The cover story in the popular newsmag would have reached lakhs of readers, especially online. Briefly it talks of all kinds of mortal 'sins' allegedly committed by Kerala's Catholic clergy, in the words of those, who are no more priests or nuns. No names, no specifics and no proof is offered for the slander. The fact that such despicable remarks are as old as Christianity, is a different matter, which Christ Himself being referred to as a glutton, drunkard, homosexual or being with prostitutes. The clergy (popes and bishops included) for the last 200 odd centuries since Jesus walked the earth, and more recently the pedophilic abuse or impropriety by seniors in Vatican, makes it imperative for the Catholic to have a studied response. The experience of the victims is heart-wrenching, painful and tragic - which the Church has never denied - and we need to desperately work for justice and recompense.

However, here as a common layman, I am attempting to place the issue in perspective, with reference to such reported occurrences in the Kerala Church, especially since the Catholic clergy in that state alone is around 50,000 and there are around 1,35,000 of the Keralite diaspora scattered around India and abroad. Also it affects the image and is a matter of concern for not just Catholics, who in India number approximately 18 million, but also that of millions of other Christians in the country. The issue relates not just to the rights of so many Indian citizens, but the basic human freedoms of as many. The damage done such unsubstantiated lies or even half truths is unimaginable. And the least we must do is raise our voice in favour of the thousands of nuns, priests and bishops, whose character has been unjustly assassinated.

The Silence of the Lambs

We cannot remain quiet, even as these 'good' shepherds suffer silently in selfless service, without blemish. It is not they, who have been unfairly targeted or are victims of a campaign to get at the Church or Christianity... Rather, it is our duty to speak out in favour of the truth, as such false propaganda will only do us as community - grave harm. This is not to say that we sweep the issue under the carpet or adopt an ostrich-like attitude that the menace does not exist. Because it does. And we must demand justice for the victims of clerical abuse - whether of among themselves or of others. But can one's conscience allow a callous, insensitive and irresponsible smear campaign with such wide ranging effects, without proof go unchallenged? If for nothing else than because it is our Christian duty to defend our very own innocent first.

Let us look at it objectively - Are we being asked to view every nun or priest suspiciously based on our reading of these write-ups? Certainly not. But that is just what comes naturally - not just to Christians, but more importantly those not of the faith and out to get at the Church, Christians and Christianity. Even worse, what does one do when millions of non-Christians flock to theaters to watch a soon-to-be released film - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, directed by T. Deepesh, who says - "I have explored the lives of two nuns in a nunnery and have touched on various aspects, including homosexuality and abortion". Some of our 'Christian' representatives will say - let the movie be released, as happened in the case of the song 'Hosanna' or the film could be released film with a disclaimer - that it is a work of fiction. The CSF stand is clear. We don't have unlimited resources, but we will put in every last bit of energy we have to fight this persecution.

The Black Sheep

This is also not to take-up for the Church (we are the church, the chosen people of God) or the religious. But to question whether, it is fair that a couple of ex-clergy women or men, resorting to and aided by yellow journalism can wreck such damage? Since sensationalism, especially of the taboo kind sells, it can be safely assumed that these ex-clerics would have made more money than they would otherwise have had. The Outlook which served the concocted  cocktail, as a cover story undoubtedly sold more copies. But what of the faith of millions, let aside the truth of the matter. By not disclosing details of the accused or taking up the issues appropriately, the testimony of the so-called victims can hardly be credible - let aside be Christian. Surely, part of the blame lies squarely with the Church, for not managing its human resources department properly. As every organization of its size ought to. But avoidable damage is already done.

Some Questions

One out of Jesus' twelve turned out to be Judas - 8.33% - and did Jesus not prophesy this?

Are not such allegations being made of almost every Catholic or Christian denomination or rite?

The Church is a divine entity, yet human and hence, is it not to be expected that the Devil will attack?

Is it ethical, criminal, anti-social, responsible, sensitive of Outlook to promote such tales - with what objective?

Are the clergy not drawn from laity and so the evils that plagues society reflected in some way within the clergy?

We Protest

Let us copy, paste and email the following:

Dear Decision-maker,

We would like to protest against:

The Outlook cover story and

The movie - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, directed by T. Deepesh,

which has hurt our religious sentiments. You are urged to take note of The CSF campaign against this offense.

Please take necessary action on  to stop the same.

(Your Name)

Email to : outlook@outlookindia.com; edit@outlookindia.com; pmosb@pmo.nic.in; ambika@sansad.nic.in; psministerib@gmail.com; shetty_vb@yahoo.co.in; rnjha@ymail.com; rsguptagad@yahoo.co.in; chairperson.cbfc@nic.in; ceo.cbfc@nic.in; chiefminister@maharashtra.gov.in; csfpost@gmail.com; inb.mib@gmail.com; dpreddyias@gmail.com; dsfilm.inb@nic.in; ceocbfcmum@rediffmail.com; chairpersoncbfc@cbfcindia.gov.in

We did not want to make this email too long and hence will continue to keep you informed in the next email.

Blessings & Respect,

Your brother in Christ,

Joseph Dias