Bridging Faith and Action: The inspiring work of Rev. Ariel Siagan

Bridging Faith and Action: The inspiring work of Rev. Ariel Siagan

Rev. Ariel Siagan with Migrante ON members during their campaign to defend and protect migrant workers, oppose labor export policies, and reject charter change in the Philippines

By Leny Rose Simbre

It was my great pleasure to have the chance to interview Rev. Ariel Siagan, a friend, a comrade, and a dear brother in Christ. This interview aims to provide a deeper understanding of Rev. Ariel’s remarkable contributions and to share his story with our community. I conducted this interview with Rev. Ariel while participating as a Commissioner of the World Council of Churches Commission on Evangelism in Nairobi, Kenya, during the week of July 3-10, 2024.

Rev. Ariel Siagan is a PhD candidate at Trinity College of the University of Toronto and an ordained minister of the Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Las Islas Filipinas (IEMELIF), the Evangelical Methodist Church in the Philippines. Before coming to Toronto, he dedicated ten years as a staff member of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, where he focused on ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and indigenous people’s concerns. He holds a Master’s in Theology from Seoul, South Korea, and has six years of congregational ministry experience in the Philippines. Additionally, he served as the chair of the Filipino Network in The United Church of Canada. Currently, Rev. Ariel Siagan is the Minister of Asbury and West United Church in Toronto.

Through this interview, I hope to illuminate the inspiring journey and impactful work of Rev. Ariel Siagan, highlighting his unwavering commitment to faith, community, and social justice.

LENY ROSE: Can you tell me about your early life and what influenced your decision to pursue ministry?

Rev. Ariel: I was raised by a mother from Tarlac and a father from Tondo in a then-small village in Malabon. Like many families at that time, they struggled to find jobs in the city. Life was hard, but because my parents were resourceful, I never felt I lacked anything. My siblings and I attended public school, and we were responsible for doing household chores and saving money, such as not getting new shoes until our old ones were almost worn out.

At the center of our family life was the church community. We went to church twice a week, sometimes three times—on Sundays, Wednesdays, and occasionally on Saturdays to help clean the church and practice for the choir along with other kids. My mother had a deep love for our church workers. Witnessing her dedication and loving our church life, I began to consider becoming a pastor myself. Both the church and my family encouraged me to nurture this idea.

Rev. Ariel Siagan in Nairobi, Kenya participating as a Commissioner of the World Council of Churches Commission on Evangelism on July 3 – 10, 2024

LR: What was your journey like growing up in the Philippines and how did it shape your worldview?

Rev. Ariel: I witnessed firsthand how our quaint, tiny village in Malabon grew into a sprawling urban poor settlement as people from different parts of the country moved in. The small lakes surrounding our village were reclaimed and turned into communities where people settled, bringing issues of unemployment, youth crime and drug abuse, overcrowded schools, rising housing costs, poor sanitation and health, and the constant problem of flooding. Our little village transformed into an urban poor community, marking a significant phase in my life.

Initially, I viewed the people in my village through the lens of my deep church involvement, seeing them as objects of mission who needed to be converted to my brand of Christianity. It was not until I became involved with the ecumenical movement in the Philippines that I began to understand urban poverty as a political issue. I realized that these problems did not just happen by chance but were the result of political forces seeking to profit from people’s labor and resources.These experiences and the social analysis provided by the ecumenical movement stripped away my innocence. They shaped my worldview, immersing me in the suffering of others. A pivotal moment was visiting a political prisoner who was a pastor in Cavite. During this visit, he recounted how he was persecuted for fighting for the right of urban poor communities to have homes instead of a new mall supported by the government. He led protests and was abducted in front of his church congregation and family by men in civilian clothing, their faces hidden by bonnets. He was tortured and only surfaced after a significant outcry from the church community.

This encounter profoundly impacted me. I couldn’t understand how such brutality could be inflicted on a pastor who stood up for others’ rights. Seeing a reenactment of his torture on YouTube further solidified my resolve. I realized that my faith needed to be relevant and contribute to alleviating the suffering of ordinary people. My encounter with Pastor Berlin changed me forever, and I decided to fight for the same causes he did.

