Manila, July 13 -- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has asked forgiveness from families who felt alone or unwelcome after losing loved ones to suicide.

In a pastoral letter approved during its 132nd plenary assembly in the Archdiocese of Ozamiz from July 8 to 10, the bishops called on parishes to accompany grieving families with compassion and hope.

The bishops acknowledged that some bereaved families may have experienced misunderstanding or exclusion within the Church.

"If you have experienced misunderstanding or felt unwelcome within the Church during your time of grief, we ask your forgiveness," the two-page letter said, as reported by CBCP News on Monday.

The CBCP urged priests and church workers to acco...