What a Spanish Bishop has to say about it.
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Rome, Italy, Jun 22, 2011 / 03:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- A Spanish bishop is reminding Catholic clergy that being actively engaged in politics is incompatible with priestly life.
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The comments by Bishop Ingacio Munilla of San Sebastian follow the election of a priest to the city council in Gudina, Spain.
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“The priesthood, as an aspect of parenthood, is the universal father of all,” Bishop Munilla told CNA while on a visit to Rome.
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Fr. Antonio Fernandez Blanco was elected as a Spanish Socialist Party member in the Galician town of Gudina last month. After a suspension from priestly duties and a warning from his local bishop, Fr. Blanco offered his resignation as a local councilor.
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“It’s specific to the laity to bring Christ into public life - political life as well. So it’s the domain of lay people to get involved in politics, but not for a priest, because he has to be a father to people with all political opinions and (this) may reduce the ability to be paternal.”
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The internal law of the Catholic Church – which is called canon law – expressly forbids clerics from running for political office. - CNA
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Fortunately the priest came to his senses, resigned his position and returned to ministry. See - it can happen.
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