The Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico is seeking to change the law that forbids them from interfering in politics. The clerics want what they call “total freedom of expression” in political affairs and in teaching religion in public schools.At present, Mexican law forbids clerics from “forming associations for political ends” and bars them from partisan politics or holding political meetings at churches. It also outlaws religious teachings at public schools.
The government has kept the Church on the political sidelines for the last century, fearing a return to the days when priests controlled much of the nation's public life.
But the debate over the Church's role was renewed this spring when the Church agitated vigorously against Mexico City's legalisation of abortion in the first trimester.
However, a government official has ruled out any immediate approval of constitutional change. Florencio Salazar, deputy secretary of religious affairs for the Interior Department, said this week that the government is too busy at present to consider the proposals.
“We do not see any possibility for this issue being dealt with right now,” Salazar said.
This is the first reaction from the conservative government that has often allied with the Church in the past.
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