Philippines: "Bishops oppose arming priests" after recent attacks on priests when they were shot

[mdgspencer]

see http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1001706/bishops-oppose-arming-priests

“'I will not allow it in my diocese. Sacrifices and sufferings are part and parcel of being priests. It is our calling, that is, to carry the cross and even to be crucified on the cross,” one bishop said.

The Philippines is a Catholic country. 80% of the population is Catholic.

 

[twf]

Good on him.
Despite the well known views of popular blogger Fr Z, that priests should be armed and ready to defend their congregations, the idea of an armed priest never sat well with me. Weren’t medieval priests forbidden from carrying swords?

 

[Cruciferi]

We are allowed to defend ourselves from unjust aggression. I do not see an armed Priest as being incompatible with his ministry. It’s for his defense.

 

[Cruciferi]

It is our calling, that is, to carry the cross and even to be crucified on the cross,” one bishop said.

Very easy to say when your life isn’t being threatened. I don’t recall the Church declaring that we’re obligated to participate in our own Martyrdom. I for one would never have been taken to the arena and been eaten alive.

 

[twf]

St Ignatius of Antioch went quite willingly. And joyfully.

Of course, most of us aren’t of his spiritual caliber.

 

[Cruciferi]

It’s a personal choice. I would have resisted or fled. I wouldn’t submit to their demands though.