Kerala: Christian Priest Admits He Tried To Buy The Silence Of Nun Who Accused Roman Catholic Bishop Of Rape 

Christian priest James Erthayil has admitted that he tried to mediate on behalf of Jalandhar bishop, Franco Mulakkal who has been accused of raping a Kerala nun. Erthayil has said that he indeed attempted to settle the matter with the victim.

The bishop is also associated with an organisation named Missionaries of Jesus.

Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi reported that the bishop contacted him through Shobi George, a woman from Kothamangalam near Ernakulam, and promised 10 acres land and a convent to the nun. The priest said that he had no direct contact with the bishop, but he was acquainted with George “who had close connections with the latter”.

The statement comes amidst another allegation by the nun that she received death threats from unknown persons two months ago. Kerala police have begun investigations into the threat calls and are likely to summon George to record her statement. The police will take further steps after recovering the call records.

Last month, media reports had alleged that church authorities in Kerala were trying to buy peace with the nun by luring her with cash and kind offers. Malayalam media group Mathrubhumi had released an audiotape, revealing efforts by Erthayil, to work out a compromise on the issue. The nun’s brother has also alleged that she was offered Rs five crore to withdraw the case.

The Missionaries of Jesus comes under the Roman Catholic church with the bishop reporting to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar Punjab. In June, the nun had complained that the bishop had sexually abused her at a convent in Kurivilangad in Kottayam district between 2014 and 2016.

The nun’s rape case is among those incidents of the church abuse of women in Kerala which have come to light in the last few months.