Church blow to Left in Kerala

The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has come out openly against the state’s ruling Left Democratic government in the run-up to the general elections. In a pastoral letter prepared by the KCBC, the church has asked Christians to “not vote for those preaching atheism and indulging in violence.”

This is the second major Church-administered blow for the Left Front in Kerala. The Christian body had earlier asked members to use every opportunity to campaign against the CPM before the elections. The joint pastoral letter asking people to “vote against atheists” (read Left parties) is being seen as a prelude to the election. 

“The letter would be read out at all churches across Kerala during the Holy Mass this Sunday,” said Rev Dr Stephen Alathara, KCBC spokesperson. While the missive doesn’t specifically criticise any political outfit, Church members say the contents refer to the Marxist-rule in the state.

“Christians have been abused and tortured like never before under the LDF rule,” Alathara said. ”Last year Church-run institutions were ransacked across the state by the Left’s youth outfits. The government had also introduced textbooks as part of the social science curriculum of standard seven and eight claiming that there was no such thing as religious faith our God. The government is questioning the existence of the church to propagate atheism.”

The KCBC’s hostility would add to the woes of a troubled Left Front, which is battling anti-incumbency and factionalism. Senior leaders conceded that the LDF may not win more than 10 seats in Kerala.

Interestingly, the KCBC is equating the present standoff with the “liberation struggle” of 1959 — the series of events that culminated in the dismissal of the Namboodiripad government. As in 1958, when the Kerala Education Bill sent shockwaves in the Church, the LDF’s policies have drawn the Church’s ire.