Activist asks Kannada priests not to drag language into rector murder case


From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Apr 3: Warmly welcoming the arrests of the culprits involved in the murder of Fr K J Thomas, the Rector of St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore after midnight on March 31 last year, Social Activist and Anti-Corruption Crusader T J Abraham has asked the Kannada Catholic priests not to drag the bogey of the so-called language controversy created by them regarding the use of Kannada in the liturgy in the Archdiocese of Bangalore to further their selfish and narrow interests.
 
Abraham, who was joined by the Catholic Minorities Association leader Johnson and office-bearers of the Rajajinagar Konkani Catholic Welfare Association Edwin D’Souza, Richard D’Souza and Dolphy D’Cunha, addressed a press conference in Bangalore and declared that they were ''happy, appreciative and thankful that the Police have at least now primarily caught/found the ones suspected to be the accused involved in the crime of eliminating Fr K J Thomas.”

They said the police authorities ''have done an excellent job in reaching the stage of arresting the suspected persons and hope they would go further investigate the case to reach its finality. We do not believe the Home Minister or Our Archishop have any ulterior motive behind delaying or speeding up of the investigation of the case in any manner.

However, now that the Priests Association (Balaga) has expressed doubts and are demanding a CBI investigation, Abraham said: ''we also agree to their demand and welcome a CBI investigation into the case. Let the actual truth come out. Let the world know who is behind the brutal murder of Fr K J Thomas. This is our basic demand. Let the world know the truth.”
 
They expressed their shock that some people, who are unfortunately still priests, had come together under the banner of Karnataka Kannada Priests Association (Balaga) and have publicly criticized the Police action of arresting the suspects (priests)” and have shamefully claimed that the arrested trio, including two priests William Patrick and Elias and their lay assistant Peter as ''innocent.”
 
''It is shocking to note their statement that those priests presently arrested are innocent and not involved in the crime.  We condemn their statement that those who have been arrested have been framed by the police at the behest of the Archbishop and the Home Minister just because they are Kannadigas,” they said.


''Credibility, Honesty of Priests Suspect”

Abraham and other leaders questioned the credibility, sincerity and honesty of the key leaders of the Balaga, including priests Fr Ckalkere Chowrappa Selveraj (Chasara), Parish Priest of St Joseph”s church in Chamrajpet, Fr A Thomas, Parish Priest of Kristha Karunalaya Church, Jaraganahalli, Kanakapura Road, and also the Principal/trustee of Christ School, Marianapalya Road, Kaglipura run by Carmel Seva Sangam Trust, Mariapura and Fr S Barthalomew,Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tumkur.
 
''If they (these priests) are sure that those who have been presently apprehended are not involved, the question is who else is involved?,” Abraham asked and said: ''If these priests/people are absolutely sure that those who are arrested are innocent, then they should surely know who is actually involved.”
 
They demanded that the police should subject all those persons, who addressed or attended the press conference, to a thorough investigation to find out the truth and whether they themselves were involved or if they actually know who else is involved in the brutal killing of Fr K J Thomas.

It is a shame that these so-called Kannada Catholic Yajakara Balaga priests, who are originally from Andhra Pradesh and speak Telugu in their homes, are the ones who are misguiding and disturbing the peace in the Catholic Church in the name of protecting Kannada. These are the very people who also oppose a language that has originated and is used by people actually born in Karnataka, Konkani, a native language of the State.

''If these are people who have real concerns regarding Karnataka how can they oppose Konkani, an undisputed language of the people belonging to and born in Karnataka?,” they asked.   

''If these priests’ association (Balaga) members are true Kannada loving people, how can they enter a Church, when a Kannada Mass is being celebrated and physically attack a Kannadiga priest? Are they really Catholics? Will any true Catholic enter the altar during Mass and attack the celebrant?,” they asked.

''We humbly hope and request these Catholic priests, if they want to form any associations for their personal purposes, let them first relinquish their priesthood (remove the holy dress/attire they are wearing) before behaving in a manner unbecoming of any Catholic Priest,” they said.


Source of Foreign Funding Must Be Probed

Abraham claimed that ''it is in public knowledge that the Carmel Seva Sangam Trust,  which is run by the President of the Catholic Karnataka Kannada Priests Association (Balaga) Fr A Thomas, receives funds from foreign agencies such as FODERVEREIN BEDEN and ANNAPURNA FOUNDATION, Germany.”
 
