What Are the Concerns of Kerala Bishop Regarding Attacks on Priests and Nuns?
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Synopsis
Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil raises alarms over increasing violence against clergy in India. His remarks highlight serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities. As church leaders prepare to respond, the call for action resonates across the Christian community.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Bishop condemns violence against clergy.
- Recent attacks occurred in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
- Calls for government action to protect religious minorities.
- Church leaders are uniting to address these issues.
- Concerns reflect growing intolerance within society.
Kozhikode, Aug 9 (NationPress) Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil of the Thamarassery Diocese has vehemently criticized the recent assaults on priests and nuns across the nation. His comments followed the violent incidents in Odisha where clergy and nuns faced attacks, as well as a troubling event in Chhattisgarh earlier this month, during which two nuns were imprisoned for eight days.
The occurrences in Chhattisgarh and Jaleswar in Odisha have deeply unsettled the Christian community in Kerala.
“The violence targeting Christian workers is ongoing. When minorities in Pakistan were attacked, the Central government introduced a law to provide citizenship to Hindus. Should minorities in India also be pressured to flee to other countries?” he questioned.
He further pondered whether Christians might have to seek refuge in Europe.
The Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in Thrissur, Yuhanon Mar Meletheos, criticized Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, who achieved a remarkable victory in the Thrissur Lok Sabha elections. He expressed his frustration on social media, stating: “We have yet to see an actor from Thrissur whom we elected and sent to Delhi. Should we notify the police?”
The Thrissur region hosts a significant and influential Christian population, which includes many priests and nuns.
The anger expressed by the Christian bishops stems from the apparent indifference of Gopi in light of the two widely publicized incidents.
Interestingly, this outrage coincides with a Hindu organization in Chhattisgarh that has submitted a petition to the state government seeking to restrict Christian missionaries from entering tribal areas.
On Friday, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), called upon the Odisha government and the Central authorities to take firm action against those responsible for the attacks on Christian clergy in Jaleswar.
In the meantime, churches are expected to release a pastoral letter condemning these acts, which will be read during Sunday mass.
Point of View
I emphasize that the recent attacks on clergy and nuns represent a broader issue of religious intolerance that must be addressed. It is crucial for the government to safeguard the rights of all religious communities to ensure peace and harmony in society.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What incidents prompted the Bishop's condemnation?
The Bishop condemned recent attacks on priests and nuns, highlighting incidents in Odisha and Chhattisgarh where clergy faced violence.
Who is Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil?
He is the Bishop of the Thamarassery Diocese in Kerala, known for his outspoken views on religious freedom and community safety.
What actions are church leaders planning?
Church leaders are expected to issue a pastoral letter condemning the attacks, which will be read during Sunday mass.
How has the community responded?
The Christian community in Kerala has expressed deep concern over the attacks and called for immediate action from authorities.
What does this mean for religious tolerance in India?
These incidents raise serious questions about religious tolerance and the safety of minority communities in India.
