Colorado Catholic Bishop Bans Clergy From Giving Political Contributions

The Ft. Collins Coloradoan reports today that Denver Catholic Archbishop Charles J. Chaput will issue a directive this week barring priests and deacons in his diocese from either endorsing political candidates or contributing funds to their campaigns. The ban applies to partisan political campaigns, and not to non-partisan electoral initiatives on issues such as abortion or immigration. Federal Election Commission records show that nationwide during the 2007-08 election cycle, nearly $100,000 has been given to federal candidates and to political parties by approximately 100 Catholic priests and deacons.