DILI, 10 august 2020 (TATOLI)- The president of Peace and Justice, Priest Julio Crispin, revealed that the Movement of Constitutional Patriotism established by the Catholic church is to respond to the political chaos from May 20, which showcased an embarrassing response and actions from Timorese Leaders.
“It is with honesty I say that this movement has been established after the bitter and noisy debate that occurred in Parliament. Fr. Domingos was in parliament when these events were unfolding, and things that the members of the parliament should focus on real issues such as Poverty, Political Deadlock and the COVID19 Pandemic,” Pr. Crispin to and audience during a Saturday workshop at the UNPAZ University.
The Constitutional Patriotism Movements is not aimed to break sovereignty power; instead, it is to help contribute to the best manner in which to represent the people following the RDTL constitution.
“Constitutions are the spirit of people, nations and the spirit of the veterans when there is no justice, peace and violation against human rights, the church will resolve it,” he said.
He added the Archbishops of Dili and Maliana district were giving the potency by the commission of justice and peace to do this mission.
“The Church is inviting all the citizens to be united and criticise the State when it does not follow the roles of Constitution,” he said.
Fr. Domingos Maubere, said, the priest’s protests against leaders do not mean they want to be involved in politics; however, they wish to contribute their ideas as a way to accelerate the process for national development.
The contribution of the Church, Priests, Nuns and Bishops for Timor-Leste began in the early stages of the national liberation process and has continued through until now, where Timor-Leste is a free independent state away from the colonialism of Portugal and Indonesia.
“I heard one member of Parliament say if Priests want to be involved in Politics they should take off their vestment. I listened and didn’t agree I believe that priests have to share, spread and teach Christian values to everyone all the time.” Priest Maubere said at the seminar of Constitutional Movement Patriotism at UNPAZ university.
He also added the church contribution in the education sectors had shaped many leaders such as Heroic Nicolau Lobato, Francisco Xavier do Amaral and others.
“Bishop Dom Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, wrote a letter to the United Nations asking for a referendum in Timor-Leste, he did this because the church’s involvement should be to liberate the people from hard painful times, this is simply the moral responsibility of the church and not something done for any level of recognition,” he said
He asked all students of UPANZ university to have confidence and protest when the leaders of the nation are not doing the right things.
In regards to the Chaotic and violent scenes which unfolded in National Parliament, earlier on in the year which resulted in a table being overturned and flung around the room, Fr. Maubere said it was because the church was unable to educate the members of parliament on being good Christians.
The church has a role of civil education for the Christians in order for them to become good leaders who will serve the people of the nation.
Journalist: Tomé Amado
Editor : Agapito dos Santos/Nick Kettle
Translation: Nelia Borges
