Land deal: KCBC gives clean chit to Alencherry

Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC) has given a clean chit to Cardinal George Alencherry, the major archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, in the controversial land deal.

It also accepted the official version in the alleged cased forged documents, much to his relief.  

The Archdiocese Movement for Transparency, a laity organisation, however, termed the KCBC statement illegal as the two issues are still under legal scrutiny.

KCBC stated that contents of the alleged forged documents connecting the cardinal with a bank account are not correct. A circular issued on Thursday, after a two-day meeting, called for bringing actual culprits before the law and exemplarily punished.

"The evaluation of KCBC is that the content of these documents is not true," a circular, says.

KCBC also wanted the ongoing police investigation proceeded without any external pressure and intervention.  

The faithful have been asked to remain vigilant on attempts by vested interests in creating differences in the church with such kind of activities.

KCBC requested all concerned not to issue unnecessary statements to the media or stir up other controversies. Claiming that it has reviewed the case of forged documents objectively, the circular said the decision of the Synod provided a real sense of direction in handling the matter.

It ruled out chances of corruption in the controversial land deal of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese.  The doubts and allegations over it will be resolved within the church with authorities concerned taking necessary steps.

The circular, however, conceded that the two incidents have led to a lot of controversies and doubts in the laity and the society at large. It expressed regret over such developments.

Meanwhile, KCBC spokesman Fr Varghese Vallikat  said  the circular need not be read in churches on Sunday in the wake of objections raised by section of priests on the content of the circular. His statement added that report about the land deal is in the consideration of Vatican and only they will be in a position to speak about its content

KCBC circular illegal: AMT

Archdiocese Movement for Transparency, claiming to be an organisation of the laity, on Thursday said the KCBC circular was against the canon law and the civil law.

"The circular is only a ploy to deceive the laity," the AMT said in a statement.