M L Satyan –
In recent times, there has been a noticeable trend of prelates engaging in various issues, particularly concerning the upcoming parliamentary election in India. They have taken on the role of instructing people on matters of sin, Christian identity, right and wrong, and even influencing voting decisions. This article delves into several instances where prelates have been vocal on political matters and raises questions about the extent of their involvement. Here are a few examples:
Last month, I came across a circular by the Tamil Nadu Bishop’s Conference that highlighted the continuous attacks on Christian communities and institutions. The bishops exhorted the Catholic community to elect suitable leaders. In fact, I was amused when I read the circular. The same bishops never ever raised any of the concerns mentioned in the circular when PM Modi was welcomed at the Catholic Cathedral, in Delhi during the 2023 Easter. Later, the same prelates never had the slightest courage to raise their concerns when they joined the Christmas party at the official residence of the Prime Minister. But… they have the courage to pontificate through circulars.
During this Easter Mass, the bishop of Kottar diocese in Tamil Nadu drew parallels between socio-economic and political issues and the need to remove obstacles akin to the stone at Jesus’ tomb. While highlighting external challenges, the bishop’s silence on internal issues within the church, such as casteism and corruption, raises questions about the consistency of his message.
The Archbishop of Bengaluru’s assertion that not voting is a sin or betrayal during a sermon, at the same time, overlooks the complexities of electoral processes, including issues like candidate defection and electronic voting machine manipulation. There is a need for prelates to move beyond a simplistic “sin and sinner” mindset and engage with the practical realities of the political landscape.
A YouTube video featuring bishops of the Church of South India advocating for voting for a specific political party raises concerns about the alignment of religious leaders with political agendas.
Similarly, Cardinal Philip Neri of Goa’s call to refrain from a pilgrimage during the election period is appreciated, but it highlights the need for prelates to address issues like defection and horse-trading that undermine electoral integrity.
However, the Cardinal must understand that it is also his bounden duty to ensure the stoppage of “defection and horse-trading.” Defection and horse-trading are “sheer mockery of electoral democracy.” The Catholic church and the Christian communities have been just “passive and helpless observers” all these years, especially whenever defections have taken place in Goa. So, it is high time that the Catholic Church spring into action in this regard.
This raises critical questions for prelates regarding their stance on electoral processes, the accountability of elected candidates, and the influence of freebies on voting behaviour. There is a call for prelates to exercise their prophetic ministry courageously and sincerely, challenging them to emulate the bold actions of Jesus in confronting societal injustices.
It is okay to make people meek, humble, and prayerful. But is that enough? Kindly recall the revolutionary acts of Jesus of Nazareth. Please encourage your people to “imitate the angry and courageous Jesus,” who chased the traders from the temple and always challenged the rulers, scribes, and Pharisees.
The Catholic prelates must refrain from pontificating too much. They need to stop sermonising about everything. The time is ripe now for the prelates to practice the gospel values and exercise their “servant leadership”. It is their bounden duty and responsibility to empower the laity based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.