Politicians speaking at religious festival draw criticism from church leaders

Church leaders have faced criticism for allowing politicians to speak at the Great Žemaitija Calvary Festival, with religious affairs commentator Toma Bružaitė questioning whether the church is becoming a “political arena,” LRT.lt reports.

Former Lithuanian ambassador to the Holy See, Professor Vytautas Ališauskas, stated that political speeches in church alienate believers.

In recent days, politicians have been documented participating in the festival. Remigijus Žemaitaitis delivered a speech near the altar, while Seimas member and social democrat Alvydas Mockus received the St. Justin Medal, the patron saint of the Telšiai Diocese, from the bishop’s hands. Vytautas Sinica, chairman of the “National Unity” party, also shared a “greeting speech” on his Facebook page. Klaipėda District Mayor Bronius Markauskas also addressed the crowd.

The decision by church leaders to give politicians a platform in a public space has drawn criticism. LRT.lt received a letter from a festival participant who expressed surprise that politicians were allowed to speak at a religious celebration. “On what basis are politicians who attend Mass given the floor after Mass? What does this have to do with the liturgy? Yesterday, immediately after Mass, all the bishops invited R. Žemaitaitis, who was present, to speak,” the letter read.

As the 100th anniversary of the Telšiai Diocese is being celebrated, Žemaitaitis spoke about how Žemaitija “returned to faith” 100 years ago and how “believers created the diocese together.” The festival participant wrote, “I returned home feeling like I had been slapped in the face. No festival or Calvary grace. I met acquaintances from Vilnius. Everyone was very surprised and disappointed.”

Telšiai Bishop Algirdas Jurevičius did not comment on the matter. General Vicar Father Vilius Viktoravičius told LRT.lt on Sunday that “the church is apolitical and welcomes everyone who comes.”

Religious affairs commentator Toma Bružaitė noted that while the church welcomes everyone, including politicians, it should not become a platform for political speeches. She expressed concern that the church’s decision to allow such speeches raises questions about its neutrality.

“I am a member of the Catholic community, and I personally care about what happens in the church. What I see today causes concern. I have questions about the church leaders’ choice—is the church not becoming a political arena?” she said.

Bružaitė acknowledged that politicians might want to speak in a place where many voters gather, but she noted that festivals and Masses are attended by believers with different views, and political appearances might offend them.

“In the church, various symbols and gestures are very important. This gesture—inviting a person to the pulpit to deliver a greeting or speech—is a certain sign of the church’s respect and support. It’s as if it’s being said that this is a trustworthy person coming with the church’s support and backing. However, the church should be neutral towards political views,” Bružaitė said.

She added that people came to the festival not for politics but were “forced to participate in a political meeting.” Bružaitė also recalled the 2001 instructions from the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference.