Catholic Bishops warn priests to steer clear of partisan politics

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned its priests against relinquishing holy altars for politicians ahead of the commencement of campaigns for 2023 general elections.

This is as it has lauded the innovations introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially in the area of technology to ensure free, fair and credible elections next year.

In a communique released at the end of the second plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops at Sacred Heart Pastoral/Retreat Centre, Orlu, Imo State, signed by CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the clerics said the church remains apolitical and would not identify with any political party.

It said without prejudice to the rights of its priests to exercise their franchise, they were however bared from  using the pulpit to promote any particular political party or its candidates in the 2023 elections.

“The Church teaches that politics is for the common good of all, in which it finds its full justification and significance and the source of its inherent legitimacy. As such, political authority has to be exercised within the limits of the moral order, and directed towards the common good. Out of respect for all God’s children, the Church does not identify with nor bound to any political party. Nevertheless, the Church is not indifferent or neutral to the formation and activities of the political community.”

While lauding INEC on steps to ensure free, fair and credible elections, the catholic bishops enjoined the Commission to ensure that the technology is transparently deployed, in order to increase the confidence of the people in the electoral process.

They also encouraged all politicians to uphold the values of integrity and decency, and strongly condemned as unlawful and sinful all forms of vote selling and buying and advise all politicians and voters to refrain from doing so. 

The CBCN said religious leaders would play a role of sensitisation of the masses so they can make a good choice of leaders.