Catholic clerics should not endorse political leaders, bishops warn
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, on Sunday, warned cleric to avoid any form of political endorsement using the ecclesiastical position given to them.
The body noted that it was not the practice of the church to identify unelected leaders through some form of prophetic visions, dreams or revelations as well as pronounce a particular candidate as God’s appointed leader.
The bishops also warned the Federal Government against demonizing the right to self-determination in the midst of worsening insecurity in the country.
He noted that the right to self-determination should instead, follow a civilized pattern, rather than demonizing it, just as they say the call for constitutional reforms that respect the right of every Nigerian and provide opportunities for equal access to the resources of the country was something that should be debated fairly.
The President, CBCN, Arch Bishop Augustine Akubeze, gave the warning in his address during the opening Mass of the second plenary of the group in Enugu on Sunday.
Akubeze noted that the church was keenly interested in the political situation in the country, as he said it did not support any political party, but would praise any government that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens.
While he explained that Catholic Church would condemn vehemently government policies that were not people friendly, he said that it was unacceptable for any cleric to use his position or ecclesiastical partisan politics.
“The role of clerics is to educate the people to choose leaders who will work for the good of humanity. We call of diocesan bishops to ensure that appropriate actions are taken immediately when any priest or religious body violates this traditional Catholic belief”.
On the situation in the country, the bishops commended Nigerians for their patience in the face of what the described as “repeated government failure to meet the minimum requirement of governance”.
