What do you believe to be the reason for a dip in church collection as observed by Bishop Oscar Cruz?

ED ALAWI, DAVAO CITY: Too much meddling of the Church in politics makes the faithful hold back on their contributions, which they deem are not spent on helping the poor brethren.

RICARDO TOLENTINO, LAOAG CITY: When money is tight due to financial crisis, people also tighten their palms.

People feel the economic crunch

Joana Rizza Bagano, Benguet: It obviously has something to do with the present global economic crunch. In the case of the increasing number of churchgoers, I think they are attending to ask for guidance from all crises, financial and what not.

C. Gaspar, Laoag City: The decline in church collections can be blamed on the economic crisis. Since there is no specified amount, whatever people can give willingly is already a shared blessing.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: I believe that the reason for this is that people now feel the economic crunch, so instead of giving money to the church, they use it to buy their basic needs instead.

E. Linsangan, Isabela: There could only be one reason for it: Churchgoers are experiencing financial difficulties and it hinders them from giving big amounts of donation.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: It’s because of financial and economic constraints. In the past months, we have been battered by a worldwide financial breakdown, high oil prices, inflation, high exchange rates, and other problems that continued to shrink the buying power of the peso, so we can’t blame Filipinos for scrimping on church collections.

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: I believe this is an indicator of our present economic plight. In my opinion, the church should be sympathetic and must also tighten its belt in its daily operations. Priests should also practice car pooling, recycle, electricity-saving tips and devices, budgeting and audit of their finances, etc., whenever and wherever applicable.

Imee Aglibot, Rizal: Bishop, don’t you know that we’re in the midst of an economic crunch and there’s just no more belt-tightening to do as we’re already reduced to skin and bones? Don’t even be surprised, Bishop, if years from now your observation will become a nightmare as population becomes an even bigger problem. Besides, this is just my silly idea, but don’t you think some people still prefer bringing baskets of fruits instead of small envelopes? I’m sorry, Bishop, but I must agree with these people, as I was taught to feed the hungry and not to give my money.

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: I think it’s due to economic reality. Given the times, saving and spending wisely are the buzzwords and it’s not as if the church’s wanting for cash.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: It is a fact that churchgoers are now feeling the law of diminishing returns because of their dissatisfaction with many priests who don’t practice what they preach. These “diminished” faithful go on an exodus to other sects, like the El Shaddai. Additionally, the majority of the remaining faithful probably no longer have money because of increasing poverty brought about by the prevalence of corruption in the government.

Dennis Acop, Baguio City: As Bishop Cruz said, people may already be feeling the effects of the economic crunch. I tend to agree with this reasoning. I am a family man myself, with a family of five to support, including myself and I certainly know the challenges of living through this high-flying world. People therefore spend less. If you ask me, I think this is a perfect opportunity for anyone with ill-gotten wealth to atone for their indiscretions and give more when all the rest of the people clearly cannot. In fact, it is during times of economic hardships that the average believer goes to church more in order to ask from God what he lacks in earthly existence.

There’s too much politicking

Leonard Villa, Batac City: Maybe churchgoers are either financially incapable due to the economic slowdown, or they are disgusted at the church’s mingling in government affairs.

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: It’s mainly due to the flock’s disgust at the politicking of the likes of Bishop Cruz. It could also be the difficult times we’re in.

Vic Nario, Caloocan City: Do you think pro-PGMA people will donate to the diocese na nasasakupan ni Bishop Cruz, etc.? To me, the reason is political.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Churchgoers have lost faith in and respect for him. Some bishops and priests engage in too much politicking.

M. Sunico, Caloocan City: The reason for the dip in collection is that less people believe in the church nowadays because of their involvement in politics. The principle of separation of church and state has been wantonly breached by the church, even when the government, except the DOH, supports the church’s call to debunk population control. Population control is for the poor, not for the rich. What has the church done lately to alleviate poverty other than to fire up the emotions of the masses to demonstrate against the government? On the contrary, the church promotes idolatry and other practices against the dictates of the Creator as written in the Bible. The truth is, the Church lives off the people.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City :Less coins for talk, talk, talk. It is the people’s way of telling church leaders not to meddle in the nation’s political affairs.

