KCBC urges State Govt to ensure minorities rights

Kochi, Dec 13 (UNI) Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has urged the State Government to ensure minorities rights in the education sector as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Speaking to reporters on the decisions taken at the two-day KCBC meeting, which concluded today, KCBC Deputy Secretary Dr Stephen Alathara said ''the Council will fight against denial of rights to the minorities in the education sector.'' He said a commission constituted under the KCBC would try to resolve issues in the education policy with the State Government.

In the meeting attended by 33 bishops, the KCBC had decided to reconstitute the Council's constitution and appointed three bishops for the purpose.

Dr Alathara said general pastoral letters would be read out in churches to give a clear picture on 'belief in God'.

The Council had decided to prepare guidelines for 'charismatic retreat centres' and also for those who want to undergo training in priesthood, he added.

The meeting had elected Archbishop Dr Daniel Acharaparambil of Veraploy Archdiocese as the KCBC President, Bishop Dr Joshua Mar Ignatios of Mavelikar Diocese as Vice-President and Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath of Trichur Archdiocese, Secretary.

UNI