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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Cebu Archbishop Palma tells priests to spare church from politics

Cebu Archbishop Palma tells priests to spare church from politics

Published Feb 13, 2022 01:25 pm

CEBU CITY – As the campaign period for the national elective positions finally got going, priests were reminded to spare the church from politics.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said priests should not use the church to endorse politicians or candidates.

“As a Bishop, as a church leader, I for one would tell the priests do not use the church, the pulpit in particular, to endorse a particular candidate," said Palma.

The prelate issued the reminder after he presided over a mass for the 30th World Day of the Sick at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Friday, Feb. 11, which was also the feast of the Our Lady of Lourdes.

Palma disclosed that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a pastoral letter which would serve as a "good guidance" not just for voters but also for candidates.

Palma said the Cebu Archdiocese has already received a copy of the pastoral letter and hold meetings and do some fine-tuning before it will release guidelines for the upcoming elections.

“The idea is responsible voting. Active involvement especially of the lay people as a general rule, we always say church people, bishops, priests should be non-partisan but lay people should feel involved. The Pope would use the words "should meddle in politics", they should campaign for those they would deliver for the good of the country," said Palma.

Palma said choosing the country's next leaders need "responsible voting discernment."

"We study of course many aspects of a candidate's life, both from the personal, his capacity, his track record, his or her program and all of these things," Palma said.

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