It was a great privilege for me to attend the 8th Quadrennial General Assembly of my church, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), in Digos City, Davao del Sur on 23-30 May 2006.

As one of the resource persons, giving one biblico-theological reflection (BTR) on day 1 and a sermon for the last day's (day 6) morning worship was a chance to share CCA's ecumenical perspectives on the theme, "Living Together in the Household of God." My BTR was on "Becoming a Household of Love, Faith and Hope" while my sermon focused on Mark 9:50, "Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another."

Being a resource person was a good chance to help expand the assembly's understanding and perception of what it means to be ecumenical -- i.e. to be part of the household of God. There is a tendency to limit the household of God to the church, which I call the household of faith. People need to be reminded that UCCP is only one household of faith but that there are many other households of faith in the household of God, which is the whole universe that God created.

My two papers will be published in the next edition of CTC Bulletin. The national secretariat of the UCCP plans to put these together with other materials (2 BTRs by Dr. Eleazar Fernandez, a morning worship sermon by Rev. Noel Villalba, etc.) in a book form with guide questions for use as study materials for the local churches.

During the policy discussion groups, I served as resource person for the group on ecumenical relations and partnerships and had a unique opportunity of sharing about the needed shifts for ecumenical thinking to come about.

Elected by the General Assembly was a new set of officers led by Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua, current bishop of the Southern Luzon Jurisdiction, as General Secretary, and Atty. Joel Bodegon as chairperson. Their term is effective immediately following the assembly. Bishop Elmer M. Bolocon was named bishop emeritus.

Three incumbent bishops were re-elected: Benjamin G. Barloso of Northwest Mindanao; Constante D. Claro of Southeast Mindanao; and Ebenezer C. Camino of West Visayas. Three pastors, one a woman, were elected bishops: Jessie S. Suarez of Southern Luzon, Dulce Pia-Rose of East Visayas, and Marino Ib. Inong of Northern Luzon.

It was also important for CCA's presence to be felt especially at this time when the church is being threatened with the killing of several of its peace activists and human rights workers among its clergy and laity. In fact, during the few days around and during the assembly, four workers were brutally killed and two sustained wounds, perpetrated by masked men on motorbikes. Although the military says that such killings are results of the in-fighting of left-wing groups, reliable sources say they are killings perpetrated by the military, which the present President is not able to control.

In view of these brutal killings, the General Assembly decided to call for a dialogue with the military and the President, together with leaders of the church and other religious groups, and ecumenical partners, including CCA.

posted by hope at Monday, June 05, 2006