Published Jan 20, 2025 | 10:36 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 20, 2025 | 10:36 AM
St. George Syro-Malabar Basilica, Angamaly. (Creative Commons)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate ED have launched a probe into allegations of financial misconduct involving a bishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, sources said on Monday, 20 January.
The investigations are based on claims that large sums of foreign donations meant for charitable activities were misappropriated.
Last week, the ED questioned the bishop, who oversees dioceses outside Kerala. However, it remains unclear whether a formal case has been registered.
According to available information, the bishop serves as the executive director of a non-profit organisation based in Canada, which reportedly receives substantial international donations.
Allegations suggest that huge amounts of funds were redirected under the guise of fictitious projects, with substantial amounts allocated to favoured individuals.
There are also accusations of financial dealings with organisations allegedly involved in anti-national activities. The NIA inspected the NGO’s office in Ernakulam and reportedly obtained information leading to the bishop’s questioning.
According to sources, a case may be filed under relevant sections of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 if sufficient evidence is found.
Some speculate that the complaint may be linked to an ongoing dispute within the church regarding the unified Mass.
Critics of the bishop’s stance on this issue are suspected to be behind the allegations. Despite internal discussions, the Church authorities have yet to issue an official response.
In the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, some priests and members of the church community disagree with the Syro-Malabar Church’s August 2021 decision on uniform Holy Mass.
This decision mandated a standardised way of conducting Holy Mass, where priests are required to face the congregation only at the beginning and end of the service, turning towards the altar for the rest of the Mass (known as the 50:50 formula).
While most dioceses under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church have adopted this approach, many priests in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, along with their parishioners, continue to oppose it.
They argue that it breaks from tradition, where the priest traditionally faces the congregation throughout the entire Mass.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
