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Spreading the Gospel of Love and Compassion
“If we want to preserve our humanity, we must make the compassionate voice
of religion and morality a vibrant and dynamic force in our polarised world.” — Karen Armstrong Karen Armstrong, an international bestseller author and theologian, emphasized the importance of the compassion or the “Golden Rule” in our everyday living. Dalai Lama XIV also affirmed that “love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” The issue of reproductive health should not divide us as a people and a community of faithful. Reproductive health is “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes” (ICPD-POA). It is a human right and a requirement if we are to achieve our full human development potentials, worthy of God’s blessings and promise. In our country, the issue of reproductive health has greatly polarized the people. While the debate continues, we are confronted with everyday realities of life such as the worsening poverty situation, increasing population, and high maternal mortality rate. Nearly half of the citizens (48%) self-rate themselves as poor (SWS survey, 2010) and belonging to the dependent sector (19 years old and below). The rapidly increasing and high population (estimated to be 94 million in 2010 as projected by NSCB) creates so much pressure on country’s very limited resources. The overly delayed reproductive health care services have already taken a heavy toll on women’s health, which resulted in 11 women dying every day due to pregnancy and birth delivery complications. Of the 3.4 million pregnancies each year, 50% are unintended or unplanned and 1 of 3 of these ends up in abortion. Teenage pregnancies are also on the rise, which account for 17% of induced abortion cases. The specter of HIV and AIDs also loom with an increasing prevalence rate of 5-6 cases of HIV infection reported daily. Given such signs of the times, what should we do? Who would then proclaim the Gospel of love and compassion to those who suffer, particularly the poor, the women, and the children? Sowing the seeds. . . C4RH aims to bring Catholics into full harmony with their faith and make them realize that there is no dissonance with their being Catholics and simultaneously believing in the advocacy and goals of reproductive health and rights. The members remain loyal to the church but continue providing RH education and services to those who truly need them. C4RH believes that the Catholic faith upholds social justice and human rights, respects freedom and self-determination, promotes and practices fairness, and defends the sanctity and dignity of life and the value of individuals, of families, and children, especially the poor and marginalized. C4RH upholds the primacy of conscience and regards this as one of God’s greatest gifts which we should use responsibly guided by our Catholic teachings of equity, social justice, love, and compassion. Volunteer for Compassion Mission Be informed. Take a stand. Lend a hand for social development and change. “I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.” —Matthew 25:40 Catholics are called to render compassion and service. We translate our faith into action by lending a helping hand to the least of our brethrens. And the moment we touch the lives of individuals, we have already sown the seeds of hope and change. Volunteers are the lifeblood of major movements for social change. The sharing of time, talents, and treasure (3Ts) are invaluable contributions to the realization of our vision of a strong fellowship of enlightened and progressive Catholics. We hope you will consider joining our cause. Be a Compassion Missionary. Be the change. Volunteer for C4RH. Compassion Mission Teams We invite Catholics to participate in any of the Compassion Mission Teams in whatever way they can. All abilities and contributions are welcome. Activities are varied and schedules are flexible based on the wide range of volunteer abilities and interests. • Community Awareness and Education Team
•Public Information Team
• Resource Mobilization Team
• Community Outreach Team
• Kaagapay Volunteer Leaders
How to Join To respond to this invitation or for more information on becoming a volunteer please contact: Telephone: 9901210 or 3435482 Mobile: 0922 8139748 Email: [email protected]
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