Daijiworld Media Network - Chikkamagaluru (MS)

Chikkamagaluru, Mar 3: Christian devotees of Chikkamagaluru diocese held a silent protest on Wednesday March 3 urging the bishop to look into the mismanagement and atrocities that are being held in various churches of the diocese.

A letter has been addressed to Bishop T Anthony Swamy of Chikkamagaluru diocese by members of Holy Family Church pastoral committee and Christian devotees of Chikkamagaluru diocese, in this regard.

The letter says, "After you have assumed the position of Bishop, various incidents that have taken place in the diocese has pained us. The way you are conducting yourself ignoring the basic responsibilities of a bishop has caused frustration to us. We bring to your notice certain happening that have come to our knowledge through social media and other media channels.

"St Joseph's Education Society is a proud organization which gives stress on quality education in the diocese. This society has administrative committee that is formed according to the constitution. But after you assumed the position of bishop, as per the news we read in newspapers, you have created a fake organization and transferred land belonging to the society to that benami organization. It has pained us and made us not to believe you as you are the main accused in this case.

"The priest of Infant Jesus Shrine at Parvathipura under the limits of Chikkamagaluru city has misused the funds given by government for building community hall. Devotees are surprised that no action is taken against priest A Shantaraj for misusing funds that were allotted by the government to build community hall at St Joseph's main church. Fr A Shantaraj and his team collected money for two long years from devotees to build a new church estimated to cost Rs 12 crore. When there were cries that money is being misused it was mentioned in the notice board that only Rs 29 lac is collected. The church was not built. Where the money has gone?

"Fr Shantaraj created a benami association called St Mary Church association when there was already a pastoral committee that was elected as per rules and regulations. He has also transferred the land belonging to church to this benami association. Though complaint is raised against Fr Shantaraj with all the proofs, why no action is taken against him. What is your intention of shielding him as your right hand?

"We have come to know through social media and newspaper about Fr Ronal Cardoza misusing the grant that was given by Minority Welfare department of the government for the church hall building which was projected to be in dilapidated condition through Photoshop, though it was in good condition. We have also heard the statement of Fr Shantaraj saying that Fr Cardoza should not have done such a mistake. Now an FIR is filed against Fr Cardoza in ACB. What action you have taken against him?

"In yet another case grant is collected from minorities welfare department by projecting the church at Shettihalli of Hassan district as in dilapidated condition though its condition is fine. When this was questioned by a devotee, a murder attempt was made on him by Fr David Anthonappa and his accomplices. Why you have not taken any action against them?

"One more case has taken place in Dasapur, where a complaint is registered against Fr Shantaraj in ACB for misusing funds that were availed for repair of old church, development of cemetery and building of community hall. Similarly, Fr David Prakash has misused funds in the name of repair of church at Adakekere Hosur village. Your silence on these matters also has surprised us and given room for suspicion.

"In the diocese of Chikkamagaluru-Hassan countless cases of misuse of government grant and selling of church property have taken place during your reign which has brought a bad name to the diocese. In addition, this has brought a bad name to the Christian community.

"Fr George D'Souza, who was the earlier vicar general was carrying out his duties with dedication, devotion and discipline. Such a person was removed overnight and Fr A Shantaraj, who is dismissed from the primary membership of St Joseph's Education Society scam, was made as the vicar general. This has made us to lose our belief on the religion.

"Fr Agnel Fernandes, who was carrying out his duties with utmost sincerity as the secretary of St Joseph's Education Society, was removed without any reason and insulted him publicly. In addition, no one was recruited for that position for six to seven months, thereby causing inconvenience to the educational institutions. In addition, you made an attempt to bring in Fr A Shantaraj, who is accused in various cases, in place of senior priest Fr Anthony Pinto by harassing him and removing him within few months of assuming charge, though his tenure was for six years.

"One more inhuman incident that has taken place recently has proved that you are bringing bad name to the diocese. Without any valid reason, you have removed Fr Peter Brank, who is the parish priest of Holy Family Church of Vijayapura extension of Chikkamagaluru city, from the position of secretary and treasurer of St Joseph's Educational Society. The way in which Fr Brank was removed is unpardonable. Because of your behaviour of this nature, we are questioning ourselves whether we should send our children to be priests and nuns.

"Fr Peter Brank drew the attention of the whole city after he assumed the position of parish priest of Holy Family Church. He turned one area of church which was like a slum into a new locality. In addition, he has got the shrine of Mother Mary built in an attractive and beautiful manner.

"We condemn your action of treating Fr Peter Brank in a manner worse than that meted out a criminal. Your supporters took the documents of the St Joseph's Education Society by force from Fr Brank. This has greatly pained us. We request you to remove the order and reinstate Fr Peter Brank as the secretary and treasurer of St Joseph's education society.

"If you do not take legal and action according to rules of church, against those who have participated in various irregularities of various churches of the diocese, we will unite all the devotees of the diocese and hold fierce protest against you. You will be responsible for all the consequences thereafter,” stated the letter.