THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has decided to endorse to the Vatican proposals to divide the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Diocese of Butuan.
The decision was made at the recently concluded 126th CBCP Plenary Assembly held in Kalibo, Aklan, said CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.
Under the proposal presented by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, to be erected are the Diocese of Carcar in southern Cebu, and the Diocese of Danao in northern Cebu.
In addition, Palma’s proposal indicates that central Cebu will be under the Archdiocese of Cebu and will remain as head of the Metropolitan Province of Cebu.
On the other hand, Butuan Bishop Cosme Almedilla proposed to establish a new diocese for the whole province of Agusan del Sur, with its seat in Prosperidad.
Palma said the proposals were anchored on the need to improve Church efficiency in serving and reaching the faithful.
The proposals are subject to the approval of the Vatican.
Over the weekend, the CBCP held its 126th Plenary Assembly at the Marzon Hotel with some 80 bishops attending the biannual meeting.
The Plenary Assembly, which meets every January and July, is the highest decision-making body of the CBCP.
