The Inviolable Separation of Church and State
It was as clear as the sun.
The Article II, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines stated that, “The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.”
Furthermore, Article III, Section 5 also states that, “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”
Apart from these two, no other provision further clarifies the parameters of separation of Church and State. Presumably, this gives the Church a freedom from any state intervention. However, does the State has the same freedom from the alleged meddling of the Church?
We are not strangers to priests, pastors, imams, ministers and other church leaders being appointed to or running for government positions. They contend that they have as much responsibility to the state as they have to its citizens. They maintain that they cannot just watch the government fall deeper into the clutches of corruption and allow conflict and chaos to rule society.
While many would rather have religious leaders remain in their pulpits preaching to believers sitting on pews from www.chairs4worship.com, there are those who believe that these preachers can affect change in governance. They argue that one righteous man in government is much better than a dozen self-serving politicians.
Whichever side you are on, the fact still remains that religion and politics are very much intertwined and will continue to interfere with each other’s matters. We only stand to hope that both Church and State will always – always – have the best interest of the people in mind.
8 Comments
Vanessa Rose Palacio
Yeah, in our constitution stated about that. I remember our philgov class! <3
Tess
I am on the separation of church and state. church should stay away from any government issues.
Mayla Lagrimas
It should not be necessary, any governing body should realize that religion can sway their decisions in a rather negative way. However with religions grip on society it was necessary to put in place laws that curbed, even only slightly, religions effect on political decisions.
Rhozallino Ramones
Nice Post! my comment is separate the church into the Government. Church must never interfere if what government decision.
Steve del Castillo
Great info! my opinion on the topic is church should seperate themselve from the goverment! they can express their opiion about the goverment but not intefere!
Belinda Ibanez
I agree on this that there should a separation of church and state fpr checks and balance.
Clarinda Santiago
It’s just a matter of respect. Respect each other and there’ll be no more arguments. The church should focus more on morality and the government in economy.
Roland Savellano
Church and Government are very difference in task and serving people. I’m pro seperated cause church is our leader for our faith to god and government is our leader to protect and implement laws to the people.