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 bishop’s 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/