“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ ‘Therefore, you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” (Matthew 23: 29-27)
These words of Matthew reverberate throughout the land as another victim of murder fell the ground last Friday morning in Antipas, North Cotabato. UCCP Pastor Rev.Ernesto “Tata” Estrella was shot dead, August 2 in the morning while driving his motorcycle in Antipas, North Cotabato, by still unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants.
We deplore this grisly act of terror committed against our prophet as we also call for justice for the growing number of victims of extra-judicial killings. We are aghast that ferocious acts like this continue to be perpetrated despite the existence of Martial Law in Mindanao – a clear indication that Martial Law is not an apt solution to the problem of violence in the country. Killings and all forms of violence MUST STOP!
We call for justice in favor of Rev. Tata Estrella and an end to the climate of impunity! Let us not wait until the whole nation drips in blood.
In calling for justice we also echo the words of Matthew in condemning such acts of terror committed against our prophets and all advocates of peace: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! thou who murderest the Prophets and stonest those who have been sent to thee! how often have I desired to gather thy children to me, just as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not come!” (Matthew 23:37)
STOP KILLING OUR PROPHETS! Justice to REV. ERNESTO “Tata” ESTRELLA! Stop Extra-Judicial Killings in Negros and elsewhere! Let Just-Peace Prevail!
THE UCCP COUNCIL OF BISHOPS
August 5, 2019
Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog
General Secretary
Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa
North Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Emergencio D. Padillo
Middle Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Joel E. Tendero
South Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Jerome C. Baris
East Visayas Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Feliciana P. Tenchavez
West Visayas Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Ligaya F. San Francisco
Northwest Mindanao Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis
Southeast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area
Bishops Emeritus:
Bishop Arturo R. Asi
Bishop Jezer E. Bertoldo
Bishop Isaias L. Bingtan
Bishop Erme R. Camba
Bishop Ebenezer C. Camino
Bishop Constante D. Claro
Bishop Gabriel A. Garol
Bishop Hilario M. Gomez, Jr.
Bishop Marino I. Inong
Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza
Bishop Roel P. Mendoza
Bishop Jaime R. Moriles
Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua
Bishop Dulce Pia-Rose
Bishop Elorde M. Sambat
Bishop Anacleto G. Serafica
Bishop Jessie S. Suarez
Bishop Rizalino Q. Taganas
Bishop Modesto D. Villasanta
Please click this link for the downloadable file, Stop Killing our Prophets!
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