Jalandhar Bishop Jose Sebastian interview: ‘No religion should be branded as seeking converts. Every person, created with reason, has the right to seek what uplifts them'

Indian Express

7 hours ago

On June 7, Pope Leo XIV appointed Rev. Fr. Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel as the new bishop of the diocese of Jalandhar in Punjab, a post that remained vacant following the arrest of his predecessor Franco Mulakkal in connection with the 2018 nun rape case. Fr. Jose, 63, has been serving as the financial administrator of the diocese and is widely known for his administrative acumen and deep pastoral engagement.
The announcement made in Rome was confirmed by Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias, Emeritus Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay and the Apostolic Administrator of the Jalandhar diocese since 2018. Bishop Gracias had been overseeing the diocese since the arrest of Franco Mulakkal following allegations of rape by a nun—charges of which he was acquitted in 2022. The Vatican, however, accepted his resignation 'pro bono Ecclesiae' (for the good of the Church) in June 2023.
In this exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Bishop-elect Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel speaks on his vision for the diocese, his stance on issues like religious conversions, the proliferation of independent ministry churches, the twin crises of drugs and unemployment in Punjab, and his priorities as he takes on the spiritual leadership of a complex and diverse region.
Q; How do you feel stepping into the role of the bishop of Jalandhar diocese, and what is your overall vision for the diocese?
Bishop: The Diocese of Jalandhar now has a new bishop appointed by the Holy Father Leo XIV, marking a new chapter after nearly seven years under Apostolic Administrator, His Excellency Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias. I accept this responsibility with humility and trust in God, along with the collaboration of priests, religious, and laity. My vision aligns with the Church's mission—to build a holy and God-pleasing community.
Q: What are your immediate pastoral and administrative priorities; what specific initiatives do you plan to launch as you begin this new chapter of leadership?
Bishop: I aim to support ongoing work, visit places not reached recently by a bishop, and meet diocesan departments to identify areas for improvement. I plan to strengthen existing initiatives—education for the marginalized, social upliftment, fighting drug abuse, support for those with HIV, and medical aid for the financially burdened.
Q: Religious conversion is a sensitive issue here. What is your perspective on the conversion of financially backward people to Christianity, particularly in Punjab?
Bishop: Conversion cannot happen due to poverty alone. Suggesting poor Punjabis are being converted to Christianity insults both the Christian faith and the dignity of the poor. Poverty does not erase human dignity; the poor often seek hope in places they perceive as divine. Sadly, some exploit this by projecting themselves as spiritual guides for personal gain. Instead of helping the poor, they become rich at the cost of the poor. The poor here are not only the materially poor but also those who are unhappy with their life situation.
Well, true religion cares for the poor —'Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is to care for orphans and widows' (James 1:27). No religion should be branded as seeking converts. Every person, created with reason and free will, has the right to seek what uplifts them and reject what enslaves them.
Today, people—not kings as in like olden days—choose their faith. All religions must therefore look toward liberating human beings from ignorance and enable the human person to embrace truth and live happily. Religious leaders must guide others to truth, dignity, and freedom as children of God.
Q: There has been a considerable rise in independent ministry churches across Punjab. How do you perceive this trend?
Bishop: There is a deep thirst for fulfillment, and people often seek divine help without knowing where to turn. They flock to visible places where a perception is made that great things are happening. God is above structures and denominations. He desires a relationship with His creation. While some benefit from these ministries in one or another way. Are they all genuine? No one can make a judgment on their motive and goal. Eventually, the people will discern their genuineness. The initial euphoria will vanish, and genuine spirituality will emerge with the help of God.
Q: Do you see the growth of such ministry churches, which have a large following now, as a challenge or an opportunity for the Catholic Church? Why?
Bishop: A large following does not prove a ministry's genuineness or make it a Church. Those leading them and others see them as a great success due to the sudden rise in the number of followers who want to be part of the success story of these ministries. The Catholic Church doesn't see them as a threat or opportunity but remains focused on discerning God's will through the hierarchy established by Jesus.
Q: How will you address the concerns of the faithful who might be drifting toward these independent ministries?
Bishop: The Church has endured many turbulent times and remained steadfast in faith and values. We trust the Holy Spirit to guide us through such challenges.
Q: What are your thoughts on the miraculous activities often associated with some of these ministries, and how should the Catholic Church respond?
Bishop: God responds with compassion to sincere hearts, beyond human limitations. Miracles can be signs inviting people to seek truth, but many unfortunately stop at the benefits and miss a deeper understanding. As St. Paul reminds us: 'There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all,' the Church is open to those who search for the truth and helps them find deeper meaning in life.
Q: There is a noticeable drug menace in Punjab. What steps will the Church take under your leadership to protect and guide young people away from this menace?
Bishop: We focus on education and sports through our institutions to offer healthier alternatives. We will require support from the various government departments to achieve this objective, which I am sure they will readily provide.
Q: Unemployment is another major issue in the state. How can the Church help young people find employment and become self-reliant?
Bishop: The Diocese of Jalandhar has been uplifting the poor and marginalised along with the majority communities by way of quality education made affordable to all sections of society. We will continue to support the young. Our institutions are already providing opportunities for employment and equipping them for higher studies and better options in Society. The results from our schools have been very positive. I hope this will encourage young people to self-reliance and to avail the opportunities provided by the government.
Are there plans to expand the Church's outreach through services such as counseling, rehabilitation, and skill development centres?
Bishop: Yes, these areas need attention. We will work with our social work department and collaborate with government initiatives to implement such services.
Q: In a culturally diverse region like Punjab, what is your approach to promoting interfaith harmony and dialogue?
Bishop: I am very happy with the harmonious blending of the people of Punjab. In a diverse region like Punjab, we are committed to promoting interfaith harmony through continued dialogue. Despite occasional disruptions, the people of Punjab, who are good at heart, and known for their goodwill and understanding, uphold peaceful coexistence for the collective good.
Q: What are your plans for expanding the Church's presence and impact in areas such as education, healthcare, and charitable outreach?
Bishop: We aim to extend our outreach to as many people as possible. With support from like-minded individuals and the government, we are committed to addressing urgent needs in education, healthcare, and charity.