2007-07-30 08:25:21 · 12 answers · asked by tayona72 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Clerics are forbidden to assume public offices which entail a participation in the exercise of civil power." (Code of Canon Law, can. 285.3)
2007-07-30 08:30:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is against an unwritten Church rule for a Catholic priest to hold elected office. There is one exception - an ordained clergyman may be appointed to government office in Vatican City by the Pope. However, clerics who hold these offices are generally relieved of major responsibility as parish priests. The reasoning behind this is to avoid putting priests in a position where their civic duty is in conflict with their religious duty.
Addendum:
It is true that Fr. Drinan was a member of Congress for many years. But the fact that he was ultimately pressured to leave office by the superiors of his religious order and by the Pope, himself, is evidence of how much the Church frowns on clergy in public office. As a Church, we are well aware of events in our past that demonstrate how bad an idea it is to mix religion and politics. It is something we try to stay away from these days.
2007-07-30 15:51:14 · answer #2 · answered by nardhelain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the church changed its rules, yes, priests may hold office. A Father Robert Drinan of Massachusetts was elected to the US House of Representatives 5 times. He left office begrudgingly (the pope was putting pressure on him) in 1980. He died in January of this year. Father Robert J. Correll of Wisconsin also served in the House for two terms. I assume your question dealt with Roman Catholic priests only; clergy of other faiths are free to run for public office if they choose.
2007-07-30 15:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by Caesar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the laws of a particular church would prevent a priest or minister from holding office.
Once in office, however, they would have to observe the laws of the separation between church and state.
But I don't think most ministers or priests have enough time to serve the public as wells as their parishoners.
2007-07-30 15:30:44 · answer #4 · answered by Big John Studd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the person is a citizen and keeps the seperation of church and state then they may become a office holder, but the catholic church doesnt allow it because it had a problem with that for over 1000 years and caused alot of corruption and the clergy didnt continue their ministry effectivly. Outside of catholicism nearly every religion allows its members to be in office, it used to be that in order to be in office you had to be a big member of your religious community. The puritans when they settled in the USA had their priests as the town mayors and would send them to the legislature when needed, that eventually changed however but it was common all over.
2007-07-30 15:46:01 · answer #5 · answered by Benotafraid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Priest who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can hold office.
2007-07-30 15:30:53 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure, there are currently 2 ordained ministers in the House of Representatives.
2007-07-30 15:28:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholics no.but Harry Reid is a High Priest.
2007-07-30 15:45:04 · answer #8 · answered by Isolde 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the country. Probably not in Iran.
2007-07-30 15:28:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, according to the U.S. government.
2007-07-30 15:28:04 · answer #10 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