Christians express anger against corrupt clergy at Christian Conclave
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore, May 8: A number of Christians participated in the Christian Conclave jointly organized by the Christian Reforms Foundation and the Indian Christian Service Association at Sahodaya Hall on May 8, Sunday. Based on the theme “Empower the Laity,” it gave Christians a chance to voice their anger and frustration against the atrocious activities of the clergy. The event was inaugurated by the victims of atrocities committed by Christian leaders from different places.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice M. F. Saldanha said that, although the Christian community comprises 98.7 percent laity and only 1.3 percent clergy, the power of decision making lies only with the clergy. The church is in urgent need of reformation, he added.
Recalling the church attacks of 2008, M. F. Saldanha said that the police had registered around 338 false cases against innocent Christian youth and ruined their life and career. Questioning the religious leaders, he wanted to know what they have done to get these cases withdrawn. Stating that churches have sold property worth Rs. 200 crore in Bangalore alone during the past decade, he wanted to know how the churches have spent this money. He also expressed his unhappiness that the clergy did nothing to rescue MSEZ victims although 97 percent of them were poor Christians.
Victims took this opportunity to share their experiences. Joyal Vas of Neermarga, a student of St. Joseph Engineering College, said that Fr. Charles Menezes used to request boys to conduct various rituals, but later started requesting girls too. Alleging that the priest used to behave in an indecent manner with women and girls, he said that the priest used his influence to get false cases registered against him and his father, making them run to the police station every now and then, just because they protested against his immoral activities.
A victim from Sastan said that churches are now nothing but commercial places, generating income in lakhs. He said that faithful Christians donated money in lakhs to the Sastan church because the church authorities promised to purchase land and property for the poor, but did not keep their promise. He said that his entire family was excommunicated when he questioned this. He alleged that the clergy is responsible for the suffering of innumerable Christians and that their greed has led to the separation of husband and wives, siblings, and parents and children.
John Misquith from Perar said that he was ill-treated by priests who underpaid him, adding that priests are getting royal treatment although they do nothing.
P. B. D’Sa, the convener of the programme, said in his address that the pope is powerful to influence even the US president. Dr. Joe Lewis spoke on the topic “Remedies and Alternatives Before Us”; Prof. John B. Cutinha and Prof. Trevor Devas spoke on “Pros and Cons of Empowering the Laity”; and “How Christian Church Functions in America,” respectively.
Two books titled “Lost God and Church” and its Kannada translation titled “Parivarthaneya Hadiyalli” were released on the occasion.