COTABATO CITY – The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has asked clergies and religious leaders to refrain from endorsing candidates for the 2010 elections and getting directly or indirectly involved in politics.

In a circular sent to fellow bishops and priests, brothers and religious congregations, CBCP President Nereo Odchimar urged them to refrain from partisan politics.

Odchimar issued the circular after four Catholic bishops had publicly endorsed a presidential candidate for the 2010 elections.

“The Catholic Church must refrain from partisan politics, avoiding specially the use of pulpits for particular purposes, to avoid division among the flock they shepherd,” Odchimar said.

The CBCP said while priests are discouraged to actively take part in partisan politics, the Church must not abandon its competence in passing moral judgment.

“In other words, while the lay faithful are urged to engage in political activity, pastors can teach moral principles and issue moral guidelines regarding political activity but cannot engage in public politics,” he said.

“It must be admitted, though, that sometimes even teaching moral principles is actually interpreted by some as partisan politics because of actual circumstances; nonetheless we have to contend ourselves with it,” Odchimar explained.

Members of the laity working in issues pushed by the Church may engage in politics and partisan activities provided, however, that they do not convert Church activities into political gathering.

The Church has repeatedly issued guidelines to guide voters in choosing the right people for the right job in the government.