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Religious leaders: Filipinos' crucifixion ritual unnecessary

In the Philippines, where real-life crucifixion re-enactments have become both a holy ritual and a tourist attraction, Roman Catholic and Protestant church leaders have urged people to live out their faith beyond the rituals and penitence of Lent and Holy Week, reports Ecumenical News International.

"If Jesus were watching those who self-flagellate or who get themselves crucified, he would be asking himself, 'Why would they need to do all these things when I have already sacrificed myself, and died for the world and all humankind?'" the Rev. Rex Reyes, secretary-general of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, told Ecumenical News International.

Reyes was speaking on 1 April, the day before Good Friday, when 27 penitents, two of them women, from the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, north of Manila, were nailed to crosses.

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TAGS: Philippines real-life crucifixion Rev. Rex Reyes Good Friday National Council of Churches

[04/07/2010]

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