Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 23: United Christian Association feels that the new rules enforced by the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese interfere with the fundamental rights, individual liberty, right to speak and democratic values. This allegation was made by director of the association, Jeevan Vas, at a press conference held here on Wednesday December 22.

Explaining further, Vas said that a new rule states that a member of any parish loses his right to vote, if he files suit against the priests or the parish council.  He also loses his post in any of the church committees or other administrative posts, besides losing his right to vote for the next term. He said that this rule is clear violation of fundamental rights, and that such rules appear to be pushing the Christian brethren towards the draconian system of bonded labour.

“Just because the Bishop enjoys absolute powers, does not mean that he can enforce anti-democratic rules. Law does not provide for this. Even after we asked him in writing to discard or modify this rule, he did not respond positively. Hence, we are forced to approach the court against this rule,” he explained.

President of the association, Alban Menezes, and advocate, Gregory Puttur, were present at the press conference.

Clarifying his stand on the issue, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, said that rules relating to the election of office bearers for the units functioning under the Church are revised and redrafted once every three years, and that the rules about eligibility criteria and other yardsticks were formulated, after obtaining suggestions and holding consultations with those concerned with the Church. He pointed out the rules relating to educational qualification and age limit have also undergone a change. The Bishop further said that the rules were not made by any one person, outright rejecting the allegation that the rules were being imposed unilaterally.

“Those who have eligibility, get opportunities. The main task of these institutions is to extend suggestions and recommendations to the Church as and when the situation so demands. The rules are uniformly applicable to all the 158 churches in this diocese. How can a person, who has filed a suit against the church administration, be expected to function as an advisor or office bearer for the church?” he questioned.