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NeCede's

Maxim 12.11.9

The clergy should not be placed in temporal offices.

Clerici non ponentur in officiis.

Source: Co. Litt. 96; Jackson Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Those ordained to sacred ministry are exempt from secular office; the separation of spiritual and temporal callings is a settled principle of the common law.

Where this applies

  • A minister shouldn't be forced to hold a government office.
  • Clergy are exempt from secular office by common law tradition.
  • The ordained ministry and secular governance should be kept separate.

Legal domains

constitutional

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.11.9 — The clergy should not be placed in temporal offices. — Co. Litt. 96; Jackson (Clerici non ponentur in officiis.)

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