KG Manoj returned the church licence and identity card just before the church issued a restraining order against him.
Published Sep 11, 2023 | 12:51 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2023 | 1:12 AM
Priest Manoj
On 20 September, IT professional KG Manoj will hit the forest trail to the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Sabarimala, 10 days after he had relinquished his Christian priesthood.
His decision to visit the hill shrine did not go down well with the Anglican Church of India (ACI). It asked him for an explanation for violating the doctrines and rules of Christianity. The 50-year-old software engineer-turned-priest replied that visiting Sabarimala was part of his cherished dream.
“I am spiritual, but my concept of God is beyond the narrow boundaries of religion,” Manoj told South First, hours after returning to the Chennai diocesan authorities the church licence for performing pastoral services.
Wearing the ritualistic bead chain, he has been taking the mandatory penance before visiting Sabarimala, the forest abode of Lord Ayyappa.
Though he had returned the licence, Manoj claimed that his attempt was to learn more about fellow religions while remaining faithful to Christianity.
However, his explanation for the scheduled pilgrimage on 20 September failed to convince believers and priests under the Chennai Archdiocese of ACI, which believes Christians must be obedient and faithful only to the fundamentals of the Bible.
Since his license has been revoked, the priest cannot solemnise weddings, conduct funeral services, or hold the holy Mass.
Fr KG Manoj. (Supplied)
“It was the spirituality that drove me into the priesthood. In my case, spirituality is universal. I attained priesthood in 2022 and I have decided against working at any particular church. As my focus has been on working with the community, I decided against taking up the charge of any parish,” he said.
Manoj seemed unperturbed by the disciplinary action. He had not drawn any salary for serving as a priest.
He claimed that it was the first time that a Christian priest in Kerala was wearing the bead chain after visiting a local temple and engaging in 41-day abstinence to go on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
He also agreed that his decision might have created confusion among the laity, compelling the church authorities to act against him. Manoj claimed that he has been an ardent believer in the spiritual concept of Tat Tvam Asi (Thou art that), making him visit Sabarimala.
“I am more of a spiritual person than a Christian. My concept of God is beyond narrow religious boundaries,” he said.
He said he wore the customary bead chain at the Siva temple at Thirumala on Thiruvananthapuram’s outskirts.
“I learnt from my readings and through friends about the rituals and practices associated with the Sabarimala. I am mentally and physically following all rituals associated with it,” he stated.
A PhD holder, Manoj claimed that there is only one God, and people worship him in different manifestations. He replied in the negative when asked if he was facing any threat over his decision to visit Sabarimala.
Fr Manoj with fellow priests. (Supplied)
“How can we talk authoritatively about a place or institution without having a complete experience? Let me experience the Sabarimala shrine fully,” he said.
As celibacy is not mandatory under the ACI — unlike among the Catholics — Manoj is married and has a daughter.
Claiming he has the full support of his family, Manoj termed Sabarimala an icon of harmony and one that does not discriminate against people on religious grounds.
Meanwhile, church sources said the action was taken following protests by the laity and because of his unwillingness to heed to the church’s demand to withdraw from the move.
Manoj said God directed him to love everyone irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, and beliefs.
“Loving others also includes joining their activities. So you can decide whether you want to follow church doctrine or the doctrine of God,” he said.
“I don’t want to cause any difficulty to the diocese head because of my Sabarimala visit. I can understand his compulsions,” Manoj further said.
He added that although the licence to perform church services has been returned, he would continue as a priest. He said he would go ahead with his vratham (penance), and there would be no change in his temple visit plan.
“I strongly believe that I have not done anything wrong. I intend to understand Hinduism beyond its rituals, just as I did with Christianity,” he said.
