Church cautious on Bill to audit funds, assets

Kottayam: The Catholic Church has opposed the proposed Kerala Church (Properties and Institutions) Bill, 2019 seeking strict auditing of Church funds and the constitution of a Church tribunal for addressing complaints about the administration of parishes.

Though the State Law Reforms Commission has sought public opinion and suggestions on the Bill by March 6, the Church is in no hurry to respond to it as it thinks the government wants to have a say in the administration of Church assets.

Commission chairman Justice K.T. Thomas, former Supreme Court judge, told DC that the Bill will be submitted to the government after ascertaining the public response and making needed corrections.

Syro-Malabar Church spokesman Father Jimmy Poochakattu told Deccan Chronicle that the Church leaders had earlier made known their objections to the Bill publicly.

The proposals reiterate that under Article 26 (d) of the Constitution, every religious denomination or any section can administer its property in keeping with the law. However, there is no law at present relating to the administration of the property of different denominations, including  the three Catholic rites, Pentecostal churches and 'Jehova Sakshikal.'

The Bill says that there are instances in which the Church properties are alienated, mortgaged or leased out without consultation at the proper forums resulting in financial losses to the  churches.

There is no regulatory mechanism to control such arbitrary transfers and misuse of Church funds. The Bill is intended to remedy the situation, it says.

The Bill says that the income generated from the properties of the Church, including all the movable and immovable properties, buildings and other assets as well as the funds, bank deposits and investments made by the denominations and also the properties and funds of the institutions run under the supervision or control of the supreme body of the denomination and the properties of the parish should be brought under the audit.

The Bill aims to ensure transparency and demands that each parish should maintain correct accounts which will be audited by a single or a team of auditors appointed by the parish. The audit report should be presented before the general body of the parish for approval.  The appointment of qualified auditors is left to the parishes concerned. This can be challenged at the government-appointed tribunals.

Any member of the denomination can file a petition before the tribunal about any disputes on the administration of the properties or funds of the denominations or a parish. The decision of the tribunal will be final.