Catholic Priest Stripped of Priesthood After Joining BJP in Idukki, Kerala
In a shocking turn of events, Catholic priest Kuriakos Mattam has been stripped of his priesthood in Idukki, Kerala, after he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident has caused quite a stir in the region, highlighting the delicate balance between religion and politics.
Idukki, located in the southern state of Kerala, is known for its lush tea plantations and diverse demographics. The region has seen a long-standing dominance by the Left Democratic Front, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who hails from the Marxist Communist Party. However, the recent emergence of the BJP as a political force has provided an alternative for many.
At St. Thomas Church in Adimali near Idukki District, Kuriakos Mattam was a respected member of the clergy until his unexpected political leap. Yesterday, in the presence of Idukki district BJP president KS Aji, Mattam officially joined the party, causing ripples within the church community.
The Church administration wasted no time in responding to the situation, swiftly ordering a temporary deprivation of Mattam’s priestly position. In a statement addressing the matter, it was made clear that priests should not align themselves with any political party, and Mattam’s actions had been deemed unacceptable.
“A priest should not join any political party. Kuriakos Mattam has acted in defiance of this, so disciplinary action has been taken against him,” the statement read.
Interestingly, Mattam defended his decision to join the BJP, expressing his appreciation for the party’s widespread popularity in the country. “In the country, the understanding of the BJP is good among the people. Due to this, I joined the party,” he explained.
The incident has ignited a larger debate about the role of religion and politics in Kerala. While the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and association to all citizens, religious figures often face scrutiny when they venture into the political arena. Kerala, known for its highly politically conscious population, is no exception to this phenomenon.
The Catholic Church, like many other religious institutions, has always maintained a certain level of autonomy from politics. Its primary focus has been on spirituality and guiding the faithful, steering clear of political affiliations.
With Mattam’s sudden allegiance to the BJP, questions arise regarding the impact this might have on the relationship between the church and its followers, as well as the broader religious and political landscape of Kerala. Will this incident serve as a catalyst for more priests to engage in political activities, or will it serve as a cautionary tale to others?
Only time will tell how this situation unfolds and whether it will have lasting repercussions on the delicate balance between politics and religion in Kerala. For now, the Catholic Church in Idukki stands firm in its decision to temporarily strip Kuriakos Mattam of his priesthood, maintaining that religious figures should remain apolitical and focused solely on their spiritual responsibilities.