The Church in Organized Protest Movements in Agusan Provinces: 1950-2000

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the role of the church in the organized protest movements in the provinces of Agusan from 1950-2000. It used the historical research design to analyze the primary documents that determined the goals, objectives, and programs of the protest movements. It described the type of organization and membership as well as the type of protest actions articulated by the participants, which were validated through an actual interview of the participants. The study revealed that the role of the church was mainly evangelization in the light of its teachings to holistically transform the people into becoming more vigilant to the social issues confronting them. This was supported by the different programs that were the end results of Vatican II concretized in the grassroots level through the creation of the different sectoral organizations. The programs and objectives of these groups affected the people's level of awareness that set them in motion to organize and unite to find measures to articulate change. The study concluded that the role of the church to organize protest was to convey to the people of God their responsibility to themselves, their families, and their respective communities. It, therefore, suggested that the church continue to provide avenues for the marginalized people to express their concerns; to keep initiating and supporting programs to mobilize people for social transformation; and to maintain its stand to act as the conscience of the society which should not be misconstrued as meddling in the affairs of the state.