''What is interesting is that this funding agency is, according to sources, a recipient of funds from amongst others, Billy Graham Evangelist Association, P O Box.1270, Charlote, 28201, 1270 USA (having an Indian Bank Account No.911010024922852 in Axis Bank, Sahakaranagar Branch) and LIVING WORD FELLOWSHIP. 512, Beach Pond Road, Voluntown, CT 06381, Box, 36, USA, who directly takes care of  AGAPE Ministries India (having an Indian Bank Account No.15334 in Canara Bank, D’costa Square, Branch) and also PARTNER IN ASIAN MISSION, Box 531011, Birmingham, AL-35253, USA financing AGAPE Bible Fellowship(having  an Indian Bank Account No 21638 in Canara Bank, D’costa Square, Branch),” he said.
 
The most shocking/coincidental aspect, according to Abrahm, is that the purpose of all these funding agencies in sending money was ''Maintenance of Priests/other religious functionaries.” 
 
''Crores and crores of rupees are flowing for the maintenance of Priests. Which Priests?,” he asked and wondered if the priests were indeed ''The Priests of the Catholic Karnataka Kannada Priests Association (Balaga)?”

He demanded that all these things also require a thorough investigation by our investigation agencies for the public to know the truth, and alleged that the ''money received by the Carmel Seva Sangam Trust, which is run by Fr A Thomas, from a foreign agency called FODERVEREIN BEDEN, and ANNAPURNA FOUNDATION, Germany is meant for the purpose of “Education/Schools for the mentally challenged.”

''The usage of the foreign funds for any purpose other than what it was got/sent would amount to a violation under 3.6.1 of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010(FCRA 2010) earlier Act of 1976 (FCRA 1976). We have already complained to the concerned authorities in this regard for a thorough investigation and necessary legal action,” he claimed.


''Deliberate Attempt to Misguide People”

These priests leading the Kannada Catholicara Yajakara Balaga, Abraham said were creating an impression that they are the champions of the cause of Kannada and allege that the so-called Anti-Kannadigas are trying to suppress the demands of Kannada speaking Catholics in Karnataka.   

''This is absolutely false and fabricated,  only to misguide and fool the Kannada speaking Catholics in Karnataka and make Catholics in Karnataka feel frustrated and disgusted with the Catholic Church itself,” Abraham contended.

Abraham and his supporters contended that they were not opposed to some Kannada speaking Catholics coming together to form an association (Balaga). But it is most shameful to note that priests are coming together to form a Balaga to protest and protect their own grievances/demands or and also to protect suspected criminals/killers of a widely respected and scholarly, Catholic priest.
 
''We have seen Lingayat or Vokkaliga Swamyjis coming out in public for the cause of their people/communities.   But, we have never seen any group of Swamijis airing their personal grievances/demands in the manner in which the Catholic priests have done and their acts of abuses against the Archbishop. The act of these Catholic priests is most condemnable and shameful to the entire community,” they said.


Threat to Expose Sleazy Activities

Abraham threatened to divulge more details of the ''activities of some of the Priests, who have been charged with rape and/or also the pleasure trips of priests in the comfortable company of women to famous holidaying destinations in the near future. We want to expose them and disclose their true nature even while continuing as priests. Can they continue as priests?”
 
Abraham said, ''We have reliably learnt that it is a conspiracy to intentionally create an unhealthy atmosphere in the Catholic Church and also to divert the attention away from the actual issue only to save the culprits (guilty of murdering Fr K J Thomas).”
 
Abraham has led several agitations against alleged corrupt deals involving politicians and also against Bangalore-Mysore Nandi Infrastructure Corridor chief Ashok Keny and was also involved in the protests against the Congress-led UPA regime’s move at the behest of the Union minister K R Rehman to name the proposed Central university for minorities in Mysore after Tippu Sultan besides filing Public Interest Litigations against several scams in the High Court.

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • George Victor , Bangalore

    Mon, Apr 14 2014

    John 15:16 Jesus said You did not choose me, it is I who choose you, to bear much fruit, The fruit of eternal one.
    2Corinthians 6:19-20 Do not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, given by God? You belong no longer to yourselves, Remember at what price you have been bought and make your body serve the Glory of God.

