Archbishop denounces the use of the sacred image of Jesus Christ for election campaigns

Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo has strongly denounced the using of the image of Jesus Christ for election campaign and has categorically said “Catholics are free to vote for any political party or candidate they choose”.

In a press release issued with regard to an advertisement published in "Lankadeepa” newspaper on 22.03.2010 using the Sacred image of Jesus Christ for election campaign, Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo said , " We denounce the use of the Sacred image of Jesus Christ for election campaigns and Catholics are free to vote for any political party or candidate they choose. All the same, religion should not be exploited to influence people "

The statement was released through the Social Communication Office of the Archdiocese of Colombo and signed by Father Rev. Fr. Sriyananda Fernando, Archdiocesan Director for Social Communication.

The full text of the press release as follows:

“Archbishop of Colombo and the Catholic Community of the Archdiocese have expressed their grave concern and disapproval of the newspaper advertisement that appeared together with the election symbol of the party concerned, in the Lankadeepa of 22-03-2010, page 09, which appeals to the public to vote for General Sarath Fonseka. We denounce the use of the sacred image of Jesus Christ for election campaigns."

"Jesus Christ, who became and came down on earth, is the Son of God, the Creator of the whole universe. Hence, He is a universal personality. He does not belong to any political party. The Archbishop of Colombo earnestly urges all political parties and organizers of all political campaigns to refrain from using the image of Jesus Christ or those of any saint of the Catholic religion to gain petty political mileage. Catholics are free to vote for any political party or candidate they choose. All the same, religion should not be exploited to influence people, reiterates the Archbishop.

Meanwhile Minister Dalas Alahaperuma also denounced the use of the sacred image of Jesus Christ for election campaigns.

- Asian Tribune -