Sister Christine Speaks for the Poor
Published in The Philippine Daily Inquirer
(April 17, 2000)
SR. Christine Tan stands by her Feb. 29 letter to the editor. We at the PREDA center want to make it clear that we also standby Sister Christine and repudiate the false and defamatory allegations made against her.
Why is it that some people in authority, both civil and ecclesiastical, fear those who have forsaken lives of personal wealth, positions of power and personal satisfaction, to serve the poor and the oppressed? Is it because these people feel rebuked and chastised by their own sense of guilt for lives of self-indulgence and flirting with vice? Is it because they fear the truth that might be exposed by, fearless Christians like Sister Christine, who has nothing to gain by being faithful to a life of evangelical poverty and speaking the truth as did Jesus?
He too was accused and defamed by the enemies of straight talk and honest living. His ministry was constantly criticized. He was accused of being in league with the devil, promoting Himself not God, and His goodness was called evil. For that, he said, there is no forgiveness, for it is a sin against the Holy Spirit.
Those who fight injustice and corruption and stand by the truth can only expect to be persecuted and harassed. The Gospel makes that very clear.
Sister Christine has been called, by God to exercise a prophetic role in society. Her mission is to speak out for the rights of the poor, the victimized, the powerless. It is those who have much to hide who are making false allegations to threaten and intimidate her.
We, at the PREDA Center for Children's Rights, endure the same from the corrupt politicians, the unjust prosecutors, the sex mafia and the supporters of pedophiles. We speak from personal experience.
Sister Christine is courageous and steadfast in her belief and faith. She is a woman who is not easily intimidated and she cannot be silenced when justice and truth are involved. Let the critics know that all lovers of justice and truth are with her to the end.
FR. SHAY CULLEN
Preda Center, Olongapo City