Controversy as Filipinos Crucified Despite Church Opposition.
Eight Filipinos were nailed to crosses in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province north of Manila to reenact Jesus Christ’s suffering in a Good Friday tradition that draws thousands of devotees and tourists to the Philippines despite being rejected by the Catholic church. The gruesome spectacle reflects the Philippines’ unique brand of Catholicism, which merges church traditions with folk superstitions. Church leaders in the Philippines have frowned on the crucifixions and self-flagellations, saying Filipinos can show their deep faith and religious devotion without hurting themselves and by doing charity work instead, such as donating blood.
