The Archdiocese of Tellicherry has issued a statement of clarification on controversies over a sermon by Father Antony Tharekkadavil on the Feast Day celebrated at St. Thomas Church, Manikadavil.

The Archdiocese stood by the Priest’s statements on True Faith, Love Jihad, and Halal food. This position was made clear to all parties during the bilateral talks. The talks were held to avoid misinterpreting Father Antony’s speech, thereby harming the existing religious harmony, said the Statement.

The Archdiocese also made it clear that it is not ready to fall into the traps of those who wish to create communal riots or martyrs by giving misinterpretations to Father Antony’s speech. Nor is the diocese willing to send a Priest to prison to nurture anyone’s political ambitions. The Archdiocese reported that all decisions in this matter were taken with the knowledge of Father Antony. The Archdiocese will stand by to protect the Priest. The PRO has also notified that all measures including legal ones have been sought to ensure Father Antony’s safety.

Statement of The Archdiocese of Tellicherry is quoted below

1. It has come to the notice of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry that certain conscious attempts have risen from some quarters to create controversies over a speech by Father Antony Tharekkadavil during the Feast Day celebrated at St. Thomas Church, Manikadavil and the ensuing bilateral talks. The Archdiocese hence wishes to clear the confusions created in the minds of the lay faithful and to report the facts regarding the events.

2. The Archdiocese will not reject the statements made during the sermon by Father Antony Tharekkadavil about True Faith, Love Jihad, and Halal food. This was made clear without any doubts, during the bilateral talks that was held. Propagandas that are circulating contrary to this fact are that with ill intentions. The talks were held taking into consideration and upon consultation with the police and law enforcers, that there were few instances in the sermon that could be misunderstood as contributing to religious disharmony. Religious harmony and common brotherhood are the values of the Church. Pope Francis' vision of "all are brothers" is the beacon of the Archdiocese. Those who interpret commitment to the Gospel and Philosophy of the Church, as cowardice and bigotry, are to be ignored. The Church has always believed that it cannot challenge the legal system of a country. She has always believed that our responses to the public is one that requires legal validity.

3. It is commendable that some of the movements that have sprung up in the Christian community in recent times are strengthening one’s sense of community and are bravely facing crises such as love-jihad. However, it is unwise to spread the impression that there are internal divisions in the church through immature statements and propaganda. It is an act that will help the enemies of the church to sow differences. The children of the church must be especially careful not to fall into such traps.

4. Demonstrating wisdom and maturity to avoid communal conflict is not cowardice, but part of the Church's commitment to preserve the secularism of this land. Many have sought to discredit our Lord and Christianity ever since its inception. Our tradition has always been to give blessings instead of abuses. Disrespecting other religions is neither Christian nor the position of the Catholic Church. This position is clearly reflected in the statement. The moral and social issues raised by Father Antony are of concern to us as well, to which the Archdiocese fully renders its support.

5. The Archdiocese is not ready to fall into the traps of those who want to create riots or martyrs under the guise of Father Antony Tharekkadavil. The Archdiocese is also not interested in sending a priest to prison for anyone's political ambitions. The Archdiocese has taken all decisions in this matter with the knowledge of Father Antony. The Archdiocese will stand by Father Antony and protect him. The Archdiocese has made all arrangements for Father’s protection, including legal.

In this time of crisis, everyone is requested to understand the truth and cooperate to avoid false propaganda, concluded the statement.