Catholic Churches express willingness to talk to LDF Govt.

Kochi, Aug 11 (UNI) In an effort to resolve the increasingly bitter standoff with the LDF Government on the right of minority groups to run their educational institutions, the supreme council of the Catholic Churches in Kerala today said it was ready for talks on the issue.

A press release issued at the end of the five-day meeting of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) here today said that the Educational Commission of the KCBC, headed by Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil, will lead the talks.

Catholica Bava Baselios Mar Clemis, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath and Bishop Rev Dr. Stanley Roman are the other commission members.

The KCBC expressed concern over the government's ''continuous attack'' on the fundamental right of the minority communities to run their educational institutions and said the Church leaders will hold talks with the government to protect their rights.

The KCBC decided to publish a cirular regarding the Catholic Church's stance on the right of the minorities and said this would be read in all Churches this month.

Among the signatories of the joint circular are Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil, Malankara-Orthodox Catholica Bava Baselios Marthoma Didymos, Marthoma Metropolita Philipos Mar Chrysostum, Malankara Jacobite Catholica Bava Baselios Marthomas and Latin Catholica Varapuzha Archbishop Rev. Dr Daniel Acharuparambil.

The KCBC described as ''dangerous'' the government's move to modify the school curriculum and teachers training modules. These were aimed at wresting control of the schools from the present managements, the Council said.

It also decided to hold discussions with other minority groups to resist the government's efforts to interfere in minority-run educational institutions.

UNI