Msgr. Raul Go, canon lawyer, describes the “Ama Namin” video as offensive. | Photo from Diocese of Malolos
CEBU CITY, Philippines — (UPDATED) An official of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines (CLSP) has expressed disappointment over a circulating video on social media, seemingly disrespecting the “Ama Namin” Prayer.
Msgr. Raul Go, a canon lawyer, president of the CLSP, and currently with the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Cebu, commented against a circulating video online showing individuals at a party singing the Ama Namin Prayer, or the Our Father Prayer, in a “disrespectful” manner.
The said performance was posted on Twitter by the account of a certain Pura Luka Vega. However, it was not clear where or when the party happened.
READ MORE: ‘Ama Namin’ drag performance ni Pura Luka Vega umani ng batikos mula sa madlang pipol
A man also dressed as Jesus Christ during the party.
“I do not find this the proper way to sing the Ama Namin, much more the proper way to present the image of Jesus. The Ama Namin is not a party song, and the image of Jesus is not properly given respect at a party like this,” Go said.
“I do not find any trace of respect for the image and the song. I even find this disgusting and offensive. What is the context? I am afraid the context cannot justify the inappropriateness of the performance, or whatever they call this. I am personally offended by the disrespect,” he added.
He also reminded that baptized Catholics cannot use what the Catholic Church considers sacred at parties, such as the video.
‘I will not apologize’
Meanwhile, Luka has spoken out regarding the issue through Twitter Spaces.
The drag queen thanked those who understood her performance and who were willing to hear her side.
“Queerness has always been there naman. I feel like it’s my way of actually praising God,” Luka said.
“Feeling ko I was very careful when I did that ’cause I don’t want it to come across as something that’s very offensive but then again it’s still taken that’s something very offensive.”
She also said it wasn’t her intention to demean the religion, especially since she is a Catholic.
“I did that intentionally to challenge our notions of how we worship or how we sing our praise,” Luka said.
“I get it when people think that I’m too much but I will not apologize. I’m sorry, it is something I truly [and] firmly believe in. I don’t think that my artistry needs to have an explanation just to cater whatever request people may have but I do listen,” she added.
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