Priests and politics

Canon law prohibits priests from taking an active part in politics for obvious reasons. Notwithstanding this, priests are individuals and citizens with the right to their political opinions.

According to the sensus Ecclesiae, the priest must cater primarily for the spiritual welfare of the people of God. That mission by itself entails the whole life of a priest. While the priest is aware that he is working among people with different political views, he must behave as if he had no political opinion but treat and help everyone as his brother and sister in Christ.

Problems start arising when priests start meddling in partisan politics. People will soon become aware of such a false step. The worst is when priests - and God forbid, parish priests! - become so blinded by partisan politics that even if unconsciously, they begin to discriminate unjustly against some of their parishioners.

People directly involved in partisan politics are doing a good job, but on the other hand, priests should remain friendly with all men, including those who do not share their political views. Being friendly does not mean being a 'yes man'. What is good should be encouraged and evil pointed out to be avoided.

Since politics is necessary for the smooth running of a country, priests can encourage suitable persons to take an active part in politics, while leaving them free to join the political party of their own choice.

So, priests can encourage candidates to contest general elections but they must urge them as well to follow the teaching of the Catholic Church in both their private and public life. Catholic teaching works for the good of all, for a stable society and the promotion of human dignity.

If priests were to speak to people actively involved in politics just about political matters, priests would not be worth their salt.