LR: Who have been your biggest inspirations and mentors in life and faith?

Rev. Ariel: There have been many individuals who have profoundly influenced and mentored me in both life and faith. Bishop Rex Reyes stands out as a significant figure; he served as the general secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. A priest and activist, he exemplified dedication to social justice and advocacy.

Among my bishops, Noel Abiog and Noel Lazaro, along with the deaconesses I’ve encountered, have also played pivotal roles in shaping my faith journey. Their guidance and wisdom have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of ministry and advocacy. In Canada, I am grateful for the friendship and mentorship of Michael Blair, the general secretary of the United Church. His leadership and insights have been instrumental as I continue to integrate my faith with social justice initiatives.

Moreover, I draw inspiration from local activists such as Tito Rick Esguerra and Tita Bern Jagunos, whose tireless efforts in advocating for marginalized communities resonate deeply with my convictions. These individuals have not only inspired me personally but have also enriched my understanding of faith as a catalyst for social change and justice.

LR: What motivated you to pursue advanced theological studies, and how did your experiences in South Korea and Hungary shape your theological outlook?

Rev. Ariel: I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith, theology, and social issues, as well as how churches respond to these social issues. I believed that churches are driven by a particular theology, whether they are aware of it or not, and I was deeply interested in their role as agents of transformation. I wanted to explore what it truly means when churches claim to be involved in social transformation.

My experiences in South Korea and Hungary exposed me to different approaches and histories, which played significant roles in how churches determine their place in social transformation. Unlike in the Philippines, where mainline Protestant churches and some segments of the Catholic Church critically engage with the government, the churches I encountered in Korea and Hungary, though limited, were more supportive of the state. This isn’t necessarily negative, as each context is different. My exposure to these varying contexts heightened my interest in how churches engage with their governments.

Historically, and according to the Bible, the early church was known for its anti-empire stance. They built their theology and identity as the Kingdom of God in opposition to the empire of Nero. This antagonistic relationship continued until the church became absorbed into the processes of the empire, resulting in a theology that was more supportive of the empire.

We can identify two binaries here: one of critical engagement with the state and the other more supportive. Of course, there is a range of relationships in between. Churches define their participation in creating a more just society depending on their contexts. The differing contexts of South Korea and Hungary compared to my own enriched my appreciation of theology.

LR: How do your theological studies and research inform your advocacy work?

Rev. Ariel: They inform one another profoundly. My advocacy work is driven by the discoveries I make through my theological studies and research. And simultaneously, they are shaped by my commitment to enhance my advocacy work. The people I advocate for deserve nothing but the best, which is why I dedicate considerable time to studying the mechanisms and processes of theological and political formation. This includes understanding how churches can nurture politically aware individuals and how they interact with state mechanisms.

Currently, my research focuses on the theology of the underground movement known as Christians for National Liberation (CNL), associated with the National Democratic Front in the Philippines, which leans left on the political spectrum. There’s a misconception, fueled by red-tagging, that leftist movements are atheistic. However, I’ve discovered that CNL’s participation in this underground movement is deeply rooted in their belief in God. Their theology informs their political actions, tailored to the specific political context they find themselves in. Their theology diverges significantly from mainstream European, American, or Latin American theological frameworks. It emphasizes elements distinct from traditional theological focuses and supports armed struggle—an approach often deemed unethical by many churches. However, CNL argues that armed struggle can catalyze processes leading to democratization.

Democracy, as scholars argue, is not merely a constitutional achievement but an ongoing process that requires a conducive political environment. Armed struggle, CNL posits, can create such conditions, fostering a democratic environment where individuals can exercise agency over their lives and futures—a condition willed by God for humanity.

I resonate deeply with the idea that “no one is illegal.” Many migrants are deemed undocumented by law and denied essential services. However, as beings made in the image of God, no person should be labeled illegal. Effective advocacy demands viewing issues from the perspective of those who suffer, not just through legal frameworks that often overlook nuances of human suffering. Church communities possess theological resources that can support advocacy for migrants, challenging legal blind spots, and advocating from a standpoint rooted in compassion for those marginalized by societal norms. In essence, my theological studies enrich my advocacy work by deepening my understanding of the theological underpinnings of social justice and empowering me to advocate effectively for those whose voices are often silenced or ignored.

