The people are the boss
Asked regarding the church’s supposed non-interference in the affairs of the state, Cardinal Zen has got this to say: “Ridiculous.”
While the clergy does not have power and is not into party politics, he said, everyone is perfectly entitled to speak when it comes to the issue of human rights. The late Pope John Paul II, for example, “raised his voice” against the U.S.-led war on Iraq, he added,” When people are informed of their rights and there is systematic education and information dissemination, people can speak up and get involved.”
In a democracy, the people are the boss, he said. “The authority is for the service of the people. Democratic structures, like elections, are there to ensure that wealthy people do not have dominion on public opinion,” the cardinal said.
“Unfortunately, formal democracy or democratic structures do not ensure genuine democracy. Information can be distorted. Structures can be manipulated. Votes can be bought,” he continued.
“There is need to respond to this. People need to be informed and be led,” Cardinal Zen said.
The Philippines as an example
According to the cardinal, where wealth rules, power is overwhelmingly controlled.
In the Philippines, he noticed the “scandalous” gap between the rich and the poor. He said, “I cannot understand (why) rich people have big palaces, many servants (while those) servants live in huts, subhuman and miserable conditions.”
And it is not only in one place, according to Cardinal Zen. It “seems to be very common”. He concluded by saying, “I suspect it’s the rich people who dominate the Philippines.”
Using the prestige of the church
“Time is not enough,” Cardinal Zen said.
Despite a very busy schedule, he makes it a point to get involved and speak up. According to him, he enjoys every occasion. He said that anybody can do advocacy, can speak up. As bishops, they have a responsibility to express their positions on issues and concerns gripping society.
When asked for a message to the Filipino people and all those fighting for human rights, he instead directed his words to his brother bishops:
“As (you) enjoy the prestige and the respect of the Filipino people and the government, (your) help will be very effective given the situation in the Philippines,” said Cardinal Zen.
Cardinal Zen knows very well how to use the prestige and the respect he has gained through the years. He uses them for those stripped of their right to live in a country, for those denied of their right to live freely, and for those robbed of their right to live. (Bulatlat.com)
