Sexual Abuse In Kerala Church: Nun Offered Land, Cash To Withdraw Rape Case Against Bishop  

Church authorities in Kerala are trying to buy peace with a nun, who had complained to police that the bishop of Missionaries of Jesus had raped and had unnatural sex with her. Malayalam daily Manorama reported that the nun has been offered 10 acres of land and a new convent.

The development comes on the heels of the Mathrubhumi media group releasing an audio tape a couple of days ago, revealing efforts by a priest, John Erthala, to work out a compromise on the issue. On Saturday (28 July), Malayalam media quoted the nun’s brother as alleging that she was offered Rs five crore to withdraw the case.

Late last month, the nun complained that the bishop, who reports to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab, had sexually abused her at a convent near Kuruvilangad police limits in Kottayam district during 2014-2016.

The nun was subject to medical tests and her statement was recorded on 30 June. The incident came to light after the bishop filed a complaint with the police against nun and five others, charging her with threatening him on 21 June.

Priest Erthala is trying to work out a compromise as the Church of Missionaries is hell-bent on rescuing the bishop at any cost, the daily reported, adding that an associate of the nun has also been approached to help in working out a solution.