- Priests engaging in politics risk suspension or dismissal, says Church leadership
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has reissued a firm pastoral directive to all Catholic priests in Nigeria, reiterating the Church’s prohibition against clerics actively engaging in partisan politics or holding public office without proper ecclesiastical authorisation. Originally dated October 1, 2024, and recently recirculated to all dioceses and religious institutes, the statement titled “On Clerics Actively Engaging in Partisan Politics” warns of progressive canonical penalties for violations, including suspension and possible dismissal from the clerical state.
Signed by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the CBCN, and Bishop Donatus Ogun, Secretary, the statement laments that a growing number of priests have ventured into partisan political activities without approval, thereby violating universal Church laws (cf. Canons 285 §3 and 287 §2) and causing scandal among the faithful. The CBCN outlined a clear disciplinary framework:
1. Suspension: Any priest who, despite two formal warnings from his bishop (Canon 1339 §1), continues political engagement must be suspended from ministerial and governance functions (Canon 1333) and may face other sanctions, such as mandatory residence in a designated place (Canon 1336 §2,1).
2. Dismissal: If the cleric persists, he may be charged with disobedience (Canon 137 §1). In such cases, his bishop may seek the intervention of the Dicastery for Evangelization to request dismissal from the clerical state, in poenam—with papal approval. The statement also emphasised that the same prohibition applies to members of religious orders in line with Canon 672, urging major superiors to ensure compliance within their jurisdictions.
The CBCN reaffirmed the Church’s position that clerics are to focus on their sacred duties and refrain from partisan involvement, reminding priests that their vocation demands undivided attention to spiritual service, not political ambition. “This is a matter of utmost gravity,” the bishops stressed. “We urge all priests to adhere faithfully to these canonical laws and embrace their sacred duties with utmost fidelity and devotion.”
The reissuance comes amid rising public concern over clerics’ political endorsements and candidacies, seen by many as blurring the line between Church and state, and risking the Church’s non-partisan moral voice. The bishops concluded the statement with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide all clergy in faithfulness to Christ and the teachings of the Church.