Rey Onate, Palayan City :The reason is that the moral teachings of the church are no longer effective. Politics seems to be the primary thrust. Kailangan pa bang pag-isipan iyan?

Losing faith in priests

Bernard Pacheco, Olongapo City: The dip in church collections is due to the presence of Bishop 0scar Cruz himself. He has lost credibility as God’s shepherd.

Val Mindaro, Santiago City: I can’t stand listening to priests anymore. I go to church to pray when no priest is around.

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: Maybe it’s because men no longer trust the men of cloth whose lives are more unclean than their own parishioners’.

Joel Caluag, Bulacan: Life is difficult these days. Every centavo counts. And personally, if Bishop Oscar Cruz is the one saying the mass, I won’t give a single centavo.

Are people really giving less?

I. Calata, Parañaque City: In our parish, the number of masses on Sundays has increased and the church is full every time. I have also observed that there has been a significant increase in churchgoers everyday. I have no way of knowing if more people are now dropping in coins instead of paper money. Then again, any dip in collection is compensated by the increase in the number of churchgoers. What is really inferred by Bishop Oscar Cruz is for us to guess. Is he saying that the fearful economic crunch has already set in? But, in the last two months, inflation in our country went down. Is it due to increasing poverty in the country, resulting from the neglect of government, which he always talks about, and with which we agree? On the other hand, we also know about parishes run by priests who do not develop good relationships with parishioners, who go to other churches for worship or just give coins. Oh well, take your pick.

Loi Castillo, Davao City: Was there a dip in the collection? I have observed during the offertory that, even before the crisis, parishioners were only giving loose change. Kailan ba nawalan ng krisis or kailan ba hindi nagkaroon ng krisis sa Pilipinas, Bishop Cruz?

Manny Cordeta, Marikina City: It is the belief of priest-and-political-analyst (is he also an accountant?) Bishop Oscar Cruz, and he’s entitled to it, just like anybody else. On the other hand, however, I beg to disagree with the said bishop’s perception for the simple reason that it cannot possibly be supported by facts or figures. If there is a dip in collection, the economy must have come into play. Still, it should be the least of his worries, taking into account that contributions are on a voluntary basis. Maybe it’s high time for the reverend Bishop Cruz to give more attention to his flock in Pangasinan, especially on aspects of spirituality.

People are cutting down on everything

Nick Contreras, Baguio City :The main factor for this may be the global economic crisis. People are already learning to save money for more important things instead of giving it away.

Don Hernandez, Las Piñas City: I think it’s just a matter of economics. With the present hard times, people are cutting down on everything and that includes church donations.

Time for church leaders to wake up

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: Catholic leaders must take notice of how mostly poor INC members can build beautiful chapels everywhere, not only here but worldwide. It’s time to wake up.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: It’s a sign of the times. Sermons, homilies, fellowships, etc. are like food supplements. The product makers and endorsers promise the effectiveness of the products with the caveat, “No approved therapeutic claims.” For a long time now, priests, pastors, ministers and some proselytizers have hoodwinked gullible converts that only by joining their organizations is one assured of salvation.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: The dip in collection suggests a dwindling number of church believers. Bothered by a dip in collection, the church must be aware of where its flock is.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: It’s a symptom of the church’s own failure. If it were successful in its role, its flock would’ve been enlightened to be more generous to the cause of the church.

People are just being practical

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: Extra cash for church donations is limited during hard times. People would rather spend their hard-earned money on food and other basic household expenses.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan :Simple. Church collections are also suffering because of poverty. Churchgoers are only practical. Kaysa ibigay sa simbahan, ilaman na lang muna sa tiyan.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: Pinoys who are not financially affluent prioritize the family’s basic needs first, before sparing some to our church coffers.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: In times of crisis, the going is your stomach first before the stomach of others. Why doesn’t the church start projects to support itself?

Church collections are voluntary

Ruel Bautista, Laguna :Catholics are not obliged to give, only to share. In the midst of the global crisis, it pays to be assigned to a rich parish.

