Failing To Act Upon Sexual Scandals, Kerala Church Initiates Proceedings Against Priest Who Called Out "Moral Decay"

The Catholic Church in Kerala has established an ecclesiastical tribunal in an unprecedented move to initiate penal judicial proceedings against a priest, Father Thomas alias Aji Puthiyaparambil, who chose to abstain from parish duties, citing moral decay within the Church while expressing a desire to continue his priesthood.

According to Indian Express, Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil formed the special trial court at the Catholic diocese of Thamarassery. The tribunal, consisting of four priests affiliated with the diocese, summoned Father Puthiyaparambil, who has been a priest for the last 20 years, to appear before it.

The decision to undertake internal church trial proceedings against Father Puthiyaparambil has sparked criticism, particularly as the Church has been hesitant to initiate similar proceedings against priests involved in sexual and financial scandals in recent times.

The trigger for Bishop Inchananiyil's action was Father Puthiyaparambil's refusal to assume the role of parish priest at St Joseph’s Church, Nooramthodu in Thamarassery diocese during the annual transfer of priests in May.

Previously stationed at a Catholic parish in Mukkom for three years, he cited "moral degeneration" in the Church, financial scandals involving higher-ups, and liturgical disputes in the Ernakulam archdiocese as reasons for abstaining from diocesan ministry. He expressed these views on social media, which displeased Bishop Inchananiyil.

The special tribunal, formed on 21 September, accused Father Puthiyaparambil of inciting sedition and hatred toward the hierarchy, prompting disobedience among the faithful through public speeches and social media messages, causing scandal, and violating discipline.

In response, Father Puthiyaparambil asserted that he was being tried for questioning the moral decay in the Church. He affirmed his commitment to speaking out against the Church's deterioration, emphasising his intention to address issues of gender equality and dialogue deficiency. Despite potential defrocking, he vowed to continue his mission.

The Syro-Malabar Church spokesperson, Father Antony Vadakkekara, defended the tribunal, stating that it adhered to church laws and proceedings. He underscored that Father Puthiyaparambil's disobedience stemmed from his refusal to accept a parish assignment, and the tribunal aimed to provide a forum for hearing and assistance.

Father Puthiyaparambil is currently being sheltered by priests of the Ernakulam archdiocese, who have protested against the Vatican directive on a uniform way of offering Mass.