    First of all these priest whether are they worthy to be called as priest? Whether the authorities has checked their background to become priests? Are they become priests because of Kannada banner. If they become priest because of Kannada banner then they will serve the Kannada how could you expect them to serve the Lord Jesus Christ where they were not encountered the Lord Jesus in their life? This the mistake of the Diocese and authorities..Now authorities has to do thorough investigation about their life style, their contribution to the Society, diocese and people at large. Are they uniting the people or dividing the People. Division comes from the Evil one. Galatians 5 19-21 What comes from the Flesh?
    Galatians 5:22 What comes from the Spirit? Our flesh there are many virtues/layers, with which we cannot worship God. John 4:24 Jesus said we have to worship in Truth and Spirit?
    The Fruit of these priests are very visible: anger, hatred, poisoning the minds of people, bringing division in the church. Is this priest required such priests in the Church. Isaiah 48:22 Reminds us there is no peace for the wicked, Yahweh says.
    If they are so concerned about the language no issues, because they cannot serve the two masters, one master Mathew 6: 24 ' No one can serve two masters: he will either hate one and love the other he will be loyal to the one and look down to the other. From the actions of these priest it is clear they love the Language and hate the Lord Jesus. 1 John 4: 1 Test the Spirit to see whether they come from God, Spirit that does not recognize Jesus is not from God.They are from the world and world inspires them.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • George Victor , Bangalore

    Mon, Apr 14 2014

    John 15:16 Jesus said You did not choose me, it is I who choose you, to bear much fruit, The fruit of eternal one.
    2Corinthians 6:19-20 Do not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, given by God? You belong no longer to yourselves, Remember at what price you have been bought and make your body serve the Glory of God.

    First of all these priest whether are they worthy to be called as priest? Whether the authorities has checked their background to become priests? Are they become priests because of Kannada banner. If they become priest because of Kannada banner then they will serve the Kannada how could you expect them to serve the Lord Jesus Christ where they were not encountered the Lord Jesus in their life? This the mistake of the Diocese and authorities..Now authorities has to do a thorough investigation about their lifestyle, their contribution to the Society, diocese and people at large. Are they uniting the people or dividing the People. Division comes from the Evil one. Galatians 5 19-21 What comes from the Flesh?
    Galatians 5:22 What comes from the Spirit? Our flesh there are many virtues/layers, with which we cannot worship God. John 4:24 Jesus said we have to worship in Truth and Spirit?
    The Fruit of these priests are very visible: anger, hatred, poisoning the minds of people, bringing division in the church. Is this priest required such priests in the Church. Isaiah 48:22 Reminds us there is no peace for the wicked, Yahweh says.
    If they are so concerned about the language no issues, because they cannot serve the two masters, one master Mathew 6: 24 ' No one can serve two masters: he will either hate one and love the other he will be loyal to the one and look down to the other. From the actions of these priest it is clear they love the Language and hate the Lord Jesus. 1 John 4: 1 Test the Spirit to see whether they come from God, Spirit that does not recognize Jesus is not from God.They are from the world and world inspires them.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. JACOB, T.C.PALYA, BANGALORE

    Wed, Apr 09 2014

    The Bible itself says Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Mr. T.J. Abraham being a social worker should first understand that the priests who are arrested are only in the place of the accused they are not convicted by the Court of law. The conviction is done by the Hon'ble Court based on the evidences and supported by the witnesses. During the pendency of the case and before the court's judgment, we have no locus to judge any person more particularly the arrested priests in the instant case.
    Mr. T.J. ABRAHAM himself is an accused person in the criminal Cases under sections 341, 326 of IPC (Indian Penal Code) in Case No.CC-24441/2001 (Criminal Case) and under section 353 of IPC in Case No.CC-24283/99 (Criminal Case. Since, these cases are registered against T.J.ABRAHAM, T.J.ABRAHAM cannot be called as CRIMINAL/CULPRIT, 420 etc., untill the verdict of the Criminal Courts. These are the known criminal cases pending against T.J. Abraham, the unknown cases- God only knows.
    He cannot comment on the priests who are having dedication & motivation towards Christianity. Fr. A. Thomas is a wonderful priest who is doing lot of social activities. T.J.Abraham's comments on the priests are baseless, illegal & far from truth.
    Hence, I kindly request the laity not to give any credence to the essay of T.J. Abraham the same is done by him for his self popularity and in the better of Christian Community.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rivon, Bangalore

    Wed, Apr 09 2014

    Hi Abraham,
    I really respect your views but cant agree most of the points that you have quoted.

