Vatican confirms ban on priests in politics

Press, 10 March 1982, Page 8

Vatican confirms ban on priests in politics

NZPA-Reuter Rome The Vatican, in a hardhitting document published yesterday, has reconfirmed its ban on priests taking part in movement of a political or trade union nature. The document, issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy and ratified by Pope John Paul, was meant to answer queries by certain bishops who had asked for clarification on these problems “which specially in recent years have arisen in certain nations.” The Pope and his two predecessors in the Holy See have all criticised actions which challenged Church doctrine or involved priests in political or union activity, especially in Latin America. Pope John Paul, during his

visit to Brazil, in July, 1980, said: “The priest’s service is not that of a doctor, of a social worker, of a politician or of a trade unionist.” The document said the Holy See insisted on the application of its rules and that those who acted in conflict with the “legitimate prohibition of the competent authorities” could be punished. It did not elaborate. The document said the Vatican did not deny priests the right to form movements “to cultivate spiritual life, to promote ecclesiastical culture, and to carry out works of charity and compassion in full conformity with their sacramental consecration.” But it could not allow the clergy’s right of association to be exercised in taking part in groups or movemerits

which by their nature, aims, and methods of action served “an ideology dr human faction.” The document said those groups which “directly or indirectly, in an open or underhand manner, followed aims relating to politics” were irreconcilable with the priestly state. These groups were banned to all priests-“even if they presented themselves with the external aspect of wanting to promote humanitarian ideals, peace and social progress.” The document said all those associations which intended to reunite priests “in a kind of trade union, reducing their sacred ministry to a profession or trade, corhparable to functions of a profane character” were also banned.