2019 Election: Catholic Church bars priests from endorsing candidates for political office

…Calls for prayers Following the tensed political atmosphere and the gale of defections in the polity by politicians in the build up to 2019 general elections, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned Catholic priest and religious against publicly endorsing any candidate for political office. The Conference similarly asserts that liturgical ceremonies must never be used as an opportunity for political campaigns and that ecclesiastical properties should not be used as a place for support for any political candidate or party. A statement issued by the President of CBCN and Archbishop of Benin Ecclesiastical province, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze and Secretary of CBCN and Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Most Rev. Camillus Umoh stated that CBCN position of the church at this moment was very critical having observed that the political atmosphere was very tensed as well as noticed the political realignment that was taking place in the country to the effect that some politicians were changing political parties and were urging their supporters to switch over their support to their new parties as well. “Given this development, we wish to use this opportunity to make it clear that the Catholic Church remains ever apolitical and does not endorse or subscribe to any political party”, it said. The CBCN warned all priests and religious to desist from giving the impression that the Church was in favour of one candidate over another or one political party over another. “These are difficult times in the history of Nigeria. As people of faith, we must work hard and also pray hard for the future of Nigeria. During the military rule, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) composed the “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress”. Dearly beloved in Christ, Nigeria in distress. “We consequently, call on Catholics to recite this prayer at all masses and other liturgical celebrations. We entrust Nigeria into the hands of God and implore him to improve the situation in our country. May God intervene in the life of Nigeria once again, so that we can enjoy true peace, justice and prosperity”, the statement said. The statement reiterated that CBCN, as teachers of the faith and morals do have the serious obligation to educate their faithful on their role in the political life of the country.]]>