Wednesday, November 26, 2008 Editorial: Ecclesiastic politician
ARCHBISHOP Paciano Aniceto did the right thing, if somehow belatedly, in putting his foot down on the alleged use of the pulpit by Governor Eddie Panlilio for his politics.
That should put the priest-governor in proper conduct -- and perspective -- regarding his dual status that, obviously, has given him a lot of confusion.
His repeated use of the pulpit for his political agenda is only one indication of his state of mind, and one that deserves prompt action from his superior in the Church.
For one thing, it's unfair to his opponents who certainly cannot have the same access to the pulpit. Allowing them to have the same access as the priest-governor is unthinkable, given the sanctity of the pulpit that is exclusively reserved for religious and spiritual leaders.
The concept of a level playing field, in the interest of fairness, can only make sense if the priest-governor is disallowed from abusing his exclusive privilege which, by his suspension as priest in the meantime, should have been withdrawn as well.
The other important concern, of course, is the spirit of the Constitutional principle of separation of Church and State. Panlilio's pulpit politics has certainly disrespected that principle in manner that should call attention to how that principle should be honored both in letter and spirit.
When time-honored principles are skewered by leaders whose mandate, among others, is to abide by them, sacrosanct values that people share and nurture with their leaders is compromised and, in the process, risks the erosion of spiritual and moral mooring.
Ecclesiastical politicians like Panlilio should take heed not to lead his own to this tricky and perilous path by his blithe disregard for established principles no less enshrined in the Constitution.
In the same breath, Church heads must exercise their authority when such principles are challenged by ill-advised leaders, whether priests or politicians, even if well-meaning.
