Haitian bishops suspend jailed priest for trying to run for president

Published: 2005-09-27

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CNS) -- Church authorities in Haiti have officially suspended an imprisoned priest, Father Gerard Jean-Juste, for defying the hierarchy's orders and presenting his credentials to be a presidential candidate in the November elections. "I recognize your spirit of faith and prayer," wrote Port-au-Prince Coadjutor Archbishop Joseph Miot in a Sept. 16 letter delivered to Father Jean-Juste's parish, St. Claire Church. "But despite all my entreaties, you committed the public act of attempting presidential candidacy." The suspension was in accord with canon law, which prohibits priests from participating in political activity. It means that Father Jean-Juste no longer has a parish, nor is he allowed to celebrate the sacraments. A group of Lavalas Family party officials selected Father Jean-Juste to be the party's presidential candidate. Although the party was divided on who should run, Father Jean-Juste was believed to be supported by former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a laicized Salesian priest. However, Haitian electoral authorities refused to register Father Jean-Juste, citing a decree that said candidates had to register in person, which Father Jean-Juste could not do.

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