We celebrate the Christians for National Liberation 50th Anniversary amidst the worsening socio-political and economic crises chiefly brought about by US imperialism and local reaction as this diabolic system burdens impoverished countries preserving them as neo-colonial countries consequently wreaking havoc on peoples. Unemployment, absence of basic social service—education, plunder of natural resources for profits of transnational corporations that worship mammon (god of wealth) become the formidable order each day.

Such experiences fuel Filipinos especially the impoverished and exploited poor to decisively engage in movements arousing, mobilizing and organizing people to fully understand and embrace the validity of armed revolution as a way towards genuine and significant social transformation.

These aforementioned realities burden the Filipino people as many become unwilling victims of sham war on drugs; anti-insurgency operations resulting to arrests, killings, vilifications and red tagging on activities through the Duterte Government’s NTF-ELCAC as well as the heartless bombings in many communities; cancellation of the peace talks; passing of the Anti-Terror-Law; arresting of NDFP consultants among others. These crimes against humanity are proofs of tyranny and fascism by this government even more fuel resistance among people who now collectively struggle to make Duterte accountable through the International Criminal Court. Moreover, the people exert all energies today to impede dictator and plunderer Marcos family’s return to power whose way is being arduously prepared for by this same corrupt, fascist and tyrannical Duterte.

We celebrate CNL’s Golden Anniversary honoring and saluting the people’s army and revolutionary Christians who were challenged with social realities and faith, chose to be in solidarity with people’s relentless struggle and even taking part in the armed struggle to free the Philippines from the shackles of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, the real dragons and evils that continue to trample and devour people and nations of their God-ordained rights to sovereignty and abundant life.

Our anniversary festivity is inspired by the biblical drama of the Israelites saga for freedom against foreign domination and exploitation. One narrative relevant to this is God’s command to observe the Jubilee Year wherein people were instructed to “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields.” (Leviticus 25:10-12)

Nonetheless, it was alluded that such occasion was never observed. Isaiah for example describes that while Israel was believed to the “vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in,” God saw bloodshed instead of justice and heard cries of distress instead of righteousness. Still other texts support the claim (Ezek. 7:12, 13; Neh. 5:1–19).

But for CNL, winning the people’s war and eventual realization of our vision for genuine transformation of social structures depriving people of what it means to be humans and oppressing countries and nations that should exist and persist as people enjoying full rights and profusion are never illusions but concerted actions. It firmly affirms the vision for genuine transformation and liberation shall be realized as it consistently adheres to the merit of aforementioned biblical narrative interpreted as the realization of the new democratic revolution with socialist perspective and motivated by Christian tenet of loving God by loving and serving people. Commitment and sacrifice of the proletariat as the redeeming class and peasants as the principal force under the unyielding guidance and inspiration of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army are beyond measure. We are winning the war with greater commitment and sacrifice. Hence, our highest salute and honor.

CNL’s celebration highlights critical analysis of Christianity and faith that must be translated or lived out in the ardent struggle for national democracy with socialist perspective as it constantly consolidates and expands its rank. Subsequently, we commit ourselves anew to remain steadfast in our firm resolve to champion the cause of the revolution until victory is won. Our hearts are filled with revolutionary optimism as crystalized by people’s great commitment and readiness to offer their energy and whole being to such valiant, life-giving and enhancing tasks. All this for liberation and abundant life on earth as it is in heaven as God wills it.

Support the People’s War!

Wage the National Democratic Revolution!

Join the Christians for National Liberation!

Happy 50th Anniversary!