A Bishop and Paraguayan Politics

Having recently finished reading David Gibson's The Rule of Benedict I know very clearly how much Benedict XVI disdains direct political involvement by clergy. He is also quite opposed to Liberation Theology, which he and his predecessor have worked relentlessly to remove from the church.

Thus, it was quite a surprise to read an article written by Bill Cormier of the AP about the possibility of a Paraguayan Bishop running for the presidency of that country. For the past six decades that country has been ruled by a right wing party, the Colorado Party, controlled by large land owners and apparently supported by a conservative Catholic hierarchy. For years the country sat under the oppressive rule of dictator Alfredo Stroessner and now it continues under the thumb of Stroessner's party.

Somehow, about 13 years ago, a more socially active priest became a bishop and came to be known as the "Bishop of the Poor." This bishop, Fernando Lugo, has renounced his orders and is a presidential candidate in the 2008 elections, and with polls showing him with a lead at 40%, he's a very serious challenger to the status quo. His opponents -- the Colorado Party -- are crying foul because the constitution denies clergy a place in the political realm. He has left his orders, but the Vatican refuses to accept his decision, thus allowing his opponents to seek a constitutional answer to their problem. Seeking social change he is more moderate than leftists such as Hugo Chavez, but he's making the right worried in Paraguay and here in the US as well.

Benedict may not want the church tangled up in politics, but by denying him the right to resign orders to run for office, it would appear that Benedict is doing just that. He's interfering in the political affairs of a nation, thereby siding with the status quo.

For more on this -- from an earlier article in February click here.