29TH CONVENTION OF THE IFI DIOCESE OF SURIGAO CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE STOP OF THE GENOCIDAL WAR AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?" [Isaiah 58:6-7]
The season of Lent emphasizes the essence of true fasting as a call to social justice and compassion. In the context of the on-going genocidal war against the Palestinian people, we understand that the passage challenges us in the Diocese of Surigao to constantly look at the responsibility to address injustice, oppression and the plight of the marginalized as our form of genuine fasting in this Lenten season and unequivocal expression of common principle. We believe that our collective response being a local church of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, as aligned with this call and consonant to this basic moral and ethical principle, would principally involve advocating for justice, condemning oppression, and supporting humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
Hence, in the spirit of love, justice, and compassion, we, the 318 delegates to the 29th Convention of the IFI Diocese of Surigao, stand united with deep concern for the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing genocidal war perpetrated by the Israeli government against them.
Palestine has a rich history, a land where countless biblical figures walked and lived. We recognize the deep-rooted connection between the land and its people, and we remember the biblical narrative of God's promise to bless all nations as stated in Genesis 12:3. Palestine’s history as a nation however is one that has been overwhelmed by and confronted up to this day with fear and violence, brought upon by Israel’s relentless killings in Gaza.
As of January 13, 2024, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor cited that about 100,000 Palestinians have been killed, reported missing, or wounded since October 7, 2023 due to Israel’s ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Euro-Med Monitor estimated that 31,497 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been killed as of January 13, 2024, with 92% being civilians, including 12,345 children, 6,471 women, 295 health personnel, 41 civil defense personnel, and 113 journalists. Moreover, the said human rights group emphasized that 1.955 million Palestinians, approximately 85% of the total population of the Strip, have been displaced from their homes amid ongoing Israeli violence, with significant destruction reported in housing units, schools, industrial facilities, health facilities, mosques, churches, and press offices.
As a local church, our faith compels us to speak up for the voiceless, echoing the wisdom of Proverbs 31:8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." We unequivocally denounce the genocide and any violence against the Palestinian people, particularly inflicted against women and children who bear a disproportionate burden. A just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is our fervent call. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, who commands us to love our neighbors and seek justice for the oppressed, we raise our prophetic voices in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. In this light, we urgently call for the immediate stop of hostilities to alleviate the suffering, loss of life, and destruction of properties. We call for the cessation of the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, recognizing the inherent rights of the Palestinian people, and, finally, call on the countries that support Israel’s genocidal war to stop, and instead divert their support for humanitarian aid to the victims.
Our hearts are burdened, and our prayers are offered to the victims of this conflict. May our collective plea for justice, self-determination, and peace resonate across borders, fostering a renewed commitment to compassion and humanity, even as we believe that in the end, God’s will shall reign over all, “He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. (Isaiah 2:4)”
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Presented by the Statement Committee and adopted at the Ninth and Last Session of the 29th Convention of the Diocese of Surigao, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, held on February 22-24, 2024 in Placer Parish, Placer, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.
THE REVD CLYDE U. CATUBURAN
Diocesan Secretary
THE MOST REVD RHEE M. TIMBANG
IFI Bishop of Surigao
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