Syro-Malabar Church
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Land scam: 2017-18
Pope divests powers of Kerala cardinal mired in land ‘scam’, June 23, 2018: The Times of India
Pope Francis divested Cardinal George Mar Alencherry, head of the Syro Malabar church, of his administrative powers on Friday and entrusted them to the Bishop of Palghat, Jacob Manathodath, who has been appointed ‘Administrator Sede Plena’ for the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese.
The move comes six months after several priests of the Syro Malabar sought the Holy See’s intervention in the wake of allegations that Cardinal Alencherry and three others sold properties belonging to the diocese at a much discounted price, resulting in substantial financial loss to the church. An auxiliary bishop alleged that this precipitated “a moral crisis”.
It was alleged that Cardinal Alancherry, pro vicar-generals Fr Joshy Puthuva and Fr Sebastian Vadakkumpadan and a layman Saju Varghese sold properties at five locations, totalling about 3 acres. After the controversy spilled over into public domain, the Kerala HC on March 6 ordered cops to file an FIR against Cardinal Alencherry and others, but on May 22 set aside the single bench’s order.
The Vatican has reportedly directed the new administrator not to involve the Major Archbishop in decisions regarding the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, and to form a Synodal committee to assist him in his tasks.
Reacting to the development, Cardinal Alencherry put up a brave face. “He (Bishop Manathodath) will be in charge of the administration. I will remain archbishop and I will be kept in the loop on the functioning of the archdiocese,” he said.
