The kerala Catholic Church has condemned the comment made by the kerala minister about the priests who attended prime minister Modi's christmas program. The Catholic Church has condemned kerala Cultural Affairs minister Saji Cherian's comments against senior Christian priests who attended prime minister Narendra Modi's christmas program. Condemning Saji Cherian's comment, kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KBCC) spokesperson Jacob Palakkapilly said that high-ranking people should refrain from making such statements.
Jacob Palakkapilly lashed out at some Left leaders, accusing them of using disrespectful words against Christian priests during christmas celebrations. Responding to Cherian's criticism that priests did not discuss the violence in Manipur with Modi during the christmas programme, he said it was not the job of political parties to decide the political position of Christians. Jacob Palakkapilly has also questioned the intention of linking the participation of the Christian community to specific political events in prime minister Modi's christmas programme.
Pointing out that the christmas program was organized by the prime minister to discuss the services offered by Christians in the country, he urged instead of taking a negative stance on the matter, highlight the participation of Christian priests, including bishops, as part of their commitment to the nation. Earlier, prime minister Modi interacted with the Christian community at a function held at the Prime Minister's house on december 25 on the occasion of Christmas. Prominent personalities from the Christian community from across the country participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion, prime minister Modi said that india proudly recognizes the contribution of the Christian community. The Christian community who participated in the program praised prime minister Modi.
Commenting on the event, kerala Cultural Affairs minister Saji Cherian criticized the bishops who attended the Prime Minister's event for preferring to taste grape wine and cake rather than talking about the violence in Manipur.