Like priests, deacons can't hold political office, says Cardinal Egan

Published: 2005-07-11

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York has sent deacons of his archdiocese a letter telling them the prohibition against priests serving in political office now also applies to them. The cardinal's action was reported July 6 by The Journal News, a daily paper with editorial offices in White Plains, and his spokesman, Joseph Zwilling, confirmed this decision for Catholic News Service. Zwilling told CNS in a telephone interview the ruling by Cardinal Egan was "particular law" for the Archdiocese of New York, and mandatory for deacons in the archdiocese. The cardinal made one exception, for Deacon John Maloney, who has served on the Clarkstown Town Board for eight terms and is running for re-election, Zwilling said. Deacon Maloney, a Democrat, works in ministry at St. Anthony's Church in Nanuet and is a chaplain to the Nanuet Fire Department, The Journal News said.

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