Nobody should try to intimidate Church: Pala bishop hits back at BJP leaders

Kottayam: Pala bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt shot back at BJP leader P C George and his son Shone George, saying that nobody should try to intimidate the Church by speaking in a threatening voice. During a speech at a church in Kuravilangad on Sunday evening, the bishop also raised the question whether they have no right to publicly canvass votes. "Why should we fear in speaking about our matters?" he asked. Though he did not name George or Shone in his speech, it was evident that the statements were meant for them.George had alleged that Kanjirapally bishop canvassed votes for the UDF by ringing up the convents. Shone has been attacking Deepika daily, the mouthpiece of the Catholic Church, alleging that the newspaper took a pro-UDF stand due to the political stand of some of its investors.Kallarangatt in his speech said that some who work in the public domain are heard speaking about religious leaders, crossing all limits. "When speaking one's view, one should respect the emotions of the faithful. Speaking without respecting their emotions is wrong," he said. He also criticised the language used by some while speaking in TV channels. "We should not speak for TV channels alone. It is not right to go ahead with the intention of creating a dialogue style just for channels," he said.Meanwhile, Shone welcomed the stand of the Pala bishop, who said that the church should take a stand publicly and not secretly.