Bishop asks priests not to take political position in LS polls

KOCHI: A Bishop of a Catholic diocese in Kerala has urged its priests not to take any political position favouring any sides in the

Lok Sabha

election, saying 'it will harm us all."


In a circular issued to priests of the Idukki diocese, Bishop Mar John Nellikkunnel said taking sides in the election "will harm us all".

"As spiritual leaders of our people we should not take any position favouring any sides," the Bishopsaid

According to him, the faithful do not want the priests to be actively involved in election poltics in the present context.

"Our people are intelligent enough to decide in elections", it said.

The Bishop's stand is seen as a departure from the positions taken by the

Catholic Church

, which holds sway over voters of Central Kerala, in the previous elections.

The diocese had supported an independent candidate supported by the CPI(M) in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

"We all have the duty before God to be symbols of charity and unity. Therefore I appeal to all of you to abstain from election related propagandas, statements and meetings, the circular said.