DENVER—As clergy involvement in politics stirs debate, Roman Catholic priests and deacons in the Denver Archdiocese are being instructed not to endorse or donate money to political candidates.

The directive came from Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput, one of the nation’s most outspoken Catholic bishops in expressing the need for Catholics to follow their faith in making political decisions.

Published in the archdiocesan newspaper, the directive states that clerics “may not publicly participate or endorse political campaigns or initiatives, or publicly affiliate themselves with groups whose primary purpose is to do so.”

Jeanette DeMelo, a spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said Chaput wants to give clergy guidance ahead of the 2008 election.