The “No Race. No Religion” T-shirt made by ABS-CBN Store drew flak after a photo showing said T-shirt went viral on social media sites.
A photo from the several Facebook accounts showed two T-shirts with different prints. The first one has “No Race. No Religion. I embrace diversity.” print while the other one has a print saying: “Ganito Ako. Ganyan Ka. WHO AM I TO JUDGE?”
It also showed both T-shirts having hashtag #PopeTYSM.
It sparked a number of criticisms and comments, with most Facebook users saying that they are misleading to the faithful.
“ABiaS-CBN did it again for the nth time! This TV station really never ceases to amaze me for all of its mistakes and incompetencies when it comes to the accurateness of the teachings of the Catholic church. I wonder what’s next??!” said Facebook user Aldrin D. Atienza.
“ABS-CBN is promoting T-shirts with wrong, misleading and self-serving quotes claiming to be messages of Pope Francis. In reality, they took these quotes out of context. They are selling it to build Pope Francis Village for the Poor in Palo, Leyte. Does this have the blessing of Palo Archdiocese? This should be STOPPED!!!!! Shame on you ABS-CBN.
“The complete statement from Pope Francis was heavily edited, as you can see. The complete statement, from which “Who am I to judge” is only a part of, is a conditional statement – it is the proper Christian attitude towards persons who are of good will and is earnestly seeking God. The Pope was not suggesting that we accept bad behavior,” according to Jmmap Stl.
Meanwhile, the CBCP has warned the public against buying statement shirts with quotes supposedly uttered by Pope Francis.
Below is the full statement from the :
BEWARE!
The CBCP has been apprised of shirts now vended apparently in preparation for the Pope’s visit. While the words in the shirt attempt to convey the openness of the Holy Father, the phrases “NO RACE NO RELIGION” are definitely misleading and quite frankly erroneous.
Pope Francis is aware of the fact that he heads an organized religion with a vast membership throughout the world. He is also as aware that race forms part of the identity of individuals and of peoples.
He has never said and taught that religion and race do not matter, because they most certainly do. It is what selfish, uncharitable and judgemental people do with religion and race that is a problem.
We urge our Catholic faithful NOT to patronize items with misleading posts and statements.
December 29, 2014
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
CBCP President
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