In a rapid sequence of events in Thiruvananthapuram, a Catholic priest affiliated with the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar church has been relieved of his duties as a vicar shortly after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Fr Kuriakose Mattam, the aforementioned priest, was granted primary membership of the BJP by K S Aji, the party’s Idukki district president, on Monday. However, the Idukki diocese wasted no time in taking disciplinary action against him.
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BJP Inducts Catholic Priest
The church authorities have stated that Fr Mattam has been temporarily relieved of his pastoral responsibilities at the Mankuva St Thomas church near Adimali. This decision has been made in accordance with the provisions of Canon Law, which strictly forids priests from joining or actively participating in any political party. A church spokesperson explained that the disciplinary action was necessary due to the priest’s political affiliation. It is worth noting that Fr Mattam, who is 74 years old, is expected to retire in a few months. The timing of his decision to join the BJP is noteworthy, as the Catholic church has been critical of the party in relation to recent incidents of violence in Manipur.
Diocese Takes Disciplinary Action
K S Aji, the BJP‘s Idukki district president, took to social media platform Facebook to share images of the priest’s membership and expressed that Fr Mattam had joined the party after carefully observing the current situation in the country. In a video statement, the priest himself explained his decision to join the BJP, stating that he follows current affairs closely and sees no reason why he shouldn’t join the party. He further mentioned his friendships with several BJP workers and his understanding of the party’s national presence through news reports.
Priest Explains Decision to Join BJP
“I am excited to join the BJP today. I have been following contemporary issues and reading about the BJP’s policies, and I have friends who are BJP members. I believe that the BJP is the est party to lead India into the future.” said Fr Mattam. Mr. Aji commended the priest’s decision to join the BJP as a response to the party’s critics regarding the Manipur issue.
BJP Responds to Critics
This incident has sparked debates within the Catholic community, shedding light on the delicate balance between religious leaders and their political affiliations. The prompt action taken by the Idukki diocese underscores the significance of maintaining the neutrality of religious institutions and upholding the principles outlined in Canon Law.
As news of the priest’s removal spreads, it remains to be seen how the community will react and whether further discussions will take place regarding the involvement of religious figures in political activities.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the appropriate boundaries between religious and political spheres, raising questions about the role of religious leaders in partisan politics. The Catholic community, as well as the general public, eagerly awaits further developments and reflections on this matter.
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