PRESIDENTIAL spokesman Harry Roque yesterday brought the brouhaha over President Duterte’s “stupid God” remarks to the sexual abuses committed against children by Roman Catholic priests.
Roque cited an allegation made by Duterte in 2016 that he was molested by a Jesuit priest from the Ateneo de Davao when he was studying there as a child.
He said the alleged abuse was the context of Duterte’s criticism of the biblical account of creation, Adam and Eve and the concept of original sin.
Roque said the Church would need to acknowledge the sexual abuses of members of the clergy, seek forgiveness and make amends so that victims could move on.
“The Church cannot forget this. It should admit and ask forgiveness so that all the victims, including President Duterte, can also move on with their lives,” he said.
At the same time, Roque said Duterte’s controversial remarks on Friday reflected the President’s personal views which can be expressed, pointing out that freedom of religion also means freedom to disbelieve dogma.
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