayers for our nation to become one that cares for the marginalized, the poor and the infirm.”
“I will also seek his prayers for the Filipino youth that they may live fully during this period of their lives as optimistic, energetic and productive citizens,” he added.
Bro. Eddie said he believed the Pope’s visit would “further spread the love of Jesus Christ and mercy and compassion to bring God closer to the people. It is also an opportunity to bring about a sense of spiritual renewal among many Filipinos.”
“I hope this historic event will enlighten some of our kababayan who unwittingly engage in exploiting the marginalized despite their supposed religiosity… these people should realize that not everybody who calls Jesus Christ Lord will enter the kingdom of God, and religiosity is not a guarantee of entering heaven,” he said.