Latin Church distances itself from article criticizing Modi

Kochi: The Latin Catholic Charitable Trust, which publishes the weekly magazine Jeevanadam, issued a statement on Friday clarifying that the critical remarks about PM Narendra Modi in a recent editorial did not reflect the views of the Latin Church.

Instead, it emphasized that the comments represented the opinions of the editorial team of the publication, rather than official statements from the church.

The trust said the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) has already outlined the political stance of the Latin Church. It has decided to maintain a policy of equidistance from all parties.

According to the statement, members of the church have taken a stance that is issue- and value-oriented, based on an assessment of current realities and circumstances. The latest edition of the weekly criticized Prime Minister Modi for making inflammatory remarks during his campaign speech, highlighting that no previous Prime Minister has expressed such blatant communalism.

Before the Lok Sabha polls, KRLCC announced its political stance following a meeting of the council's political committee. It urged voters to vote to strengthen secular democracy and uphold constitutional values amidst the current national political scenario. It also highlighted the election's importance in empowering democratic and secular forces that can effectively resist polarization.

Church leaders cast votes:

Senior clergy, including major archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil and major archbishop emeritus cardinal George Alencherry cast their vote in Ernakulam.

Thattil urged people to fulfill their civic duty by voting, saying that it's not merely an option but an obligation. He said each voter has their own perspective and will vote accordingly.

When asked whether a secular govt should come to power, he highlighted the country's commitment to equality and safety for all, suggesting that the govt should embody these values. Mar Thattil and Mar Alencherry cast their votes at Thengod govt school in Kakkanad.

Meanwhile, archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Verapoly voted at Ernakulam St Mary’s School. Malankara metropolitan Joseph Mor Gregorios of the Jacobite Church cast his vote at Thiruvankulam Georgian Academy, and Kuriakose Mor Theophilose metropolitan of the Jacobite Church voted at Vettickal Mar Behnnan Training School.

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