Wolves in sheeps' clothing

Recently at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI admonished bishops from Ireland that the sexual abuse of children is a heinous crime that they must address with great resolve. The papal admonition was given during crisis talks over pedophilia scandal that has rocked that country.

 The pope met with 24 Irish bishops and top Vatican officials in the wake of sweeping outrage in Ireland over a report published by the Murphy Commission that the Church in Ireland had "obsessively" concealed complaints about child abuse by priests.

Operating under a policy of "don't ask, don't tell," the report said all Dublin bishops in charge during the period studied by the commission had been aware of some complaints but were more preoccupied with protecting the reputation of the church than safeguarding children.

The talks were unprecedented, although Benedict's predecessor, the beloved Pope John Paul II, occasionally apologized unilaterally in public for the sexual transgressions of priests and bishops, and for some of their greedy practices that resulted in massive alienation of the flock.

 Perhaps the pope should also take time out to have similar crisis talks with Philippine bishops, priests and nuns who have clearly gone berserk in their hatred for certain political personalities.

 I am singling out Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Sr. Mary John Mananzan, head of the militant Association of Major Religious Superiors, whose public pronouncements are so hateful they make a lot of Catholics in the Philippines ashamed of their religion.

 There is no debate that President Arroyo is one of the most unpopular presidents the Philippines ever had. Every survey ever taken shows her approval rating has been one of constant decline. So sweeping is this perception that no one needs to tell anyone else that this is so.

 But every public pronouncement of Cruz, and on occasion Mananzan, is always a vile and venomous attack against Arroyo as if it has become their apostolic and pastoral mission to inspire hatred against the embattled Philippine leader.

 Cruz and Mananzan have clearly forgotten that each and every aspect of Christian teaching is founded on principles dealing with love, forgiveness and salvation. Both have lost all traces of humility and have become self-righetous, arrogant and spiteful.

 Going by widespread perceptions that Arroyo cheated in previous polls, Cruz and Mananzan not just assumed but in fact concluded that she will cheat again, maliciously nailing her to a crime before it happened. Instead of praying that she does good, they damn her for her past.

 Listen to Cruz: "We have seen it in 2004 and in 2007. The Arroyo government has every motive to rig the elections so it can stay in power. The single biggest fear now is the possibility of a failure of elections which will surely benefit the administration."

 And Mananzan: "Arroyo cannot cheat for administration bet Gilbert Teodoro since he is among the cellar dwellers. She would also not cheat for Noynoy Aquino who has vowed to pursue charges against her. So, using the process of elimination, who do you think would benefit?”

 Cruz went further: "There is reasonable basis to presume Arroyo’s real candidate is either Villar or former president Joseph Estrada. Villar owes her a lot. Estrada also owes her a lot. She will support the one who will be lenient to her.”

 What kind of ranking religious leaders are these? How did they know with enough certainty for them to go out in public and make unequivocal statements? Did God appear to them and revealed what the future holds for this country?

 If all that they have are just perceptions, then they should keep these to themselves. It is the height of irresponsibility to part with unsubstantiated statements, especially when the high position you hold can lend credence to an otherwise incredible statement.

 It is misguided church officials like these who are driving many away into the arms of other, more circumspect religions. Just look at the many brand new churches of other religions sprouting all over the country. They all suggest one thing: Unprecedented growth.