Church to have Code of Ethics for priests

CEBU, Philippines — Amid the consistent attacks against the Catholic Church, members of the Cebu archdiocese and its suffragan dioceses seek to address the needs, not only of the community, but also to their brother priests.

The local clergymen plan to issue Code of Ethics to improve their pastoral ministry and produce more spiritual counselors for their fellow priests.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma revealed on Sunday that the local clergy is currently on discussion in preparing a document that articulates the Code of Ethics for priests.

This proposal was an offshoot of the three-day regional clergy assembly last week held in Cebu City. It kicked off on August 21 and participated in by priests and some Church officials, including from outside Cebu.

The Code of Ethics, which would clearly state the duties, responsibilities and real calling of priests, will soon be promulgated and implemented in the entire archdiocese.

“It is a call to be holy and righteous, to be truly priests in the heart of Jesus and for priests to truly reflect the love of Jesus for the community,” said Palma.

Aside from formulating the decree, he said the priests also sought on appointing spiritual directors on their vicariates.

The spiritual directors’ main role is to guide their co-priests and give advices on their personal, social or spiritual problems.

“The idea is there should be spiritual directors and counselors…  Somebody they hope they can open their heart and mind… Sometimes, like [ordinary people], we need to open up with someone,” said Palma.

But he recognized that sharing of one’s sentiments is not enough as it would be best that the priest is capable in counseling.

“With the skill of being a counselor, the procedure could lead to renewal and could bring about a better life to the priest,” he said.

Palma admitted there are yet a few spiritual directors or counselors in the archdiocese, which is considered as the largest in the country given its huge number of priests and seminarians.

The Cebu archdiocese is composed of the entire civil province of Cebu, including the nearby islands of Mactan, Bantayan, and Camotes. Its suffragan dioceses include Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon.

Palma said the members agreed to organize training for spiritual directors and counselors, who are priest themselves and have the willingness and skill to guide their brother priests.

The assembly was the first regional gathering of thousands of priests under the archdiocese that was held in line with this year’s pastoral theme “Year of the Clergy.”

Palma said another assembly is eyed to take place before the Jubilee Year in 2021, which will be the centennial celebration of the Philippine Catholic Church on the arrival of Christianity in the country. (FREEMAN)