THE word “essential” has been highlighted since the Philippines and the rest of the world have imposed lockdowns in their political and geographic jurisdictions. In relation to the quarantine, both strict and modified, the term essential describes those activities that are most needed for the country to survive and thrive. Among others, this includes food and medicine. Can religious services be classified as essential? This question surfaced when Bishop Ambo David reacted to the decision of the government specifically the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) to temporarily prohibit churches from conducting events and activities that would make people congregate. By excluding religious activities from the list of what are called essential, it is also implied that churches are not part of such a classification. Precisely why Manila’s Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, also reacted, and even hit the government for not consulting the religious sector prior to making final decisions related to the GCQ (general community quarantine) in NCR (National Capital Region). There are many terms in this world that cannot be understood equivocally. Essential is one among many other terms that may mean many things to many people. For the government, religion and its services may not be essential. […]
