Syro-Malabar Church condemns targeting of Archbishop Pamplany, calls political attacks 'irresponsible'

Kochi: The Syro-Malabar Church has issued a strong statement for an end to the ongoing criticism and isolation of Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany. The Church described the attacks, particularly those coming from leaders of the CPM, including the party’s state secretary MV Govindan, as irresponsible, misleading and discomforting.

The controversy stems from Archbishop Pamplany's recent remarks thanking the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister for their role in securing the release of Catholic nuns who were imprisoned in Chhattisgarh. The Church stated that these expressions of gratitude have been unnecessarily politicised, calling the attempt to discredit the Archbishop inappropriate.

According to the Church, Pamplany’s statement was a reiteration of its official stance, which involved thanking all those, central and state governments, leaders from both ruling and opposition parties, media, and the general public, who supported the release effort. It added that this collective gratitude reflects the Church’s long-standing position and should not have been turned into a political issue.

Reaffirming its neutral position, the Syro-Malabar Church clarified that it does not have any special alignment or affiliation with any political party. Its political stance is based on its positions on specific matters. The Church stated that it does not hesitate to criticise wrongdoing or to acknowledge what is right when necessary.

The Church emphasised that in matters of expressing gratitude or criticism, there is no place for any political party. However, it has always acknowledged political parties and their esteemed leaders who are part of the democratic system; it expects political leaders to uphold the same democratic respect in their statements and interventions.