    'If they (these priests) are sure that those who have been presently apprehended are not involved, the question is who else is involved?,” Abraham asked and said: ''If these priests/people are absolutely sure that those who are arrested are innocent, then they should surely know who is actually involved.”

    This is like two persons in an argument to know what fruit is it.
    One says "It is apple"
    Another one says "No.... its orange"
    The argument continues. Finally one asks "Then where is the apple?"

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. Robert Paul, Bellary

    Sun, Apr 06 2014

    Thank u dear Brother Abraham, i believe now our people are awakened. my prayers and God's blessings are with u.but pain still remains that we lost fR. K.J. ThomAS.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • AF, Bangalore

    Fri, Apr 04 2014

    Congrats Mr. T J Abraham for the much deserved strong language you have used to expose the dirty activities of these people who are supposed to be the anointed priests chosen by God. I wonder how these people can listen to confessions and celebrate mass and hold the Holy Eucharist I their sinful hands having so much hatred in their hearts....
    Anyway Mr. T J, we are with you and will support you with all the necessary evidence and required supportive documents to expose the so called sinful priests.... Its high time that they are disrobed and thrown out from the Temple of God.... Jesus himself took the whip to chase all the sinful priests and people who were running their sinful activities under the roof of the Temple of God.... so when our saviour has taught us this, why should we spare anybody undertaking sinful activities in the church, so what if these perpetrators are priests....it's high time the laity takes the whip in the name of Jesus...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. mario cmf, , St. Judes church, Karahalli, Devanahalli

    Fri, Apr 04 2014

    Mr. T.J. Abraham
    Congrates for the courage you have taken to expose these evils in the church. May God bless you. Go ahead .....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • cyril mathias, udupi

    Fri, Apr 04 2014

    these are not priests, but the incarnation of satan.Jesus is for all languages and for all people.He stood for the unity of the people.These language fanatic people indulge in mud slinging and blasphemy.they are power hungry.let them join a political party.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • H.L., Bangalore

    Fri, Apr 04 2014

    Thanks to Mr.T.J.Abraham for fighting for justice.He should expose the members of Balaga, so that the common man should know what is going on in catholic Church in the name of God.Mr.Abraham should write to Pope Francis directly.We dont need such hypocrites.Really ashamed of calling them Fathers!!We cant expect justice from the Archbishop also.IT department should ask the Balaga office bearers(Kannadiga Priests) to submit the income tax returns.foreign funding agencies destroy Catholic Church in India.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Fri, Apr 04 2014

    Looks like a case involving money. My opinion is the innocent should not be victimized. No wonder there are balaga and okkuta to maintain their level and prestige. The main objective of the priest is to deliver the word of God. When they divert from the motive this kind of events take place leading to headache of the community.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Philo, canada

    Fri, Apr 04 2014

    the Archbishop should ex-communicate those priests who works against the church and its authorities.The are a cancer to peace in catholic community.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • TSPA, Oman

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    I have always wondered what is the language GOD speaking ? OR to Which religion, he belongs to ..?

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shalini, Marianpalya

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    What is happening in chikmagalur diocese.gundagiri by Kannada priests and by the bishop.diocese is gone to the dogs.let us all join eradicate this Kannada issue in chikmagalur diocese.let people have the right have mass in Konkani English Tamil in ckm diocese.let Konkani long live in chikmagalur.
    In Bangalore what is Yajaka balaga .these priests running their own schools in the diocese.is these priests helping any students or making money.holding big post in the archdiocese acting like shakunies..let them get down from the post.they don't know write and speak good Kannada.their sermon are like chewing gum.no accountability in the parish.only they enjoying foreign trips.drinks are the part of life.oh god have mercy on this priests and make their heart like your heart.immaculate heart of Mary pray for these priests amen

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cliffy, Mangalore

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    Thanks TJ Abraham and team for exposing this Balaga group. Looks like not worthy to call them as Catholic priests. It is a good investigation what is going on the other side. There are lot of crimes are committed "in the name of God".

    ''If these priests’ association (Balaga) members are true Kannada loving people, how can they enter a Church, when a Kannada Mass is being celebrated and physically attack a Kannadiga priest.

    This incident clearly explains everything, they are not even interested in Kannada or welfare of Kannadiga priests.
    I think these balaga group never follow the bible and interpret the bible as they like.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • stephen, BANGALORE

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    Well done, Mr Abraham and team keep the tempo going till all the culprits are nabbed.....

