Politics

Catholic Church disowns Fr. Mbaka, says he might be disciplined

Published

5 years ago

December 4, 2018

The Catholic Church has distanced itself from the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry , Enugu , Rev . Fr . Ejike Mbaka , over his perceived politically charged statements .In a video that has since gone viral , Mbaka was seen telling the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi, during the annual harvest and bazaar celebration of the church on Sunday , that neither the PDP presidential candidate , Atiku Abubakar, nor President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress , would win the 2019 presidential election .

Addressing Obi in Igbo , Mbaka said , “(Former ) governor , listen , so that we won ’ t be deceiving God . As you are standing in the presence of these children of God , tell God what you will do for Him … It means you don’ t want to do anything for God .

“ Let me believe in fear , but this is a political statement . God hates stinginess . What I am saying is not for your pleasure . I am saying what will save your life , otherwise , you and Atiku will fail . The way you and Atiku are moving will end in shame. ”

But the Director of Communications , Catholic Diocese of Enugu , Rev . Fr . Benjamin Achi , in an interview with The PUNCH , said the diocese was not in support of the cleric’ s remarks .

When asked if Mbaka was still a member of the diocese , Achi said , “ He is . ”

He , however , noted that it was wrong for priests to make political statements from the pulpit .

Achi said , “ The diocese is not in support of any priest making political statements .

“ The church is supposed to be apolitical and the Bishops ’ conference has said that repeatedly .

“ We are not supposed to make any political statements from the pulpit within the context of Mass, that is , church service .

“ So , it would be wrong to stand at the pulpit to make any political statements .

“ There is a document issued by the Bishops ’ conference to that effect .

“ So , he just spoke on his own , not representing the diocese . ”

“ We are not expected to come out openly to support a particular candidate for any reason . The church law does not accept such a thing . So , it would be wrong for anybody ( priest ) to come out and give an endorsement to a particular candidate . ”
Achi noted that if necessary , disciplinary action against Mbaka would be carried out by the priest ’ s administrative head .

See the video:

"The way you and Atiku are moving will end in shame" The verdict according to Father Mbaka! I have tried to avoid laughing seeing the clip for the first time but I ended up laughing and laughing so hard…but this is not funny at all. Ha! Father! Biko, temper justice with mercy.. pic.twitter.com/KedYqptcMI

— Abdulmumin Jibrin (@AbdulAbmJ) December 4, 2018