MANILA – The Archdiocese of Capiz has asked lay leaders and those who are serving in ministries in parishes who are running in next year’s polls to resign from their church duties.
“It has been also our practice in the Archdiocese that lay leaders and those who hold ministerial responsibilities in our parishes who filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for an elected position automatically inhibit themselves from their pastoral responsibilities in the parish so that they avoid using their office for their political advantage,” Archbishop Victor Bendico said in his Circular No. 23 issued on Monday.
He said this gesture from lay leaders seeking public office shows a “sense of delicadeza” and respect for the Church.
While noting that lay people are allowed to serve in public office, the Capiz prelate said partisan politics that usually comes with it affects the community life of parishes and mission stations.
Bendico added they can go back to their church duties after the May 2025 elections.
“They can only resume such responsibility after May 15, 2025, upon the recommendation of their parish and mission station priests,” he said.
Some 43, 000 aspirants are looking to be elected in over 18, 000 elective positions in next year’s polls. (PNA)