Christian Church Coalition prays over President Aquino

The Coalition of Christian Churches, composed of major religious and worship groups in the country, prayed over President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Malacañang grounds on Monday (March 9).

“We, the members of the Coalition of Christian Leaders, are joined by our pastors and brethren, in praying for our nation and our leaders. For as it is written in Scripture: 'Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God',” the Coalition said in a joint statement, quoting a verse from Romans: 13 of the Bible.

The group also prayed for the police commandos who died in the law enforcement operation to capture terrorist suspects, Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and Abdul Basit Usman.

“We join in prayer and sympathy the families of our Philippine National Police Special Action Force who died in the line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last 25 January 2015. We call on the authorities to ensure that the ends of justice are served and that those accountable are prosecuted without fear or favor. We believe that the work of peace-building must be pursued and that our nation must continue to move forward toward inclusive economic growth and social justice for all,” the Coalition said in the statement.

The prayer for the President was led by National Chairman of the Philippines for Jesus Movement and Spiritual Director of the Jesus Is Lord Church, Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

Other religious leaders present were Bishop Leo Alconga, East Asia Director of the Biblica Ministry and National Vice Chairman of the Philippines for Jesus Movement; Dr. Andrew Luison, President of Cityland Development Corporation; Bishop Dan Balais, Chairman of the Intercessors for the Philippines; and Bro. Daniel Razon, President of Members Church of God International.

They have shown support for the President and promised to continue to pray for him.

For his part, President Aquino expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the different Christian groups.

"Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga kasama ngayon, ang mga pinuno ng iba’t ibang Christian groups sa pagbubuhos ninyo ng suporta sa ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala. Talaga naman pong nakakapagpalakas ng loob ang pagkakataong ito na nagbubuklod-buklod tayo upang mag-alay ng panalangin para sa ating bayan," he said during his speech.

"Sa ganito pong mga pagkakataon, kompiyansa ako na kahit mahirap ang ating trabaho, basta naroon kayo na nakikiisa at nagbibigay-lakas, madadaig natin ang puwersang naghahangad na ibalik ang dating sistema. Alam ko pong magiging makabuluhan ang ating pagsisikap upang mangibabaw ang ating kolektibong hangarin na higit na kaunlaran at kasaganahan," he added.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the event was proposed after the President’s meeting with members of the Coalition in Malacañang three weeks ago.

Secretary Coloma said that during that meeting, the President discussed with the church leaders the background of the January 25 law enforcement operation. (PCOO News Release)