THE ROLE OF CHURCH AND STATE by John Rey Lumagui

THE ROLE OF CHURCH AND STATE

—Written by Mr. John Rey Lumagui, Catholic Faith Defenders- Cavite President—

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When we hear the word “Church” and “State” we often perceive that these two are antagonistic toward each other. But, they are not and should not.  

In the purpose of their existence, one common denominator exists—for the sake of the happiness of the people.

There are two types of happiness; temporal and eternal.

Temporal happiness is the happiness that we can obtain while here on earth whereas, eternal happiness is something we can obtain after our combat here on earth. We can obtain the latter in our after life with God in heaven.

The purpose of the state is to ensure the temporal happiness of its people. On the other hand, the ultimate goal of the church is to guide the faithful for them to obtain the eternal happiness after death.  

For the ultimate purpose of the existence of man is to have eternal happiness besides having enjoyed the pleasures that earth can offer. Isn't it?

So, when there is a need to choose between them especially when morality is compromised, the church will choose the thing or act that will lead us to become just in the eyes of God.

In the case of divorce, the church is calling on the attention of the state to not pass the its bill.

The state will argue that if a husband and wife are not happy anymore in their unification, it is reasonable therefore to void their marriage—to obtain temporal happiness. But divorce is a grave offense against the will of the Creator. Marriage in both Christian and biblical sense must be indissoluble.¹  

Yes, there will be happiness in divorce but only temporal. We shall remember the purpose of our existence which is to obtain eternal happiness.

Of course, the church will choose to oppose the divorce because it will hinder us to obtain our eternal happiness. Sometimes, we must sacrifice our temporal happiness in order to attain the other one.

Now, is it against the constitution for the Church to meddle in the business of the State? Or vice versa? For it is in the constitution that the separation of church and state is inviolable.²   It is very important to know what is the meaning of the separation of church and state stated thereat.

According to Benjie Oliveros, the principle of the separation of church and state is based on these two fundamental premises.³ First, the government derives its mandate from the people and not the church. Second, the people have the fundamental right to practice one’s belief.

We will discuss the first premise given by Mr. Oliveros. If the mandate of the state is derived from the people, there is no problem if the priests, bishops and religious will voice out their opinion when needed. Just like other Filipinos, they are also citizens and people of this country and have the right to express their opinions. It will be such a violation of the separation of church and state if and only if our priests, bishops, and religious will have the power to not pass a bill or alike. But to call the attention of the state is not a violation of the constitution.

Contrary to our false notion, the Church and State are not always colliding against each other. There are times that they are united for the common good of the people.

In these trying times of our country, the two are consolidated to help our kababayans who are affected by the eruption of the Taal volcano and those who are affected by the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).

The Church and State should not be separated in terms of how they build a good nation and an informed community of people.

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1 Catechism of the Catholic Church para. 2382^↩

2 Article II, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution^↩

3 Oliveros, B. (2015, September 3). The Principle of Separation of Church and State. Bulatlat Retrieved from https://www.bulatlat.com/2015/09/03/the-principle-of-separation-of-church-and-state^↩