Kerala Catholic Priest Joins BJP, Gets Removed from Post of Vicar

Thiruvananthapuram: A Catholic priest under the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar church joined the BJP. He was relieved of his duties as vicar following his decision to join the saffron party.

Fr Kuriakose Mattam received the primary membership of the BJP from the party’s Idukki district president K S Aji on Monday. As the news broke, the Idukki diocese removed him from the vicar’s post.

“Father Kuriakose Mattam of Mankuva church has been temporarily relieved of his duties as vicar,” a statement by the Idukki Diocese said.

According to the diocese, a priest of the church cannot have active participation in any political party.

The 74-year-old priest joined the BJP at a time when the Catholic church is attacking the saffron party over the Manipur violence.