Anglican Communion News Service

International Church Leaders Solidarity Summit

30 July - 1 August 2002

Communique

We have come from different parts of the world to celebrate the Centenary of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI). Together we give thanks to God for the birth of a living branch of the Church in the midst of the hopes and struggles of the Filipino people. Being in full communion with the IFI we are all united in the spirituality of grace and justice, nurtured by our roots in the community of the Living God. We who are united here from the different parts of the world are from the Episcopal Church in the USA, the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands and of Switzerland, the Church of Melanesia, the Anglican Church of Australia, the Church of North India, the Episcopal Church in the Philippines and the Church of Sweden, all of us sharing the historic experience of being fully united with the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Others who are here are close ecumenical partners such as the United Methodist Church in the Philippines, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

The Summit had the opportunity to discover and to deepen the understanding of being church and followers of Jesus Christ in the challenges and sufferings of the present world community. We take courage from the history of the IFI and its hundred years of dedication to the Apostolic Faith and the dignity of the Filipino People. IFI brings a special gift to the world church. It has retrieved the integrity of Christian faith and witness in its passionate commitment to the service of the people and in keeping the church attentive to the burning political issues of today. We are all dedicated to uphold and to continue this specific dimension of Christian witness in our different countries and regions. We are particularly concerned about the following three issues:

1. The disruptive consequences of economic globalization
   While developing countries tend to welcome the opportunities afforded by globalization, our experience in the Philippines has alerted us to the disruptive consequences of economic globalization. These consequences are e.g. more impoverishment of the peasants and workers, higher prices for basic commodities such as rice, water and electricity, lack of access to basic social services such as health care and education, the commodification and sexual exploitation of women and children, indigenous peoples having been forced out of their ancestral lands due to incursions of foreign mining operations, forests being destroyed and other natural resources being depleted, while the increase of forced migration for economic survival continues. We call on all people of faith and goodwill to consider the moral imperatives of justice and compassion in the face of increasing globalization and the threat of the domination of the poor that it poses. We commit ourselves to look for alternatives to the present dominating neo-liberal globalization.
2. Foreign intervention and War on Terrorism
   The long and painful history of colonial domination of the Philippines by successive foreign powers has made us conscious of national independence, freedom and dignity. While we recognize the anti-human destructive force of terrorism as a threat to world peace, the so-called "War on Terrorism" should not be made into an excuse by powerful nations for threatening the independence and autonomy of other countries and people. The cause of world peace will be best served by upholding the values of mutual respect, sovereignty, territorial integrity and equality.
3. The right to restitution from damages caused by colonialism
   The Filipino people share with all people who have experienced colonial exploitation the need for restitution and renewal of just relationships. We sympathize with the IFI, given that at the time of its formation, it was deprived of property and resources. This has meant that it has struggled to survive during the one hundred years of its history. We encourage the churches in the regions of the former colonial rulers to work for the public recognition of damages caused during the time of colonialism and for the restitution of all that is right.

Taking part in this Centenary Celebration we have rediscovered the deep meaning of Catholicity. Belonging to the worldwide Church we commit ourselves to the building of just and sustainable communities in all parts of the world. Strengthened by the deep sharing and the vibrant spirituality of the Filipino people, we affirm our need for culture and liturgy that affirm our dignity and give us hope. We commit ourselves to this covenant by working for its fulfillment in our own churches and countries, by theological reflection on the issues that concern us, and by continuing to stand in solidarity with the Filipino people in their struggle for justice and peace.

Signed in the city of Manila, Philippines:

The Most Revd Tomas A. Millamena, DD
Obispo Maximo X
Iglesia Filipina Independiente

The Most Revd Joris Vercammen
Old Catholic Church of Utrecht

The Most Revd Peter Carnley AO
Anglican Church of Australia

The Rt Revd C Christopher Epting
Episcopal Church Center USA

The Revd Inos Das Pradhan
Church of North India

The Revd Franz Murbach
Old Catholic Church of Switzerland

The Revd Anna Karin Hammar
Church of Sweden

The Revd Wim H de Boer
Old Catholic Church of Utrecht

Bro Harry Gereniu
Church of Melanesia