Question first
appeared on Srptember 12, 2004
Voters
in the upcoming election should weigh many different issues in deciding who to
vote for. As a member of this
church, I want to know if the Church takes a position or favors a particular
party or candidate.
I
believe it is safe to say that there has been no statement, press release or
advertisement “favoring” or offering an endorsement of any particular
political party or candidate by any of the Orthodox jurisdictions in SCOBA.
Nor am I aware of any in the past with the exception of the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese’s fawning over the candidacy of Michael Dukakis, the
ex-Governor of
Massachusetts
who was of Greek ethnic background.
Canon
law specifically forbids bishops and priests from seeking political office or
appointments (Holy Apostles, c. 6, 81, 83;
Chalcedon
, c. 7). By extension, it would be
unseemly for bishops or priests to officially and publically endorse or favor
a particular party or candidate with pronouncements “from the Royal
Doors.”
On
the other hand, a bishop or priest is permitted to exercise his rights as a
citizen of this country and vote his conscience in any election.
And, if asked, a bishop or priest my privately reveal his convictions
regarding politics.
Lastly,
although the Church may not officially offer direction or preference in
political activities, there is the guidance provided by our theology.
Orthodox teachings and positions regarding human life and the issue of
abortion are guides in judging political positions and candidates.
Likewise, our understanding of human sexuality and the Sacrament of
Marriage lend guidance to the questions abounding in same-sex unions.
©Very
Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, September 12, 2004
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