New Orleans archbishop says priest may serve on civil-service commission

CWN - November 29, 2011

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has announced that a priest can sit on a civil service commission without violating a canonical ban on priests holding public office.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond said that Father Kevin Wildes, the president of Loyola University, can continue serving as chairman of the New Orleans Civil Service Commission. A local group had challenged the priest’s participation on the commission, citing #285-3 of the Code of Canon Law, which states: “Clerics are forbidden to assume public office whenever it means sharing in the exercise of civil power.” Archbishop Aymond said that the prohibition does not apply to membership on the civil-service commission.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($34,555 to go):
$80,000.00 $45,444.82
43% 57%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 2 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: Don Vicente - Nov. 29, 2011 10:40 PM ET USA

    The group complaining (the Concerned Classified City Employees)alleges that Fr. Kevin Wildes has an "anti-labor bias." I wonder what the "story behind the story" really is.

  • Posted by: Savonarola - Nov. 29, 2011 6:15 PM ET USA

    A truly bad idea. This IS in the political sphere, let's be candid. Are there no qualified Catholic laymen in New Orleans?

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child 18 hours ago
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood 22 hours ago
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8