MANILA, Aug. 29, 2016 — As he joins a growing chorus condemning the spate of killings in the country, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle lends a new tone to the issue, saying the public should uphold the sanctity of life at all stages.
“Many are worried of extrajudicial killings and we should be… But I hope we’re also worried about abortion. Why are only few people speaking out against abortion? That’s also murder!” Cardinal Tagle told Manila Archdiocese-run Radio Veritas on Sunday.
While expressing alarm over the increasing number of drug suspects being killed, the influential archbishop of Manila pressed the public for “consistency” in protecting life.
Consistent, not selective
He said human life, which is sacred, must be respected and protected at every stage and in every condition, but the moral outcry in the name of life is nothing without consistency.
“Be consistent to promote whole or integral life. Let us not be selective,” the cardinal said.
He said all forms of murder, from summary executions of alleged criminals to aborting babies, must strongly be condemned.
According to him, even unfair labor practices is also another form of murder because it kills the dignity of the ordinary workers.
“The selling of illegal drugs and pushing the youth to go into vices is also a form of murder of their dreams, their minds, their good relationships with their families,” he added.
Guilty or not
Earlier in the day, the cardinal also touched on the issue of summary executions during a talk he gave at a conference on the Sacred Heart in Manila.
The cardinal said such killings are not the answer to crimes, as he called for the protection of all lives and “and not only for those we want to protect.”
“I know that the big issue nowadays is the spate of killings even those not guilty and the innocent, they say. But whether a person is guilty or not, life should be protected and respected.”
He also said, “And if a person is guilty, give him new life and the chance to rise from his old life,” (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)
(from CBCPNews)
