Priest contesting election waits for permission

Canon law explicitly says priests need permission from their superiors for political activity such as contesting elections.

Tirunelveli:  Father M P Jesuraj from Tirunelveli, who has decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections, says he is still waiting for the permission of his superiors.

"I've requested for permission to contest from the bishop" of Palayamkottai Jude Paulraj. "I'm waiting for his decision," says Fr Jesuraj, who adds he has cases against his name for involvement in anti-nuclear protests at Kudankulam.

"I'm seeking exemption. I'm standing for the common good," he says. Canon law explicitly says priests need permission from their superiors for political activity such as contesting elections.

While it's not clear if Jesuraj has got the go-ahead yet - some priests say he has been denied permission, others claim the church has allowed him to contest.

This shift from spiritual to political may appear unusual, but to those who've made the transition it seems natural.

Goa's Catholic priest Fr Bismarque Dias, who had to leave the Church when he contested the Assembly polls as an Independent in 2012, says: "Sometimes one moves beyond the calling of religion. One leans towards becoming a Good Samaritan, which is the highest calling." Although he came in third, he says he's "happy with the decision".

Though not a candidate in these polls, he's a member of new party AAP and prefers to call himself a "universal" priest.

Father M T Stephen of Thiruvanathapuram Latin diocese was suspended when he refused to withdraw from the Lok Sabha polls this year. He contested as an independent nominee.

For Fr Jesuraj, there's no looking back either. "I've been fighting for the fisher folk," he says. "Getting elected will allow me to be directly involved in their cause."

Social activist Fr Thomas Kocherry of the National Fishworkers' Forum, who is also part of the anti-nuclear stir, believes while Fr Stephen may not have much of a chance, for he's contesting as an independent, backing from AAP makes Fr Jesuraj a serious contender.

"There are many fisher folk among Tirunelveli voters and a good number are Christian. Most of them were part of the agitation. They'll want to vote for him," Kocherry says.

Fr Joe Arun, director in Tirunelveli's Xavier Institute of Business Administration, says although 40% of the town is Christian, there are various sects who may split the vote. "The sects don't get along. I see this as a deterrent," he says.

"All parties are corrupt. I wanted to stand for people in the best possible way. If I become an MP, I'll take a five-year leave of absence from the Church," says Fr Stephen. "And I will be a priest till my last day," he adds.

Source: Times of India