Don’t use pulpit in anti-vax sermon

CEBU CITY – Archbishop Jose Palma has warned priests not to use the pulpit in their personal campaign against the government’s mass vaccination program.

He advised priests opposing the vaccination program against Covid-19 to refrain from including personal stands in their homily. “Do not use the pulpit for your personal opinions because the pulpit is for the official teaching of the Church,” said Palma on his homily at the opening salvo for the 170th Parish Fiesta at the St. Augustine of Hippo Parish in Carmen town.

While he respects the personal opinions of the priests, Palma reminded them that the pulpit is used only to preach the official teachings of the Catholic Church. This, he said, means that the homily must share the reflection or the message of the Church in general even if, at times, it runs in contrast to the personal beliefs of the priest himself.

The Philippine News Agency also quoted Palma as saying that the “Church recommends vaccination.”

Palma’s remarks came after a video clip showed a priest delivering his homily against the government’s mass vaccination program. The clip quickly went viral on social media.

Father Roy Amora Cimagala, who followed Palma’s statement, wrote this on the Facebook page of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu. “The question of vaccination - the pulpit should not be used whether one is for or against it. Since there are serious and valid reasons behind each side, everyone should be encouraged to study the issue well and only then can one make a choice to v or not to v,” said Cimagala, who also writes a syndicated column for various newspapers, including the Mindanao Examiner.

“Whatever choice one makes he should do it in good faith with love for God and neighbor as prime motive. One always takes some studied risks whatever decision he makes. That way whether one is right or wrong in the end, God will take care of everything. No need for acrimonious discussions and much less using the pulpit for expressing one’s views on this matter,” he added. (John Rey Saavedra, Cebu Examiner)