Marcelo Rossi defends the separation of church and politics.

247 – Marcelo Rossi, 45, the most popular Catholic priest in Brazil, preaches the separation of religion and politics.
He says he is against the church's encouragement of grassroots ecclesial communities – which had their heyday in the 1980s combining Christian principles with a left-wing social vision – because they present the risk of stimulating the "temptation to politics".

"The PT emerged from the CEB. So, let's not politicize it," says the priest.

Marcelo Rossi also expressed his opposition to the appointment of Pastor Marco Feliciano to the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, accusing him of creating a "guerrilla war."

Read excerpts from the interview given to Folha:

The church has indicated that it wants to encourage Basic Ecclesial Communities to reclaim space in poor areas. Should this be the way forward?

That's where I question things. I think the Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEBs) are important, but today our people need large spaces. I see it in the masses at the Sanctuary. Does one candle illuminate? What about ten? Or 20? Palmeiras was missing 13 starters, but the fans showed up and they qualified for the Libertadores Cup. It makes a difference. Evangelicals build large venues because they bring people together. If you stay closed off in the CEB, forget prayer, and only focus on politics... If you look at those in government, most of them came from the CEB.

CEB is at the origin of the PT (Workers' Party).

The Workers' Party (PT) emerged from the CEB (Brazilian Episcopal Conference). So, let's not politicize it. The danger is this: falling into politics.

Do you think the church served as a springboard for members of the government or the Workers' Party (PT)?

I couldn't judge. The Catholic Church is non-partisan, or at least it should be. Evangelicals sometimes dictate who to vote for. We are returning to the Middle Ages, the most terrible and darkest period of the church.

But last year's campaign included controversial episodes involving the Catholic Church, such as Dom Odilo's statement against Celso Russomanno's campaign.

And then Dom Fernando spoke out [said that Russomanno was Catholic]. Russomanno left a couples' retreat. I officiated his wedding, baptized his children. He is Catholic. It's easy to destroy a person today. Look at [Congressman Gabriel] Chalita [accused of receiving favors from companies when he was state Secretary of Education].

How do you assess the accusations against him, given that he is your friend?

I'm perplexed. I'm waiting for him to speak up. Our job is to stay quiet, because he's a friend who helped me a lot. I want to see what will be proven. If something is wrong, are you going to speak up [report it] after ten years? It's meant to destroy the person.

Do you believe in his innocence?

I start from the principle of trust. But I'm not blind. If I see something that's wrong... That's why I'm waiting for him to speak up.

What is your opinion regarding Pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP) leading the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies?

He even tried to provoke me [he said, in an interview, that "Father Marcelo asks for money and nothing was ever said about it"]. I never asked for money. On the contrary. Their game is to create guerrilla warfare. The best thing is to stay quiet. Justice may be slow in coming, but it arrives. And credibility can't be bought. In 2010, Folha conducted a survey on who Brazilians trusted most, with 27 personalities. Edir Macedo was there, and he came in 20th [he was 26th]. I came in third. It was Lula, William Bonner, and me.

Should he resign?

He shouldn't even be there, in my opinion. From the moment someone calls themselves a pastor, they can't simultaneously be a political leader. I think it's important to have a Catholic caucus, just as there is an evangelical one. But I don't think it's right for priests, bishops, or pastors to run for office, because then I'm turning a pulpit into a political platform.