    DisAgree [4] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suleman Beary, Udupi

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    "the love of money is the root of all evil".
    Fr. K.J. Thomas might be a bone in the murderers' throat.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    Looks like a very complicated jungle of priests of Kannadiga, keralites,or Money and what else.everyone is Controlling the other one.when one is priest, whatever the Region he Comes he should concentrate on the church, not their Union.sometimes Comes the question whether everyone is really ordained priest or only namesake priests.Better test it .Nobody disturbs the mass ceremony whatever the language, it is.I think at present throwout allsamt priests from the college and elect new ones to have peace .Even priests also are human beings with flesh and blood who can also may fall to worlds attraction and many things go wrong.when so is they should get out of their Religion Profession and admit it.It is not wrong to admit their mistake.but wrong to continue and indulge as priests in sins.No wonder when lay People are hating priests.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    Rita, like the GM producing cars, all Christian denominations are producing battalions of Priests/Pastors, etc. More theological colleges and schools are coming up everywhere. But, the big question, how many of these people wrapped up in the ministerial garments have a real calling from heaven to be in the ministry? I have watched some of my neighbours got into the ministry, and when they are inside the garment of religion, they have a total change of personality of egotism and they don't respect anybody but expecting outright respect towards them because of the religious garment which I have never seen in many parts of the world. Here in the U.S., a Pastor of any denomination will not act like that, they all act like the ordinary believers, but they are respected. They will not demand any special reverence from the believers and public.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • good catholic, bangalore/bajpe

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    Dear Mr Abraham congratulations. As a catholic let us all fight for the cause. Shame to Kannada priests. after killing a priest they deny this incident.mr t j we are with you let us clean the church once for all.kudos to t j

    DisAgree [6] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Raj kumar, Bangalore

    Tue, Apr 08 2014

    so called good catholic dont jump into conclusion. they have wrongly booked innocent priests in it. wish this case is handled by cbi and truth wil come out. asking for Kannada to be prime lang in kannada state is no sin. being in karnataka u should know this . even if u dont support its absolutely no provide but dont talk ill about us as you r a self proclaimed good Catholic

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Fernandes, Dubai

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    2000years before what Lord Jesus had told about the Scribes and Pharisees suits even today to our priests.
    In fact, Jesus continually reinforced his accusations against their unwillingness to maintain a consistency between their tradition and the written law:

    Matt 15:14 "They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."

    Matt 23:13 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in."

    The Pharisees would not live up to what they taught. They were so overly concerned with the externals that they neglected the "weightier matters of the law" and the simple truths about man and God. When their own Messiah had appeared in Israel, they were so blinded by their observances and the minute details that they completely missed Him.

    It is amazing that Jesus used the exact words of Isaiah, their great prophet, to describe their hypocrisy. Notice the quote from Isaiah 29:13:

    Mark 7:5-7 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

    The Pharisees were intent upon cleansing the outside of the cup and dish whereas the inside remained dirty:

    Matt 23:25-26 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

    He even accused them of being whitewashed tombs, disguising their inner corruption:

    Matt 23:27-29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

    Outward self righteousness is the inevitable product of Pharisaic legalism. Jesus revealed their true motives:

    Matt 23:5 "But all their works they do to be seen by men."

    They were so filled with pride that they could not see that they would not practice what they had preached. In fact, this was exactly what Jesus meant when He said "for they say, and do not do" Matt 23:3.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Thu, Apr 03 2014

    Mr. Fernades, now we are faced with an urgency to have a 2nd reformation in all the Christian denominations.

    The gospel of JESUS CHRIST came to India in the first century, then the Missionaries came from the western world with a real calling to spread the gospel and to undertake great humanitarian works like educational institutions and hospitals. Now, the educational institutions and hospitals have been converted to big business enterprise and the religious hierarchy is totally concentrated in the institutional enterprise with a religious outfit. When I meet some Christian religious leaders from Kerala, they never will ask about the spiritual life, but bombard with financial needs for that project-this project-Priest's retirement funds etc. Money is the topic of the conversation from the beginning to the end. Hardly any of them tell about the needs of the suffering people, but pleading to make the comfortable lifestyle of certain people to a higher level. Where we are headed?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Activist asks Kannada priests not to drag language into rector murder case



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