The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has reacted strongly against remarks made by Kerala’s Fisheries and Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian and former Minister K.T. Jaleel on the Christmas celebrations convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Fr. Jacob Palackappilly, spokesman for the apex body of the Catholic hierarchy in Kerala, said on January 1 that the remarks made against the bishops who had participated in the Christmas get-together in Delhi were unbecoming of a Minister.
He said both Mr. Cherian and Mr. Jaleel appeared to be using “the same dictionary” when it came to remarks against the Christmas celebrations and those who attended the celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with leaders of the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas in New Delhi on December 25.
Fr. Palackappilly cautioned that people in responsible positions should temper their words when public remarks are made. The KCBC spokesman conceded that everyone can make remarks or criticise people in position but they should be careful about the words they use and the way the words are used. It should be in keeping with the culture of the people, he said.
The KCBC took umbrage at Mr. Cherian’s remarks that bishops were too eager to participate in the Christmas celebrations once they received the invitation from the Prime Minister.
The bishops’ council also criticised Mr. Jaleel for his remarks against participants at a Christmas celebration organised by the KCBC.
