KOCHI: Syro-Malabar Church supremo Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil has said that it was wrong for bishops to intervene in the selection of candidates in the elections.
“The Catholic Church should not intervene in party politics,” he said while speaking to reporters after releasing the book `Straight From the Heart’ at Cardinal’s House in Kochi on Tuesday.
Referring to reports that the Archdiocese of Thrissur had openly supported the candidature of Tom Vadakkan in Thrissur, he said, “The Church is not against the candidature of a church member. But a bishop should not intervene in the selection of a candidate.” Asked what would be the political stand of the Syro-Malabar Church in the coming Lok Sabha elections, he said that he would not insist on church members voting for a particular party. “Political parties have good and bad qualities and it is for the individual to decide on casting his vote.” He also said that some persons had approached him to support their candidature.
Referring to certain controversies on his statements, the Cardinal said: “If I say something, that would be according to my belief.
I have the courage to tell the truth. I also like to be criticised.” Decentralisation of power is the best way to rejuvenate the church.
“There is a feeling that the Latin Church enjoys certain privileges from Vatican while the demands of Syro-Malabar Church are often rejected. Granting new diocese is an example,” he said. Referring to the decision taken by Vatican, the Cardinal in his book has said that Syro-Malabar Church observes “crucifying obedience,” he said.
There were requests from various corners, including from the Church, to postpone the release of the book which can kick up controversies. “I have not hurt anyone in the book and I do not know why there was a demand to postpone the book release. It may be an attempt to create problems within the Church or to use the book for political gains,” the Cardinal said.
Regarding the CDs introduced for class VII students to learn screenplay writing, he said it would tarnish the image of the Church. “No religion should be insulted like this,” he said.