LR: What is your vision for the Filipino Network in The United Church of Canada, and what initiatives were you leading when you became Chair? How can churches and faith communities become more involved in supporting migrant workers and advocating for their rights? And further,  what role do you believe the church should play in addressing social justice issues?

Rev. Ariel: Currently, I serve as a minister at Asbury and West United Church. Additionally, I am part of the core leadership group of the Filipino Network within the UCC. Together with other Filipino ministers, our vision is to enhance the active participation of Filipino ministers within the United Church. Given the ongoing immigration from the Philippines to Canada—driven by governmental plans and global economic processes—migration will likely increase in the coming years. In response, Canadian churches, particularly within the United Church, must foster environments that welcome newcomers. This requires a commitment to anti-racism, cultural sensitivity, and theological preparedness for the realities of migration. Churches must be equipped to embrace Filipino ecclesial traditions, spiritual practices, and beliefs.

The Filipino Network in the UCC is dedicated to addressing these needs. We recognize that migrants often live in two worlds simultaneously, with concerns in both their homeland and their adopted country. Therefore, our initiatives encompass issues affecting Filipinos both in Canada and the Philippines. I’m pleased that I can integrate these advocacy efforts into my ministry at Asbury and West UC, which boasts a diverse congregation—including Filipino, Black Caribbean, and white Canadian members, alongside other ethnicities such as Indian and First Nations peoples.

Looking ahead, I envision a church that not only serves its own members but also reaches outward to marginalized communities. I envision ministries that bring hope to political refugees, undocumented migrants, and individuals struggling with substance abuse and other forms of marginalization. This might involve using church facilities for rights education among undocumented migrants or establishing healing circles within the community. I believe the church has a rich tradition of engagement in social justice issues. Its theological resources—its interpretation of scripture and theological insights—are invaluable assets for fostering justice within communities.

In summary, my vision for the Filipino Network in the UCC centers on fostering inclusion and support for Filipino ministers and communities within the United Church, preparing churches to embrace and empower newcomers, and leveraging theological resources to advocate for social justice and create inclusive communities.

LR: What specific actions can individuals and communities take to support your advocacy efforts? And how can readers get involved in the initiatives you are leading or support the causes you are passionate about?

Rev. Ariel: It is crucial for Filipino churchgoers—whether Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, or practicing any form of Christianity—to unite in forming an organization dedicated to advocating for one another. Historically, Filipinos have faced division due to colonial “divide and conquer” tactics and strong regionalism. Despite these challenges, we can unite on social and political issues affecting both our homeland and our communities here in Canada. As people of faith, we can leverage our spiritual resources to advocate for those in need.

It’s evident that the Philippine embassy and government have limitations, prompting us to organize and influence their actions so that rightful resources are directed towards our community. Corruption remains pervasive in Philippine governance, but through collective action, we can exert influence and advocate for our fellow Filipinos in Canada who rely on our unified voice on critical issues.

I invite church communities across Canada to study together, gather, and establish ourselves as advocates for justice, taking a critical stance on issues affecting our fellow Filipinos here. I am actively organizing with Migrante and ICHRP (International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines). Interested individuals can contact these organizations to find their niche and contribute to advocacy efforts.

Many readers may wish to express their concern for the Philippines and support those navigating Canada’s social and political landscape. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Filipino culture or engage in social change, organizations like Migrante and Anakbayan offer valuable insights and avenues for involvement. These groups provide comprehensive analyses of social conditions and effective strategies for fostering change. I find their approach respectful and grounded in community engagement.

For those interested in exploring faith-based social activism, I welcome you to connect with me at Asbury and West United Church, conveniently located in the Lawrence and Bathurst area of North York. Together, we can explore ways to integrate faith with social justice efforts and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

LR: Thank you sincerely for sharing your inspiring journey, Reverend Ariel. Your commitment to justice and compassion is truly uplifting, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your continued advocacy.