IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — The Diocese of Ipil has issued a pastoral warning to the Catholic faithful and the public following reports of individuals wearing sotana or other clerical-looking attire who have been going around Ipil seeking donations and financial assistance.
The Diocese made it clear that the group is not connected with, affiliated with, or authorized by the Roman Catholic Church or the Diocese of Ipil, urging residents to exercise caution and verify the identity and authorization of anyone soliciting donations in the name of the Catholic Church.
In a pastoral appeal signed by Bishop Glenn M. Corsiga, D.D., Bishop of Ipil, the Diocese specifically identified the Samahang Katoliko Pilipino, Inc. and said it had received information indicating that the organization is not connected with or authorized by the Roman Catholic Church or the Diocese of Ipil.
“Clerical clothing alone does not establish that a person is a priest, religious, seminarian, or an authorized representative of the Church,” the Bishop stressed in his warning.
The statement came amid reports of a group allegedly going around the city wearing sotana while soliciting money from residents.
Certificate of Appearance allegedly used in solicitation
Mayor Ramses Troy Olegario also addressed the issue, explaining that the individuals had reportedly visited the Mayor’s Office and requested a Certificate of Appearance (CA).
According to the mayor, the certificate was issued to document that the individuals had appeared at his office. However, he said the document was subsequently attached to their solicitation materials and allegedly presented to members of the public in a manner that could give the impression that the Mayor’s Office had authorized or endorsed their fundraising activities.
The distinction is important: a Certificate of Appearance merely establishes that an individual appeared at an office or attended a particular activity and, by itself, does not necessarily constitute an authorization to solicit donations.
The mayor’s account, as relayed in the warning, prompted renewed calls for residents to carefully examine documents presented by individuals asking for financial assistance.
Diocese urges verification before giving donations
Bishop Corsiga appealed to Catholics and other members of the public not to automatically assume that someone is an authorized representative of the Church simply because the person is wearing clerical clothing or claims to be collecting donations for a Catholic cause.
The Diocese advised anyone approached for donations in the name of the Catholic Church to ask for:
- Proper identification;
- The name of the parish or diocese being represented; and
- An official letter or authorization issued by the appropriate Church authority.
Those who remain uncertain are encouraged to contact their parish priest or the Diocese of Ipil directly to verify whether the solicitation is legitimate.
The Bishop emphasized that the warning is intended not only to protect the faithful from potentially unauthorized fundraising activities but also to safeguard legitimate charitable efforts and the reputation of the Catholic Church.
“Be vigilant, but remain charitable”
While strongly disavowing and refusing to authorize fundraising activities carried out by persons or organizations claiming to represent the Catholic Church without proper ecclesiastical authorization, Bishop Corsiga also urged the public not to respond with anger, hatred, or public humiliation.
He stressed that vigilance should be accompanied by charity, respect, and truth, noting that the objective is not to unfairly judge individuals but to ensure that charitable contributions genuinely reach the people and causes they are intended to help.
The Diocese’s warning serves as a reminder that wearing a sotana or other clerical attire is not, by itself, proof of official Church affiliation or authorization.
Residents are therefore encouraged to verify first before handing over money, particularly when the solicitation is being made in the name of a parish, diocese, priest, or the Roman Catholic Church.
The Diocese of Ipil said the faithful should continue to be generous, but that generosity must be guided by prudence, wisdom, and responsible discernment.