The specific Philippine form of Catholic piety was an important prerequisite for
the role of the Church. Religion plays an important role in the day-to-day life
of the Filipinos: 80% are practicing Catholics. Thus they are familiar with the
Catholic traditions (spirituality, veneration of saints, hymns and prayer forms etc.).
These traditions were called upon during the mass demonstrations.
“Theology of Struggle”
The 1960's saw the birth of “Liberation Theology” in Latin America.
Appealing to the Gospel and socialist theories of society, the proponents of this
movement called for a determined engagement of theology and the Church for the
elimination of unjust social structures.
At about the same time, there arose in the Philippines a “Theology of Struggle”,
in which Catholics – laymen and laywomen, theologians, priests and religious –
began to exercise non-violent resistance against the Marcos regime in the name of Jesus and
the Gospel and to insist on social reform and social justice.
Political action
Members of the clergy became active in opposition groups and convinced them of the
idea of non-violent struggle. They propagated peaceful methods of conflict resolution
over the church-controlled “Radio Veritas”. Beginning in 1984,
they regularly conducted seminars to school people in non-violent resistance, and in
February 1986 they were in the forefront of the demonstration against Marcos' troops.
Credibility
Catholic promoters of peaceful resistance proved credible and exemplary, because
they actively took part in the demonstrations at the risk of their own lives.
Thanks to his moral authority, Cardinal Sin was able to move the Episcopal Conference
to take a stand against the Marcos regime, promoting the idea of non-violent
resistance and mobilizing the masses.
Effectiveness
In its mediating role, the Catholic Church could rely on its nation wide presence
(especially the parish system) and the infrastructure that went with it. Through
its own media (“Radio Veritas”), it was able to mobilize the masses,
and, through its international contacts, it was able to attract worldwide attention.
