“Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain”. Exodus 18:21a
The Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Dioces of Romblon and Mindoros (IFI-ROOM) is appealing and praying for a peaceful national and election this coming May 13, 2019.
In a statement released, Friday, IFI-ROOM, says God Himself is the one who gives wisdom that is ultimately what we need in order to rightfully choose the person whom we will follow, obey, listen to, take advice or counsel from, and give authority over our lives.
“As the Month of May is fast approaching, we can see everywhere many posters of the candidates for this elections weather it is for national and local. We heard their jingles in the streets and we saw them in the national television their campaign and the debates between candidates for national and local candidacy. However, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente is a non-partisan church. And the Diocese of ROOM does not promote nor support any candidates to be voted by our members hence forth the church always reminded us that we have our own Free Will to choose who ever we want to vote according to the dictate of our conscience,” the statement says.
“The Diocese of ROOM strongly condemn the vote buying and does not tolerate this kind of act to all the members who are running for this election and also to the members who are registered voters,” they added.
The Diocese of ROOM guide only the members and give guidelines how to choose the right leader according to the word of God:
- God fearing. In this present age, it's hard to find an authentic, God-fearing person in leadership. In short, leaders must realize that God is over and above them, and that they aren't “the one” they could be tempted to think of themselves.
- Thoughtful and Concerned. A leader who doesn't think of the welfare of the people before becoming their leader is likely to stay the same even after receiving the authority. Better choose genuine public servants who love to serve others.
- Just, Fair and with Integrity. Proverbs 16:12 “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.”
- Proverbs 25:5 “remove wicked officials from the king’s presence and his throne will be established through righteousness.”
“Furthermore, the Diocese of ROOM aiming a peaceful, safe, clean and honest election 2019. Using the wisdom that God gives, we all need to exercise discernment and look for key characteristics that would make for a good leader, as if not a godly and righteous one. May the Almighty God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will guide us in choosing our next leader,” the added.
The said statement was approved by the 157 delegates of the 2019 Diocesan Convention, last March 14-16, at the Cathedral of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Odiongan, Romblon.
