Church leaders attend Kerala CM’s Christmas feast after Minister Cheriyan apologises for ‘wine and cake’ remark

Related: Archbishop seeks Modi’s intervention to address Christians’ concerns such as attacks on churches

Ministers’ remarks

The minister suggested that the bishops who attended the programme prioritised enjoying wine and cake over addressing the issue of violence against Christians in Manipur, a Catholic church spokesperson said persons in high positions should refrain from making such statements.

Speaking after inaugurating a CPI(M) local committee office in a village in Alappuzha on Sunday, 31 December, Cheriyan mocked the bishops who had attended the prime minister’s programme, saying they got “goosebumps” when BJP leaders invited them.

He also attacked the Christian priests for their alleged silence on Manipur violence during the Christmas programme.

Chief Minister Vijayan too said that what is happening in the northeastern state is an attack equivalent to “genocide”.

In an apparent reference to the prime minister’s Christmas programme, the Marxist veteran said that a person holding the highest position, who had not taken any steps to prevent attacks against the minority community in Manipur, was making some “friendly moves for four votes,” and the people can understand it.

Related: BJP’s Christian outreach effort in Kerala leaves CPI(M) fuming

Criticism and apology

In a strong response, KCBC spokesperson Fr Jacob Palackappilly also criticised Cheriyan and a few other Left leaders. He accused them of employing disrespectful language against Christian priests during Christmas celebrations.

He said that it is not the role of political parties to dictate the political stance of Christians.

He also urged against adopting a negative stance on the matter and highlighted the participation of Christian priests, including bishops, as part of their commitment to the nation.

Subsequently, Cheriyan withdrew his contentious statement after the KCBC declared non-cooperation with the state government until an apology was issued.

In response to criticism from various church groups, Cheriyan, who is also a senior CPI(M) leader, announced on Tuesday, 2 January, that he was retracting the controversial parts of his speech related to “cake and wine” that had offended them.

However, the minister maintained his position on the alleged silence of bishops concerning “violence targeting Christians” in Manipur and other parts of the country during their meeting with Modi at his residence in New Delhi.

Incidentally, Cheriyan had to resign from the Vijayan Cabinet in July 2022 after he remarked that the Indian Constitution endorsed the exploitation and loot of the common man, He was later reinstated in January 2023.

Also Read: Kerala BJP resumes ‘Sneha Yatra’ ahead of Christmas 

(With PTI inputs)