His Excellency Bishop John Nellikunnel of Idukki has written to his priests explicitly telling them not to take any position favoring any political party or ideology. The Bishop’s March 9 circular to priests assumes importance as Kerala’s more than 18 percent Christian population has significant sway in certain key pockets of central Kerala.
As reported by mattersindia.com, The Idukki bishop has cautioned his priests from engaging in election meetings and taking sides in political debates lest their actions harm the community. “We are called to be shepherds with the smell of the sheep. As spiritual leaders of our people, we should not take any position favouring any sides. Our people do not want us to be actively involved in electoral politics in the present context. Our people are intelligent enough to decide in elections,” His Grace Bishop Nellikunnel wrote.
The mainstream political parties of the state depend heavily on tacit or indirect support of the Church, both the Catholic and Orthodox branches, in districts like Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta. The state is scheduled to go to poll on April 23.
Source: www.mattersindia.com
