The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church clarified the cases when clergy can run for elected positions

October 4, 2012 Holy Synod of Russian Orthodox churches clarified previously adopted documents regulating the procedure for participation clergy in election campaigns.

Recall that in 2011 the Council of Bishops adopted a document "The practice of statements and actions of hierarchs, clergy and laity during election campaigns. The problem of the clergy nominating their candidacies for elections”, allowing the clergy to run for elected bodies “in exceptional cases."

Now the Synod has determined what cases can be considered exceptional: “when it is necessary to resist schismatic or forces of other confessions seeking to use elective power to fight with the Orthodox Church. In these cases, the priest may to run, but only if he submits a petition to the Synod in advance and receives appropriate blessing.

Prohibition on the participation of a clergyman in political parties by the decision of the Synod, he was retained, even if he is nominated by party lists.

If the Synod deems the activities of an already elected cleric, the blessing may be withdrawn, and then the cleric must leave the position to which he was elected. Sources

• JOURNALS of the meeting of the Holy Synod of October 4, 2012 (journal 93) // Patriarchy.ru. 2012. October 4th.