Re: NEWS: No politics please, we're priests

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Thanks Pamela,
I am skeptical because Precept and Practice in the church in Goa and abroad
has
never found congruency.
Polonius in Hamlet remarks
"Do not as some pastors do, himself thread the path of dalliance and point
the
straight and narrow to others'
Love
Albert da cruz.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pamela D'Mello" <asianage-0VrrOzQoB60xpvK4C0GaPQ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <goanet-fPO8gb98cCIdnm+yROfE0A@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2003 2:27 AM
Subject: [Goanet] NEWS: No politics please, we're priests


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> For more information/links, see http://goanet.netfirms.com
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>
>
> No politics please, we're priests
>
> By Pamela D'Mello
>
> PANAJI, April 20: Don't misuse the pulpit as a political platform, or get
> caught in the "hustle and bustle" of political activity, That's the advice
> to priests of Goa's fairly influential Catholic Church, from its head
> archbishop Raul N Gonsalves.
>
> In a four-page circular with potential consequences, the archbishop has
> urged that the "pulpit should never be used as a political platform to
> propagate or support any particular political philosophy or ideology".
>
> In a significant stand where politicians have often demanded their ounce
of
> flesh from the Church, the advise urges priests not to offer "special
> concessions or considerations" to individuals at church services "merely
> because they hold particular political or public office".
>
> "Inside the church, all worshippers are to be treated equally," says the
> statement signed by the archbishop.
>
> This is perhaps the first wide-reaching statement of its kind issued by a
> church, which has shown an increasing interest in taking up this-worldly
> issues and concerns, but has also drawn flak for allowing its pulpit to be
> misused -- at times -- to support the interests of certain politicians.
>
> In the past, certain priests have been seen as taking stands which favour
> certain politicians, particularly in coastal central Goa and areas like
> Salcete, where the Catholic vote plays a determining result in the
> elections.
>
> "Prudence demands that priests and religious are not seen to support or
> promote any particular political party or ideology or candidates through
> their public pronouncements or conduct," says the statement.
>
> It says that common platform could be offered to candidates contesting
> elections, but church premises "should not be made available for the
> exclusive use of any one political party or candidate".
>
> Priests should criticise "unjust social structures, or policies
> and actions" but not target individuals. It calls on priests to avoid
taking
> a stand on technical issues -- like industrial projects -- unless they
> understand the issues.
>
> In the past, the church has taken a stand on environmental issues.
>
> But  as the statement points out that the "visible presence" of priests or
> religious at protest rallies against injustice "even though this is their
> prerogative as citizens in a democractic society" could provide detractors
> "with an excuse to communalise the issue".
>
> It adds that priests have a role as "full-fledged citizens in a democratic
> polity" but need to be prudent while enlightening the faithful "about the
> social dimension of the Gospel".
>
> "As good shepherds, priests and religious are required to be involved in
> issues of social concern as an integral part of their pastoral ministry
(and)
> have an obligation to conscientize the faithful about their responsibility
to
> work for the establishment of a just social order," says the guidelines.
>
> It also reminds priests that they "have a duty to denounce publicly unjust
> socio-economic structures which dehumanize and impoverish men, women and
> children".
>
> Besides, it says, priests "need to encourage" Catholics to participate in
> "honest political activity, including party politics" to "fulfil their
> prophetic role in transforming society".
>
> -------------------------------------------------------
>
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