LAY leaders in the Archdiocese of Capiz who filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) to run for public posts in the May 2025 national and local polls have been told to resign from their ministerial responsibilities.
In his Circular No. 23-2024, Capiz Archbishop Victor Bendico ordered lay leaders involved in the archdiocesan ministries to resign immediately if they are among the political aspirants in the coming elections.
“I enjoin that lay leaders and those who hold ministerial responsibilities in our parishes and mission stations, who filed their COCs, submit their respective courtesy resignation from their ministerial and pastoral responsibilities,” said Bendico.
He said this is because while lay people are “strongly encouraged to actively participate in politics,” their entry into it could be harmful to the Church.
“Partisan politics directly harms the life of unity in the Church and, in particular, will affect the community life of our parishes and mission stations,” said Bendico.
Additionally, he said it is a good gesture for one seeking an elective post to automatically inhibit himself from pastoral responsibilities in the parish so he would not use the office for political advantage.
“This is a very laudable gesture of their ‘sense of delicadeza’ and respect for the Church,” said Bendico.
The prelate said those who resign can return only after the May 2025 polls.
“They can only resume such responsibility after May 15, 2025, upon the recommendation of their parish and mission station priests,” said Bendico.
