Moscow patriarchate may allow Orthodox priests to run for office
October 05, 2012
Russian Orthodox priests will be given permission to run for office, the Moscow patriarchate has said.
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church ruled that priests are permitted to seek public office in cases of “dire ecclesiastical necessity.” Such necessity would arise, the Synod explained, if “schismatic or non-Orthodox forces” might use the power of government against the Orthodox Church. Priests who run for office should not be members of any political party, the Synod said. A priest who is planning a political campaign must seek approval from the patriarchate.
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