“Mayors or their delegates greet believers daily, and only one member of the Seimas delivers greetings on behalf of the members attending the service,” the curia stated in a comment to BNS.
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On July 10, the day of the Gargždai deanery, the service held at the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary sparked discussions in the public space about the political neutrality of the clergy, when photos spread on social networks showing “Nemuno aušros” leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis speaking at the altar, and Telšiai Bishop Algirdas Jurevičius presenting the St. Justin medal to Social Democrat Alvydas Mockus.
According to the diocese, the speaker is chosen by the politicians themselves: “The group of Seimas members attending that day, belonging to different political parties, delegated Remigijus Žemaitaitis to deliver the greeting.”
The curia also told BNS that A. Mockus was awarded by the St. Casimir parish in Vėžaičiai not as a politician.
“The St. Casimir parish in Vėžaičiai presented an active member of the parish community, a former elder of Vėžaičiai, for the award,” said the Telšiai diocese.
The Seimas member who shared about the award on Facebook wrote: “I accept this award with humility – not as a merit, but as a commitment (…) to boldly serve in the Lord’s vineyard.”
The Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference holds the position that the church and its spaces cannot be associated with politics or used for its agitation.
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However, the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference did not provide a position to BNS regarding this case.
Author Olivija Švelnikaitė
