National

Jalandhar priests question Bishop Mulakkal’s congregation

Among the various controversies dogging Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar is the formation of a new congregation by him – Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus (FMJ). Many priests in the northern Indian diocese have voiced concern over the congregation’s structure and speed of growth, besides the seemingly ‘luxurious’ life its members lead. Priests have not been […]

Church denies involvement in Mizoram elections

The Church in poll-bound Mizoram has clarified that it has no role to play in elections as it remains apolitical and doesn’t influence voting in any manner. In north-eastern states, particularly in the Christian majoritarian State of Mizoram, Churches are said to cast an influence on the voters and are considered as key centres that […]

Church calendar stirs controversy

Featuring the photo of Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar on the official calendar of Trichur archdiocese for 2019 is seen as the prelate’s clout in his home State of Kerala. Bishop Mulakkal, who is accused of raping a 44-year-old member of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation under his authority, is now out on bail. The […]

Goan priest-turned-activist buried after three years

The body of a Catholic priest-turned-activist was buried in western India after a three-year wait by his family and friends who suspect he was murdered for his strong stand for environmental protection. Some 60 priests and 2,000 admirers of Jose Bismarque Desidor Dias joined the Nov. 6 burial service in his village of Sao Estevam […]

Indian Muslims upset over Taj Mahal prayer restrictions

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is tasked with the monument’s management, said in a Nov. 5 order that only Muslims living around the Taj Mahal can pray on Fridays in the mosque adjacent to the mauso-leum. Muslims from other areas are barred, Vasant Swarankar, super-intending archaeologist at the ASI’s Agra chapter, told media. […]

Warriors for women’s dignity

Six years ago, at the age of 26, Laila Talo Khuder Alali was sold as a sex slave eight times to men of different nationalities by militants of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Standing in a hotel auditorium in India’s commercial hub of Mumbai to receive an award in the name of St […]

Indian deaths in Persian Gulf: Nun endorses NGO analysis

A Catholic nun working among migrant workers agrees with a voluntary group’s finding that at least 10 Indians die every day in the Persian Gulf countries. “I am not surprised. The number could be more,” Sister Josephine Amala Valarmathi told Matters India on November 7. The member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart […]

Christians in Indian state seek religious freedom

Chhattisgarh Christian Forum presents charter of demands to political parties before election. Christian leaders in India’s poll-bound Chhattisgarh State have presented a charter of demands to major political parties seeking to end discrimination and violence. The charter prepared by leaders of the ecumenical Chhattisgarh Christian Forum expressed concerns over the security of the miniscule Christian […]

Eviction-facing Indian Catholics to fight Muslim charity’s claims

Goans oppose tourism project near 16th century basilica