Philippine archbishop rebukes faithful: I am a Catholic but
As the government in the Philippines continues its violent war against drugs, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan expressed his concern for Catholics in the country who continue to support the President. The archbishop criticized those who hide behind the statement "I am a Catholic but ...."
Simone Orendain
April 19, 2017
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
The head of the Philippine bishops conference expressed concern over what he perceived to be a growing trend of rebuffing church morals and doctrine in his country.
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan opened his Easter message with a searing rebuke of the faithful in the Philippines, questioning their behavior.
How many of our Catholics openly and blatantly declare, I am a Catholic, but I agree that drug addicts must be killed; they are useless. I am a Catholic but I am pro-death penalty.
I am a Catholic, but I do not always obey my bishop, he is too old-fashioned.
I am a priest but my bishops circulars are optional for obedience.
I am a Catholic but
I am a Catholic but
,' Villegas trailed off in the published message.
Since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June 2016 on a promise to eradicate crime and kill drug dealers and addicts, the archbishop has been a vocal critic.
https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2017/04/19/philippine-archbishop-rebukes-faithful-catholic/