September 2009: Let Justice Roll

September 2009 Bulletin Insert Format [PDF]
Septiembre 2009 en español

Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. Amos 5:24

The Manila, Philippines news recently reported that yet another church worker, who is also the son of a pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), has been reported missing by his family after he was arrested by police and later turned over to the military. The 35-year-old lay worker was arrested by a police team in Tangub City.

Tensions and violence intensifies in parts of the southern Philippines. Violations to the rights and dignity of persons under the presidency of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo continue with impunity. These violations are evident in the widespread poverty, unabated corruption, and extrajudicial killings and abductions. Many of these abuses have targeted church leaders, workers and members, particularly those from the Protestant denominations.

Global Ministries asks you to join in calling for action by our government to call a halt to these atrocities. The UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have written letters, signed on to the letters of other denominations and passed resolutions to this effect.

Filipino pastors ask that we pray that the government of the Philippines will be humane enough to stop the rampant human rights violations and extra-judicial killings.

Xiaoling Zhu is executive of the East Asia and Pacific office of Global Ministries.