One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church

The story of one Vic Cepeda allegedly claiming Kristo Rai Church as a church not for Filipinos is one that earns a place amongst the Most Dishonorable Acts of 2008.

This statement brings to mind the Sadducees and the Pharisees who made up Israel’s religious ruling class at the time of Jesus. Many of them were affluent and occupied influential positions in the community. Due perhaps to this, they had a hard time relating to the average Joe six packs of their time. Perhaps, Vic thinks that being a member of Kristo Rai’s Parish Pastoral Council gives him certain powers over other “lower” people and offers him immunity when it comes to uttering racist remarks. One would assume that as a member of this respected Council, Vic would know that his duty, among other things, is to provide advice and support to the parish priest and the parishioners. Perhaps, he has forgotten the basic tenets of the Catholic faith. If this were the case, Vic needs to go back to taking religion classes at Mt. Carmel School, where he was once principal, because he clearly misses the whole point of being a Catholic.

Let us, as Catholics on the island, at the very least educate Vic again on the 4 Marks of the Catholic Church—One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic:

ONE. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. It has long been understood by all Catholics that a building doesn’t make Christ’s church. It is made up of people who gather together as one community to worship and praise God. The Church is a refuge for all peoples; it offers sanctuary to all.

HOLY. Our faith is anchored on the principle that when we gather as one congregation, we make up Christ’s Church. This is the will of God, our sanctification.

CATHOLIC. For all men, for all ages, from Pentecost to the end of the world. When any Church welcomes only one race or one group of people, it ceases to be Catholic; it loses its universal aspect which was what Jesus Christ championed.

APOSTOLIC. The Church is founded upon Christ’s Apostles and their successors to the end of time. These men succeed to the Mission, Authority and Orders of the Apostles. Jesus Christ taught his Apostles to welcome saints and sinners, the rich and poor, and the old and young. Deviating from the teachings of the Apostles deviates from Christ’s teachings as well.

So you see, Vic, when you made that statement alleging that Kristo Rai Church is not for Filipinos, you have created an act that is un-Catholic in particular and un-Christian in general. To do this during the period celebrating Christ’s birth, Christmas, is even more appalling.

The Coalition for the Recognition and Equality of American Ethnic Minorities (CREAM) offers support to the call of the Choir Group, 9:30am Mass to refrain from attending Mass at Kristo Rai Church until Vic issues an apology to the church, particularly to the people affected.

CREAM is requesting the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa to restore peace and harmony amongst its parishioners by correcting this discriminatory act and leading the entire community in welcoming anyone, regardless of race, inside the folds of the Church.