Latest news with #KeralaCatholicBishops'Council
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Catholic rites hold united protest against arrest of nuns in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh
The various rites of the Catholic Church in Kerala came together for a joint protest on Wednesday against the arrest of two Keralite nuns at Durg in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Chhattisgarh last Friday on charges of forced conversion and human trafficking, allegations which various political parties and civil society have termed baseless. Church leaders and laity members from the Syro-Malankara, Syro-Malabar, and Latin rites took part in the silent march with their mouths gagged to Raj Bhavan, in a reflection of the groundswell of anger and concern over the arrests. Addressing the protest, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council, said those showing friendly gestures towards the Christian community should show the sincerity to 'walk the talk,' in what was interpreted as a thinly-veiled message to the BJP. 'When such incidents happen, those in power should display the will power to address it immediately. That is when minority communities like ours feel safe in the country. The State BJP president himself has said that the allegations against the nuns are false. Why are his words not being believed? Not only should the nuns be released, but action also should be taken against those who put them in jail so that such incidents are not repeated,' he said. Countering the allegations of forced conversions against the Christian community, he said Christians still constitute only less than 2.5% of India's population, which would not have been the situation if the community had been converting people for the past 2,000 years as alleged. 'The minority Christian community in this country is only demanding the rulers to protect the right for anyone to believe and propagate any religion of their choice. Our protest is not a challenge against the government or a particular party. Some people are claiming that such protests are happening only in Kerala. As a State which remains in the forefront in literacy and where missionaries have brought education to the masses, all the right-thinking people of Kerala are questioning this injustice,' said the Cardinal. He said that more than the denial of bail to the nuns, the angry shouts of the mob that gathered outside the court against them pained him. 'Is this a secular democracy? Is this the age-old Indian culture which has traditionally respected those who wore robes and went out to serve the community,' he asked. The State has over the past four days witnessed bipartisan protests over the arrest of sisters Preeta Mary and Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) order.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
'Will decide accordingly': Kerala Catholic body warns BJP that 'friendship' will depend on progress in nuns' case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A powerful body of senior Catholic clergy in Kerala on Wednesday indirectly cautioned the BJP that any prospective friendship would depend on securing justice for two nuns from the state jailed in Chhattisgarh over alleged conversion and human trafficking. Addressing reporters here, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) president, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, said the incident would be a determining factor in the Church's political stance. "If no justice is done, then what friendship can there be? How can we speak of perfect brotherhood?" the Cardinal asked, expressing displeasure over the denial of bail to the two nuns, who were arrested following complaints made by Bajrang Dal members. "The nuns are yet to get bail. This will be a criterion. Naturally, we will observe developments and decide accordingly," he said. Cleemis questioned the "sincerity of outreach efforts" when justice was being denied to the nuns. "Everyone should act on what they preach and show sincerity. This is what we expect," he said, responding to questions about the BJP's attempts to engage with the Christian community in the state.
Deccan Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Kerala Catholic body urges Christian youth to enter mainstream politics
The Youth Commission under the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), an apex body of Christian bishops, made the appeal in its recent circular issued on Youth Day, which fell on July 6.
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
BJP urges Christian youth in Kerala to take part in mainstream politics
The BJP welcomed Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC)'s appeal to Christian youth to join mainstream politics and said that the call aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. In a social media post, BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar said his party supports youth entering politics and contributing to nation-building. "VikasitaKeralam" needs visionary young leaders committed to development for all, he said in a post on 'X'. "Appreciate the call from KCBC to Christian youth to actively engage in public life and serve society. @BJP4Keralam warmly welcomes youth aspiring to enter politics and contribute to nation-building. This aligns with PM Narendra Modi's vision of one lakh talented youth leading a politics of performance. Vikasita Keralam needs visionary young leaders committed to development for all," Chandrasekhar said. The BJP state chief's statement came two days after a prominent Catholic body in Kerala urged the Christian youth to actively take part in politics, saying distancing themselves from the mainstream political process is not a correct stance. The Youth Commission under the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), an apex body of Christian bishops, made the appeal in its recent circular issued on Youth Day, which fell on July 6. "Today's political scenario is utmost chaotic and confusing, and so it is not appropriate for the community youth, having leadership skills and critical thinking abilities, to keep themselves away from politics," it said. It underscored that the entry of a new generation with knowledge and talent into politics is crucial for addressing various societal issues. Issued by KCBC Youth Commission chairperson Christudas R, the circular was read in Catholic churches, cutting across denominations, during the Mass on Sunday. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Catholic Church urges Christian youths to join politics
The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) issued a circular on July 6, the Church's Youth Day, indicating that Christian youngsters are reluctant to engage in active politics and urged them to join politics. The circular issued by KCBC Youth Commission chairperson Christudas R. and vice chairpersons Mar Joseph Pandarasseril and Mathews Mar Policorpos was read in all parishes during the Mass on Sunday. 'Essential for society' The circular reads, 'Presently, the political situation is extremely chaotic and confusing and it is not advisable for Christian youth possessing leadership skills and critical thinking abilities to distance themselves from mainstream politics. A new generation with knowledge and talent should enter mainstream politics to solve the issues facing our society. Catholic youth organisations should train young women and men with leadership qualities and bring them into the mainstream. Qualified youths must come forward for this mission, recognising it as essential for society, particularly the Christian community,' reads the circular. Guidance for jobs The circular also indicated that a significant number of youths are looking for job opportunities in foreign countries. 'The Church cannot discourage those who move abroad for a better life. However, many youngsters wish to remain in the country. They should be guided on ways to approach entrepreneurship and employment professionally,' said the circular. A Catholic priest said that the Church had noticed the alarming decline in the number of Christian representatives in politics. 'Participation in the government is a must for addressing the issues of society, especially those of the Christian community. If Christian youth are reluctant to join politics, the role of Christians will reduce further in future governments,' said the priest. 'Declining role' According to sources, the declining presence of Catholics in ruling parties is raising concern among Church authorities. The Catholic Church has played an influential role in electoral politics in the State over the years. The Church now hopes that the participation of Christian youths in politics will help it emerge again as an influential factor.
