Metro Infanta Foundation

As a Filipino American, I read with interest Denis Murphy's article, "A Tale of Two Ships" (3/14). I was impressed with his great honesty, especially regarding the climate of graft and corruption among traditional politicians in the Philippines. There is a disconnect between the faith and behavior of corrupt Filipinos who take pride in the being a Catholic or Christian country in Asia.

Indeed, the Church -- still "a trusted institution" according to Mr. Murphy -- has failed, not only in what Cardinal Sin himself has admitted regarding being the "Church of the Poor" but in teaching about morality! The Catholic schools as well as the public schools and the government also have failed the people.

Yet, there's hope! While it's easy for anyone to say what the bishops should do, it's more significant when the bishops themselves realize where they have failed and what they need to do to overcome the problems especially graft and corruption. The bishops have began to recognize the need for a conversion of heart: the spirituality of stewardship as a way of life to emerge from the "endless circles." The bishops, though skeptical at first, now understand that it would be a "sin of omission" if they didn't promote it. According to Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, the challenge is to share stewardship spirituality with the people and to provide a structure in which they can embrace stewardship as a way of life.

Over the last two years I've personally observed powerful conversions among priests, bishops, religious and lay leaders as they effect change and transformation in their own lives and the lives of those around them. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is working in the life of the Philippine Church. I am convinced that while it will take time, there's hope that the Church may be able to curb the climate of graft and corruption in the Philippines.