As the role of faith and religion continues to change in a globalizing world, questions about their relevance in contemporary society have prompted discussions on declining religious participation, the continued influence of faith, and the use of religion in socio-political affairs

Over the past few decades, weekly religious service attendance among Filipinos has decreased from 70% in 1991 to 38% in 2022, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

On this decline, Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) director Dr. Jayeel Cornelio challenged the interpretation that individuals leave religious institutions due to loss of faith.

“The typical question is, ‘Why did you leave church?’ It’s actually the other way around. It’s people who felt that the church has lost them,” he said.

Despite diminishing affiliation in organized religion, Cornelio argued that spirituality persists outside formal religious institutions, as people can become spiritual but not religious. 

“Religion tends to be a box to fit in, whereas spirituality allows me to believe in what I want to believe. If one may say that they do not affiliate with any religious group, they will not necessarily tell you that they’ve become atheist either,” he explained.

Cornelio then emphasized the responsibility of government agencies to make public services accessible to marginalized communities, drawing on his experiences as the DOST-SEI director.

“Kung sino yung pinakamahirap, sila pa yung pipila. Tas yung pila nila napakahaba. Government agencies have the responsibility to bring the services of the government to those who are left behind, not the other way around. That is my spirituality,” he contended.

Religion, society, politics

As religion continues to influence societal and political discourse in the Philippines, Cornelio raised concerns over the use of religious beliefs to support political positions that may affect minority rights.

He noted that the country does not establish itself as a Christian nation despite the belief being used to justify restrictions and policies on certain rights.

“We have a problem in the Philippines when it comes to religion in politics because certain religious groups believe that the Philippines is a Christian country. The Constitution does not say that. But many people believe that it is a Christian country,” he said.

He cited debates on divorce as an example of how religious beliefs are invoked in discussions on public policy.

“Bakit walang divorce sa Philippines? Because it is a Christian nation.”

Currently, the Philippines, along with Vatican City, is one of the only two sovereign states in the world where divorce is still not legalized.

Cornelio then questioned how religious freedom can be exercised to advance the interests of the majority, silencing the voice of minority groups.

“The concept of religious freedom in literature and law is to defend the interest of the minority. All of a sudden, the concept of religious freedom, which was to protect the minority, becomes used to protect the majority,” he argued.

He further cited the involvement of religious groups and political figures on contemporary issues surrounding human rights, such as the war on drugs, gender equality, and the death penalty.

“Certain religious groups supported the war on drugs. Certain religious groups hated the SOGIE Equality Bill. Influential leaders like Manny Pacquiao used the Bible in the Senate to argue that maybe we should bring back the death penalty because the Bible says so.”

Amid differing views and beliefs on religion, Cornelio asserted that faith should go beyond theological differences and be grounded in the pursuit of social justice.

“The faith that matters in our world today, regardless of your religion, is the kind of faith that does justice. We may disagree theologically… but the most important conversation to be had is not whether you believe the right thing but whether we are doing the right thing.”

He also stressed that religion remains relevant in confronting injustices and defending human rights regardless of waning religious participation.

“Maybe we don’t go to church anymore, but we still agree that religion must make a stand whenever lives are at stake.”

The public forum was part of the three-day SAULOG 2026: The Contemporary World Culminating Activity, held on October 19, 21, and 23.