The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) was a landmark event in the history of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Held in 1991, it sought to renew and transform the Church to better respond to the social, political, and spiritual challenges of the time.
PCP II played a crucial role in shaping Catholic teachings, pastoral priorities, and social involvement in the Philippines. It focused on renewed evangelization, encouraging the faithful to live out their faith in both personal and societal aspects.
Background and Purpose of PCP II
What is a Plenary Council?
A plenary council is a gathering of bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from a country or region to discuss and decide on important matters concerning the Church. The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines was only the second such gathering in the country’s history, following the first plenary council in 1953.
Why Was PCP II Held?
By the late 20th century, the Philippines was undergoing significant political and social changes, especially after the People Power Revolution of 1986, which ended the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. The Church played a key role in this movement, and there was a need to redefine its mission in a rapidly changing society.
PCP II was convened to:
- Assess the state of the Catholic Church in the Philippines
- Address contemporary challenges faced by Filipino Catholics
- Promote a renewed commitment to evangelization and social justice
- Strengthen the role of the laity in the Church’s mission
Key Themes and Teachings of PCP II
PCP II produced a comprehensive document that outlined the direction of the Philippine Church for the coming decades. Some of its most important themes include:
1. A Renewed Evangelization
PCP II called for a renewed focus on evangelization, emphasizing that the Gospel must be proclaimed not only in churches but also in society. The Church must be:
- Evangelized first before it can effectively evangelize others
- Active in social transformation and addressing issues like poverty and injustice
- Present in all aspects of life, including politics, economics, and culture
Biblical Basis: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
2. The Church as a Community of Disciples
The council emphasized that the Church is not just an institution but a community of disciples of Christ. This meant:
- Strengthening Christian communities in parishes
- Encouraging small Christian communities (BECs) to deepen faith and fellowship
- Promoting active participation among lay people, religious, and clergy
Biblical Basis: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20).
3. The Role of the Laity
One of the most significant shifts brought by PCP II was the empowerment of lay people. The Church encouraged lay participation in:
- Church leadership and decision-making
- Social justice and community service
- Political engagement, ensuring good governance and fighting corruption
Biblical Basis: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14).
4. Preferential Option for the Poor
PCP II reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to the poor and marginalized. It called for:
- Social justice initiatives to address poverty
- Economic and political reforms to uplift the disadvantaged
- Active Church involvement in human rights advocacy
Biblical Basis: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
5. Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism
Recognizing the religious diversity in the Philippines, PCP II encouraged:
- Dialogue with other Christian denominations to promote unity
- Respect and understanding of other religions, especially Islam and indigenous beliefs
- Collaboration in peace-building and social development
Biblical Basis: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Impact of PCP II on the Philippine Church
The teachings of PCP II reshaped the Catholic Church in the Philippines in several ways:
1. Strengthening of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs)
Small Christian communities became a key pastoral strategy, fostering deeper faith and active lay participation. Many parishes established BECs to:
- Help parishioners live out their faith in daily life
- Provide spiritual support and social action programs
- Encourage Bible study and prayer meetings
2. Greater Social Involvement of the Church
PCP II inspired the Church to take a stronger stance on social justice issues. Since then, the Church has been vocal in:
- Defending human rights and advocating for the poor
- Opposing corruption and political abuses
- Promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability
3. Lay Empowerment and Political Engagement
Lay organizations and Catholic movements grew significantly, playing active roles in:
- Advocating for ethical leadership and governance reforms
- Educating voters about their responsibilities in elections
- Defending life and family values in legislation
4. Renewed Commitment to Evangelization
PCP II reinvigorated evangelization efforts through:
- Media and technology, spreading the Gospel via radio, TV, and social media
- Youth ministries and programs, nurturing the faith of young Filipinos
- Missionary outreach, expanding the Church’s presence in remote areas
Challenges in Implementing PCP II
Despite its success, the implementation of PCP II also faced challenges:
- Secularization: Modern influences and materialism have led many young people away from active faith practice.
- Political Divisions: Church involvement in social issues has sometimes led to tensions with political leaders.
- Economic Struggles: The Church’s mission to uplift the poor remains a continuous challenge.
To address these, the Church continues to adapt and innovate, finding new ways to keep the spirit of PCP II alive.
The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines was a pivotal moment in the country’s Catholic history. It emphasized renewed evangelization, social responsibility, lay empowerment, and preferential care for the poor.
More than three decades later, its teachings continue to shape the mission of the Philippine Church, guiding Catholics to live their faith boldly and compassionately. By embracing the vision of PCP II, Filipino Catholics can continue to be a beacon of Christ’s love and justice in society.