MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte committed “the ultimate sin that only Satan can do,” a Christian group said Tuesday, June 26, as more groups blast the chief executive for calling God stupid.

In a statement Tuesday, the Intercessors for the Philippines Inc (IFP) said it “condemns to the highest degree” the “blasphemous words against God” uttered by Duterte.

“I enjoin the Body of Christ, Evangelicals and Catholics alike, to express our disdain for this dastardly act! President Duterte has crossed the line!” said Bishop Daniel Balais, national chairman of IFP.

“This is the time to rebuke him sternly and denounce his defiance of God and his mockery of the Bible, the Word of God!” Balais added.

“His pride in his ‘iron hand’ way of rule; his utter disregard for the dignity of life that resulted in the shedding of tens of thousands of innocent blood in his two short years of terror; the proud and  unrestrained mouth that spewed cusses, curses, and abominations has finally brought him to commit the ultimate sin that only Satan can do: Blaspheme and defy the very name and character of God!”

“This is the time to pray imprecatory prayer if he does not repent! A time to say enough is enough!” Balais also said.

Others blasting Duterte, too

The IFP describes itself on its website as “an inter-denominational national prayer movement” that aims for the “national revival and transformation of the Philippines.” It boasts of a network of more than 5,000 Evangelical churches in the country.

Balais, chairman of the IFP, is senior pastor of Christ the Living Stone Fellowship. He, too, is national director and general secretary of the Philippines for Jesus Movement. 

The IFP joined other groups, such as the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), in criticizing Duterte’s remarks against God and the Bible’s creation story. 

The PCEC on Tuesday said it is “immensely offended” by Duterte’s remarks against “the God of the Christian faith.”

Catholic leaders, such as Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, have issued their own statements criticizing Duterte. (READ: Bishops hit Duterte for calling God stupid)

Facing public outrage, Duterte formed a 3-person committee to hold a dialogue with the Catholic Church and other religious groups after he insulted their beliefs. – Rappler.com