Catholic prelates on priests joining politics

MANILA (PNA) -- A retired Catholic prelate said that a priest could serve his community as he is, and does not need to enter politics to properly address people's needs.Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales explained that one of the vocations of being a cleric is to help people, one should not look for other ways to serve the public. A true priest who wants to help the people does not need to look for other ways to be able to serve them because politics is another way of helping and serving the community or society but the church has also its own laws, traditions, in helping them,” he said.Rosales noted that a priest cannot be a clergy person and a politician at the same time, he has to choose. Kung pari dapat maglingkod sa simbahan. Meron naman paraan na maglingkod sa tao kung ikaw ay pari...kung ikaw ay maglilingkod bilang politiko ‘yun na ang magiging daigdig mo so hindi maaring pagsamahin ang dalawa,” he said.The Cardinal added, There are Church laws that prohibits them to enter politics.”For his part, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo seconded Rosales’ statement saying that, Politics is not vocation of priests. Priests only guide and enlighten people regarding politics. Asked if there are priests in their archdiocese or dioceses who would like to join politics, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said priests in their archdiocese are all contented in where they are now. No priests in my archdiocese desires to self demote from priest to politician. My priests are happy to be the moral force to support and guide Godly would-be leader or condemn diabolical politicians,” he added.Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said, No one of my priests is foolish enough to enter politics.”Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco reiterated that priests are not allowed to enter public office. There is a clear mandate that they are not to enter politics because the Church is non-partisan in its mission. It is for all,” he said.Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said they are leaving politics to lay leaders. No one is interested in running. They know that it is not allowed. We are encouraging our lay leaders to run,” he added.One of the successful priest who ventured into politics is Fr. Eddie Panlilio, who participated and won the gubernatorial race in Pampanga in 2007.He was suspended as priest for entering politics. (PNA)