What the law says about separation of Church, State

Summary

In the Philippines, politics and religion are intertwined, with politicians seeking endorsements from religious leaders. Despite the Constitution's separation of church and state, religious figures participate in political activities as citizens. Canon law prohibits clergy from running for office, but they can engage in political discourse. The country's deep religious roots make absolute separation challenging, as even the Constitution's Preamble acknowledges.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Politics and religion are deeply intertwined in the Philippines, with politicians often seeking religious leaders' endorsements.
• 🔊 Historically, religious figures like the late Cardinal Sin have played significant roles in political movements, such as the EDSA Revolution.
• 📜 Bishops have been known to take political stances, like Bishop Dias iniga's impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
• 🤔 Critics question the involvement of clergy in politics, raising concerns about the separation of church and state.
• 📖 According to Christian Monsod, an author of the Constitution, the Constitution explicitly states that the separation of church and state is inviolable.
• 🚫 The Constitution prohibits religious groups from fielding party-list Representatives or registering as political parties.
• 🚨 The use of public funds and properties for religious groups is banned, with exceptions for clergy serving in specific roles.
• 🙅‍♂️ Canon law, not the Constitution, prohibits clergy from running for office; the church may suspend those who do.
• 🗣️ Monsod argues that religious leaders, as citizens, have the right to speak about and participate in politics.
• 🏛️ The complete separation of church and state may be impractical given the Philippines' deeply rooted religious history, as even the Constitution's Preamble acknowledges.

Q & A

What is the relationship between politics and religion in the country mentioned in the transcript?

The relationship is intertwined, with politicians often seeking endorsements from religious leaders.

Who is the late Archbishop H MC mentioned in the transcript?

The late Archbishop H MC is Cardinal Sin, who once called on Filipinos to stand for democracy.

What significant event is referred to as the EDSA Revolution?

The EDSA Revolution is a reference to a series of nonviolent protests in 2006 where thousands marched alongside priests and nuns.

What action did Bishop Dias iniga take against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo?

Bishop Dias iniga signed an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

What is the critics' concern regarding the clergy's involvement in politics?

Critics are questioning the separation of church and state due to the clergy's active role in politics.

According to Christian Monsod, what does the Philippine Constitution say about the separation of church and state?

Christian Monsod, an author of the Constitution, states that the separation of church and state is inviolable and explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Are religious groups allowed to field party list Representatives or register as political parties in the Philippines?

No, religious groups cannot field party list Representatives nor register as political parties according to the Constitution.

What is the stance of the Constitution regarding the use of public funds for religious groups?

The use of public funds and properties for the benefit of religious groups is banned, except in specific circumstances such as when clergy serve in the armed forces or penal colonies.

What does Canon Law say about clergy running for office?

Canon Law allows the church to suspend from service clergy who run for office.

Why does Monsod argue that religious leaders are not barred from participating in politics?

Monsod argues that religious leaders, as citizens, are not barred from participating in politics or speaking about political issues.

What does the preamble of the Constitution suggest about the country's religious history?

The preamble of the Constitution invokes 'Dee rooted religious history', indicating the deep historical connection between religion and the country.