Egyptian prelate: Church will not urge boycott of constitutional referendum

December 06, 2012

An Egyptian Catholic leader has sharply criticized the sweeping constitutional changes proposed by President Mohamed Morsi, but said that the Church will not tell the faithful to boycott a constitutional referendum.

Morsi’s proposal, which would give him broad new presidential powers, “divides the country,” according to Bishop Adel Zaki, the apostolic vicar of Alexandria. However, Bishop Zaki said that it would be inappropriate for Church officials to tell lay people how they should (or should not) vote.

“Churches must enlighten consciences and encourage discernment based on principles of justice,” said Bishop Zaki. “But then everyone has to choose according to their conscience.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Zaki: It is not appropriate that Church Leaders give direct indication to boycott the constitutional referendum (Fides)