Indonesian priest becomes political candidate, suspended from ministry
July 04, 2016
An Indonesian priest has become a candidate for public office in Indonesia, prompting his bishop to suspend him from ministry.
Father Rantinus Manalu has declared himself a candidate to be district chief in North Sumatra, and won support from thousands of small-scale farmers. However, his candidacy is a violation of canon law, which forbids clerics from involvement in partisan politics.
Bishop Ludovicus Manullang of Sibolga has announced that Father Manalu will be suspended from ministry. The priest-candidate has indicated that he will accept the suspension, hoping to be reinstated after the election-- or, if he wins the seat, after his political career.
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