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PONTIFICAL CHANCERY Apostolic
Rescript on
Clergy and the Exercise of Civil Authority The clergy of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church are primarily called to the service of the altar and the care of souls. For this reason, the exercise of civil authority by clergy is generally discouraged, except in cases where the civil authority is directly tied to the explicit spiritual oversight of the Church, or in matters pertaining to the Church’s own titular State, i.e., the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia. In all such cases such exercise shall be only with the express approval of the Supreme Pontiff, except as noted herein. Ordinary Employment This policy does not prohibit clergy from holding routine employment comparable to secular positions not involving governance or coercive authority (e.g., clerks, teachers, professors, medical staff, administrative employees). Such work may be permitted without pontifical approval, provided it does not conflict with ecclesiastical duties and obligations. However, all secular employment should be approved by the cleric’s religious superior. Specifically, Jurisdictional bishops must receive pontifical approval; Auxiliary Bishops, priests, deacons, and clerics must seek approval through their diocesan bishop; and all clergy of the Patriarchal Chapter or Pontifical Court must receive pontifical approval. Civil Authority and Office Clergy shall not assume positions of civil authority, governance, or coercive function (including political office, judicial office, and executive or legislative functions) without the prior written approval of the Supreme Pontiff. Such positions typically constitute a significant conflict of interest. Civic Duties and Service Various civic duties and service not constituting employment, such as but not limited to jury service, are explicitly and strongly discouraged for clergy and typically constitute a significant conflict of interest. Such service may be undertaken for good cause only with permission as follows: • The diocesan bishop (for auxiliary bishops, priests, deacons, and clerics). • The metropolitan (for bishops). • The Supreme Pontiff (for patriarchs, primates, metropolitans and other archbishops, and all members of the Patriarchal Chapter and Pontifical Court). Clerical Identity In all permitted cases of civil service or public office, clergy are expected to act only in their clerical identity. Clergy are not to obscure or conceal their sacred office. Thus clergy shall wear the cassock, abito corto, or other clerical attire, including the private civic habit as appropriate, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and pontifical directives. In civil courts and comparable proceedings, clergy who are parties to a case (i.e., beyond mere spectators) in any capacity are expected to wear the cassock or, with permission of one’s religious superior, abito corto. Historical and Ecclesiastical Continuity This policy does not constitute new legislation but reflects the longstanding tradition of the Orthodox and Catholic Church and of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church in particular. It is issued here as a clarification and for continuity. The consistent teaching of the Church has been that clergy should be free from worldly entanglements, except where their pastoral mission or ecclesial office necessitates otherwise. Радислав Пп. I 8 SEPTEMBRIS A.D. MMXXV DATVM ROMÆ-RVTHENIÆ APVD SS. PETRVM, ANDREÆ, STEFANVM, ET MARCVM.
[Chancery] [Curia]
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