AMRSP solidarity statement for Sr. Mary John Mananzan
The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines decries the red-tagging of Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, a former chairperson of the women religious superiors. In a public post, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, one of the spokespersons of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) accused Sr. Mary John of being a long-term ally of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front. She further stated that Sr. Mary John of aiding and abetting these organizations.
These baseless accusations against a long-time social activist, feminist, human rights defender and theologian place her safety and well-being in danger. It is these reckless and malicious posts from a government functionary that can trigger online and offline attacks by those who wish to paint our world in black and white.
Sr. Mary John, OSB as Co-Chairperson of the AMRSP in 2013 was the founding chairperson of the Task Force for the Orientation of Church Personnel, one of our Mission Partners. In more than six decades of unrelenting and dedicated service to the cause of the poor and oppressed she has followed, as a true disciple, the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sr. Mary John, OSB may have taken avant-garde positions on issues of church and society but in no way was it meant to aid and abet the enemies of the State. It is a faithful commitment to prophetic witnessing that animates her words and actions.
We in the Association take this latest attack on a fellow religious very seriously. We extend our solidarity and unwavering support to Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB and all who have been accused, harassed, imprisoned by the enemies of truth, justice and peace.
We are one body and blood of our Lord Savior. We shall continue to follow in His path. We shall remain ever faithful:
He has shown you, O mankind, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8
Fr. Cielito R. Almazan,OFM
Sr. Marilyn A. Java, RC
AMRSP Co-Chairpersons
July 1, 2020
