14/07/2023
PADAYON YIFI❤️
MESSAGE OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR DIOCESAN YOUTH CAMP 2023
Blessings to you, siblings in the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente!
This time of year, thousands of us find themselves in the middle of preparations for the annual youth camp and other gatherings that occur around the “summer vacation.” I know that a few already wrapped up theirs.
I and the rest of the National Youth Executive Council salute the organizers who toil to make these events possible and, with them, joyfully welcome each delegate to the various venues. I may not be with you in person, but know that I am with you in spirit and prayer.
In May, the National Youth Convention gave me and other young people a mandate to serve as your NYEC until 2026. Taking the gladness and blessedness we felt from an NYC that emanated a zeal to serve God and country, and praying that the same may occur across campsites, we decided to adopt the NYC theme, i.e., “Affirming our heritage, steadfast in the faith, journeying with all Creation” (John 10:16), as the suggested theme for the youth camp.
This is an important event for the NYEC because, one, this is the first “big event” in our term and, two, this is the first time for many of our faith communities to join face-to-face and/or diocesan or regional camps since COVID-19 came, disrupting our lives in profound ways.
In this comeback, we ought to reflect the many learnings from the long-drawn fight against the pandemic.
First, we must be ready for emergencies, including the spread of COVID-19 and many other communicable diseases, as well as ailments that commonly occur in camp settings. To ensure this, organizers should maintain the cleanliness of the venue, and cooperate with agencies that can respond to various types of disasters or eventualities.
The pandemic also showed us the division in the household of God as it exposed the growing gap between rich and poor; the proliferation of technologies and policies that eradicate the values of pakikipagkapwa, pakikipag-ayos and bayanihan; and the avalanche of malicious or wrong information whose goal is to stoke discord. In all these, we reecho appeals for inclusive communities and for a rediscovery of our identity as “simbahan ng mga dukha.”
We are implored to speak with sense in a world of noise. Many exchanges will occur at the camps, but there is a way to engage without quarrelling, to listen intently, and to communicate seeking the truth, especially the truth that the anawim – those who have no one to turn to but the Lord – experience in their day-to-day. Jesus Christ’s own preferential option for the poor instructs us as members of IFI to seek the perspective of the anawim, and to always consider this in understanding our nation and our communities, the very context of our mission. After all, our churches are not built in heaven but on earth, where the poor grow poorer and their advocates – some of whom are our ordained and lay – are demonized.
Our mission is a holy mission that is primarily of God. We can partake in it through involving ourselves in the various ministries of the Church, whether we are ordained or lay. Nowadays, we are challenged in this regard by our failure to recognize the abilities of each one, the thinking that certain “gifts and graces” have no place in the Church, and the exclusivism among ministries. We must appreciate God’s blessings to us and offer them back to God. We should recognize that each ministry is but a string in an awesome patchwork showcasing God’s love to the world.
Still part of the conversation on inclusiveness is the eradication of behaviors, attitudes and policies that discriminate against minorities like the poor, indigenous people, women and LGBTIQ+; and our readiness to give them opportunities not only to be present among us but to be heard, teach and lead! Furthermore, we are conducting a pilot test for a Parental or Guardian Consent Form, a document that must be signed by the parents of YIFI members below 18 set to participate in activities of the organization. After pooling comments, we will release the final implementing rules and regulations, and cement our commitment to the rights and dignity of children.
As earlier noted, this youth camp is the NYEC’s first “big event,” and it might well be so for other executive councils. YIFI officers are challenged to make the occasion meaningful and worthwhile; upholding the values passed down to us, and introducing new material, such as the new Constitution and Bylaws and General Plan of Action 2023-26 of the YIFI, and the Ten-Year Strategic Plan of IFI.
For these reasons, we admonish each one to undertake the orientation programs, which include the YIFI Orientation, Leadership Bodies Orientation and Church Polity Orientation. Study how our fellowship, from the parishes and missions to the dioceses and regions or conferences, could help realize the plans of the YIFI and IFI. Also highlight young people who’ve proudly lived out Aglipayan Spirituality through hearing their testimonials or honoring their achievements – offering models for others who dream of being righteous servants of God.
Dear participants, obey the camp rules and abide by the schedules. Bring with you open hearts and open minds. At the campsite, help the organizers improve their performance by communicating your sentiments to them. For instance, ask yourselves: Did the youth camp achieve the objectives the organizers outlined in the concept paper? If not, give the organizers your suggestions and grievances. Otherwise, praise them and affirm what might be “best practice.” Organizers, please make assessments and evaluations part of your routine. Learn to listen to feedback from our members. Finally, train up individuals who will follow in our footsteps; mentor them to take on the roles we now assume. Indeed, each person can contribute to the betterment of the organization.
That rings true not only for the youth camps but also for our whole lives as YIFI members.
Let us keep forging YIFI into a better, more impactful Christian, nationalist, progressive movement through embodying its very characteristics. We can do this, together, through a “leadership of the flock,” in which all members are continually inspired by our faith to involve in the witness of our organization, and in the achievement of a foretaste of the Reign of God hear and now.
Mabuhay ang Kabataang Aglipayano! Pro Deo et Patria! Tungo sa Shalom!
Koko Alviar
