Church asks candidate lay ministers to take leave

CEBU, Philippines - Lay ministers who are running for public office are advised to take a leave until the election period is over.

Cebu Archdiocese Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Esteban Binghay explained that this move of the church is to avoid them from using religious activities for propaganda.

They are also discouraged from speaking before the public during the “Siete Palabras” or the Seven Last Words of Christ, which is one of the highlights of the Holy Week.

“Ang Siete Palabras, usa kini ka religious activity, maong gidiscourage pod namu ang mga kandidato sa pagtuki sa pulong sa Ginoo para walay unfair competition sa uban for publicity,” Binghay said.  (Siete Palabras is a religious activity so we are also discouraging them from participating to avoid unfair competition.)

Binghay explained that the Siete Palabras will be aired on radio and television.

But Binghay stressed that candidates are not discouraged to do mass offering and confession.

He also encourages them to be good leaders if they get elected in the elections in May.— (FREEMAN)