Church to observe protest day on October 17

Kozhikode, Oct 15 (UNI) The Tamarasseri Diocese here will observe a protest day on October 17 demanding a public apology from Communist Party of India (Marxist) Kerala State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on his controversial statement against the Catholic Church.

Talking to newspersons here today, the church leaders said all educational and religious Institutions under the Diocese will remain closed as a mark of protest against the statement made at Thiruvamdi in the district on October 13.

At a function organised to observe the first death anniversary of CPI(M) MLA Mathai Chacko, Mr Vijayan had reportedly said ''a despised soul in the church'' had been claiming that Chacko received 'Rogilepana Koodasa (Anoiting of the sick) in a conscious state of mind.

Mr Vijayan was responding to a statement issued by the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council President that Chacko, who died last year, received last sacrament in the hospital few days before his death.

The statement triggered a controversy in the State with many religious and political parties, including the KCBC and the main Opposition Congress demanding a public apolopy from Mr Vijayan, also a Politburo member of the party.

The press concerence was attended by Media Director Father James Kuzhimattathil, Director Believers Training Father Benny Mundanad and Pastor Council Secretary Augstin Madathiparamb.

UNI