Rose Leobrera, Manila: The reason for this is the hard times and also the leniency of the church. The Catholic church does not impose tithing, unlike the Iglesia ni Kristo. Isa pa, many of the priests lack genuine leadership to inspire and give hope to its members, like what Bro. Mike does in El Shaddai. Priests lack motivation. Most of the time, their homilies make me sleepy. There is no intensity. Even the sound system is lousy. It’s all just mechanical. So what’s the best remedy? To keep the church service alive.

June Deoferio, Cavite City: Church collections are voluntarily given by churchgoers to help people in need.

Where do collections go?

Mark Capistrano, Parañaque City: There is a lack of transparency in collections and expenses. How much is remitted to Vatican? How much support is given to left-leaning organizations?

People doubt sincerity of church leaders

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: So church collections are also in a meltdown, Bishop Cruz observes. Is this the reason for the “second collection?” People are aware that the financial crisis we’re experiencing now is not ending soon. We have to save and give priority to food on the table. Yes, more people go to church to pray and ask God for protection with what we are experiencing today, but it does not follow that church collection will be higher. People are already starting to doubt the sincerity of the church’s leaders. We do not know who these church leaders want to serve: Church or state? Remember, nobody can serve two masters.

Maybe in Bishop Cruz’s church

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: That’s not true. What Bishop Oscar Cruz may have observed is the second collection imposed in every mass that attracts few givers. It’s self-explanatory.

Felix Plamio, Antipolo City :There may be a dip in collection in the church of Bishop Cruz, but in our place, our motto is “Give and give until it hurts.”

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City :If there is really a dip in church collections as claimed by Bishop Oscar Cruz, maybe he should request for a financial bailout from the Vatican.

Focus on faith, not material things

Deo Durante, Naga City: Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with that as long as there are people who are willing to give what they believe will be used for a good cause. All churches need pecuniary assistance; it would be hypocritical of them to say that they don’t. But instead of scrutinizing material matters, the Lord God says this is not a requirement in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us just focus on our own faith.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Layman as I am, I wish to bring to the attention of the clergy that it is not the amount of church collection that matters but how the offerings were given. Were they given out of obligation and out of constant nagging by the clergy to the parishioners? Or were they given with a joyful heart because they were inspired by the Holy Spirit? If it is the latter, no matter how small the collection is, it will go a long way in the church ministry. The church is not a money-making business. She is into attending to the spiritual needs of man, and spirituality includes temporality.

Lack of understanding

Felix Ramento, Manila: The reason why church collections have dipped is probably because many members are not aware of their personal obligation to God with respect to the fruits of their labor. Eh, pamangkin ko nga hiningan ng offering ng Mayor namin dahil wala daw barya. Susmaryosep.

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: It’s the lack of understanding of and faith in the Commandments of God in giving offerings. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7, Hebrew, Hebrew 13:16, Psalm 50:22-23 of the Bible.

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: It is simply because of the economic crisis that there is a significant dip in church collections. Another reason is that the importance of tithing is not emphasized clearly among members of the flock. Giving starts only after the 10 per  cent has been deducted from one’s income. The 10 per cent is a command from the Lord that is clearly mentioned in the Bible. The Lord has also proven that the more you give, the more blessings will come your way. However, one must give wholeheartedly and with love because the Lord loves a cheerful giver.

Mandy Rillon, Cabanatuan City: The act of giving to the church is a sign of gratefulness to God. The growing faithlessness leads to ungratefulness, thus lessening church collections.

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: First of all, why do you give to the church? Is it out of obligation or generosity? Are you expecting something in return or are you giving due to your conviction and faith? Giving to the church is a command of God. It is our responsibility to give a tenth of our income to the Lord because it is Holy in His sight. Now, if there is a dip in the church collection, the primary reason is priority. But which comes first, God or your needs? There should be no excuse in giving, no matter what the circumstances are.

People are already heavily taxed

Jose Parco, Kalibo, Aklan: We are heavily taxed by this very oppressive government, so the Church should content itself with leftovers from the populace.

Some priests live in luxury

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Not surprising; priests and bishops wallow more in comfort and engage in political bickering than take care of the spiritual needs of their flock.  

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: It’s first and foremost the financial crisis. Seemingly, people also have an unfounded notion that some priests manage to live comfortably.

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