...THE MASSES ADVOCATE... Politics for Priests: Nigerian Catholic Bishops Reinforce Ban on Clergy in Public Office. -By Ruben Mario Brodrick

No Politics for Priests: Nigerian Catholic Bishops Reinforce Ban on Clergy in Public Office

Abuja, Nigeria – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has re-emphasized its directive to all Catholic priests and religious in Nigeria, unequivocally warning them to steer clear of partisan politics and refrain from holding public office without explicit church authorization.

 This renewed admonition, outlined in a significant document issued on October 1, 2024, underscores the Church's unwavering commitment to maintaining its spiritual focus amidst Nigeria's complex political landscape.

The CBCN's stance is firmly rooted in Canon Law, specifically citing Canon 285 §3, which prohibits clerics from engaging in activities unbecoming of their state, including partisan political involvement, and Canon 287 §2, which forbids clerics from assuming public office without proper ecclesiastical authorization.

To ensure compliance, the bishops have outlined a clear framework of progressive disciplinary measures for disobedient priests. Initial transgressions could lead to suspension from exercising their power of orders and governance for a specified period.

 Persistent defiance may result in more severe canonical sanctions, such as mandatory relocation to a particular place or territory. In the most extreme cases of continued disobedience, the ultimate penalty of dismissal from the clerical state may be imposed.

This directive extends beyond diocesan priests to include Major Superiors of Religious Institutes in Nigeria, who are urged to ensure that priests-religious within their jurisdictions also adhere to these prohibitions. The CBCN aims to provide clarity and consistency in applying canon law within Nigeria, ensuring that all clergy are fully aware of the expectations and the consequences of their actions.

This isn't the first time the CBCN has addressed this critical issue. As far back as August 7, 2018, ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria issued a similar directive, stressing the necessity for priests to remain apolitical in their engagement with the nation's politics. At that time, they reiterated the clergy's primary duty as teachers of faith and morals, emphasizing their role in educating the faithful on their civic responsibilities within the charged political atmosphere of Nigeria.

The CBCN's overarching goal remains to ensure that priests dedicate themselves to their fundamental duty of caring for souls, thereby enabling the Church to fulfill its mission with unwavering integrity and effectiveness.

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