“DO not be afraid to proclaim the truth.”
This was the challenge of human life advocate Dr. Rene Bullecer to Filipinos, especially Catholics, after boxing superstar and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was criticized for a statement against same-sex marriage.
Bullecer, country director of the Human Life International, said Pacquiao’s statement was an eye-opener for people who don’t know that same-sex marriage is prohibited by God.
“Truth hurts. But we are challenged to stand up for the truth. We do not condemn the LGBT group but we’re here to remind them of the truth. In God’s plan, marriage is intended for procreation. Same-sex marriage defeats this purpose,” Bullecer said.
He lauded Pacquiao for his courage in standing up for what is right.
“I believe Manny knew the repercussions of his statement even before he said them. But he stood by the truth. And for that, we salute Manny,” Bullecer told CDN over the phone yesterday.
Pacquiao has been widely criticized for comparing Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) in same-sex marriages as “worse than animals.”
Bullecer said Pacquiao wasn’t condemning the LGBT sector but just reiterated what the Bible says against same-sex marriage.
“Why did it take a pastor from another religion to proclaim about this? The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country and we Catholics should be reminded of our prophetic role to stand up for the truth,” he said.
Jesus Christ, who founded the Catholic Church, was also criticized for proclaiming what is right, Bullecer said.
“Our Lord was crucified because He stood up for the truth. His apostles too were martyred because they proclaimed what is right. Hence, every Christian should also be ready to proclaim the truth even if they would be subjected to criticisms,” he said.
Msgr. Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said Pacquiao’s choice of words was crucial in the controversial statement he issued.
“I think we should maintain the use of politically correct language as a sign of respect for others even if we disagree with them in terms of opinion or lifestyle,” he told CDN in a text message.
“I do not know the context of the congressman’s statement so I cannot be equally rush in interpreting what he meant by that,” he added.