Church seeks political stance on concerns of Christians

Amid reports of the Catholic Church seeking a renewed political presence in the State, the executive meeting of the Changanacherry Archdiocese Pastoral Council has urged that the concerns of Kerala’s Christian community be reflected in the manifestos of all political fronts ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Inaugurated by Thomas Tharayil, Archbishop of Changanassery, the meeting called on political parties to clearly state their positions on issues affecting the community. The council also decided to provide all parties with a comprehensive list of demands.

Key issues highlighted include follow-up action on the appointments of differently-abled faculty in aided educational institutions; measures based on the J.B. Koshi Commission and Swaminathan Commission reports; policies on converting aided colleges into universities and positions on deemed and foreign universities; proper implementation of minority rights and scholarships in proportion to population; recognition of the Christian community as a micro-minority; and a clear stance on rising attacks against Christian populations in India.

The move assumes significance especially in view of a broader drive by the Church to strengthen the political presence and influence of the Catholic community in Kerala ahead of the elections.