Reverend Father, Hycainth Alia, has been suspended by the Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State for expressing interest in the governorship contest of the state.
The Priest was suspended because his decision to join the Governorship race goes against the Churchâs rule on partisan politics.
In a viral suspension letter addressed to all priests, religious and laity of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, dated May 20, 2022 and signed by the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Bishop William Avenya, disclosed that the affected priest was earlier warned in line with the churchâs rule on partisan politics.
he letter read,
âI write to communicate to you the suspension of my priest, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia from public ministry after series of admonitions to him.
The mother church does not allow her clerics to get involved in partisan politics on their own Ex can. 285, 3 CIC. Youâre aware that my son, your brother and your priest has purchased the partyâs form to contest for the office of the governor of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress which is usually against our vocation.
Therefore, to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the church in the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, I have suspended him from exercise of sacred ministry. This canonical suspension takes effect from the moment it is communicated to him and last until he ceases from contumacy.â
