Kerala Catholic priest who questioned Church’s moral decay faces ecclesiastical action
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Kozhikode: The Thamarassery diocese of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church has initiated penal action against Ajimon (Thomas) Puthiyaparambil, a priest who recently stepped down from priestly ministerial service.
The move comes after Ajimon, who resigned on May 13, cited his 'prophetic duty' to address the 'general decay in the Church' and called for reforms.
The diocese, led by Bishop Remijios Inchananayil, has constituted a tribunal to try Ajimon, listing several offences against him, including "inciting sedition towards the Church hierarchy," "causing public scandal," and engaging in "anti-ecclesial activities."
The tribunal, functioning as an ecclesiastical court with jurisdiction over the Church and clergy, accuses Ajimon of grave disobedience and inciting hatred against the Church hierarchy through public speeches and social media messages.
Ajimon, during his suspension period, continued to be a priest under the Catholic order but refrained from performing ministerial duties. However, he actively wrote about areas requiring reform in the Church, addressing issues such as the influence of the Sangh Parivar on the Kerala Church, financial transparency, and gender representation in administrative roles.
The diocese's letter, issuing the "Decree of Constitution of the Tribunal for the Penal Judicial Procedure," accused Ajimon of causing irreparable damage and public scandal by leaving abruptly after refusing the role of vicar in Nooramthode.
The letter also revoked the earlier suspension order but instructed Ajimon to cooperate with the judicial proceedings and reside at the diocese's Good Shepherd Priest Home.
Ajimon, in response, expressed surprise at the abnormal procedure, claiming the Church was regressing to the Middle Ages with such actions. He speculated that the diocese might have initiated proceedings after realizing the earlier suspension lacked due procedure.
Despite the allegations, Ajimon remains steadfast, stating that while he might face suspension, no one can take away his priesthood, which he considers eternal.
He defended his stance, criticizing the use of sedition laws in the modern age, especially within the Church, which is expected to uphold societal conscience. Ajimon asserted that all his words and actions were public, emphasizing his commitment to renewing the Church.
