Blogging Bishop

Archbishop Oscar Cruz is making headlines not only in the Philippines but also in the international scene.  His name is dragged into the current controversy over "jueteng," an illegal numbers game in the Philippines. Perhaps the most talked-about item about him is the news report that he received a PHP 10 million paycheck (149,000 euros), presumably from the jueteng lords themselves.  Asked about the possible bribe, Cruz, who is presently serving as Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, said he had treated it as a joke. Some commentators wrote that it was a cheap trick to tarnish the name of the prelate who heads the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng (People’s Crusade Against Jueteng). The bishop stated in an interview that no amount of black propaganda would discourage him from pursuing his crusade.

While closely following the news, I wondered if there was a way to get the side of the prelate in his own words.  News gatherers often quote sources out of context or choose to write only the sensational and the exaggerated, so I always hunger for first-person points of view. And while listening to the Vatican Radio podcast this afternoon, I learned that Archbishop Cruz has his own blogsite.  Vatican Radio interviewed him about his crusade against the illegal numbers game in the Philippines.

I was both surprised and thankful – surprised because it was the first time for me to know that a Filipino bishop blogs, and thankful, because a Filipino bishop blogs. The prelate’s blog is called “Viewpoints” and his oldest entry is dated 11 December 2004. He writes about political issues as well as religious and moral concerns – from juetengate to same-sex marriage.  You don’t have to read all his entries about jueteng to find out that the bishop is so determined and passionate about his mission to eradicate all forms of gambling in the country.  The prelate’s blog gives readers a glimpse at what is inside his mind and his heart.  It provides access to his faith-life reflections, his stand on issues that directly affect Filipinos, and offers a first-hand account of events in the archbishop’s life.

Blogging has become a new arena for the Church’s ministry. Being a blogger, Archishop Cruz has made the internet his new pulpit and cyberspace, his new archdiocese.  I just hope more and more bishops, priests and religious will use blogging as a tool for evangelization and to proclaim alternative values, points of view and visions to a global audience.

Gospel Acclamation of the Day: "Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father." (Mt 5:16)