Mexican amendment makes it easier for elected officials to go to Mass

Published: 2003-11-12

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The Mexican government has made it easier for public officials to attend religious ceremonies, easing the nation's strict regulations separating church and state. Under an amendment to the Law of Religious Associations, public officials are allowed to attend Sunday Mass and other church services in a private capacity. The amendment stresses that any public servant going to church in an official capacity will be punished accordingly. "In religious acts or activities, the public servant cannot at any time present himself or take action as a government official," according to the new rules. Debate about the role of the church in Mexican politics has been ongoing since the nation achieved independence from Spain in 1821.

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