The prolonged agitation by Dalit Christians against ‘denial’ of priesthood to Dalit theology student G. Michael Raj took a new turn on Monday with the Tamil Nadu Untouchable Eradication Front (TNUEF) taking up the issue with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sivaganga.
After Devendra Kula Vellalar Munnetra Sangam and Dalit Christians Federation fought in vain, the TNUEF took up the issue and led a procession of Dalit Christians to the Diocese here on Monday, seeking to find a solution to the raging controversy.
After the Diocese offered to discuss the issue, the TNUEF dropped its demonstration plan in front of the Diocese and held talks with a three-member team, led by the Vicar General of the Diocese. The Dalit Christians were represented by K Samuel Raj, General Secretary, TNUEF and CPI (M) District secretary Kandasamy.
“The Vicar General was receptive to our grievances and agreed to take up the issue with the Bishop,” said Mr. Samuel Raj.
Later, it was decided to resume next round of talks with the Bishop on a day to be informed by the Diocese, he told The Hindu .
Dismissing as false that Michael Raj was denied priesthood on disciplinary grounds, the TNUEF leader said the denial was part of a larger conspiracy to prevent Dalits from Devendra Kula Vellalar community from becoming priests in the Diocese.
This was clear as the Bishop had reportedly offered priesthood to Michael Raj, outside the Diocese, he added.
The Diocese, however, maintained that Michael Raj, the theology student of St Paul’s Seminary in Tiruchi, was removed from the seminary in the fourth year along with five others on disciplinary grounds. As he had not completed the course, the question of his ordination as priest did not arise, it said.
