The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has issued a firm rebuttal against what it calls a “calculated and false propaganda” aimed at maligning the Church’s reputation and distorting facts about its ownership of land and institutional influence. In a strongly worded statement, the Church’s Public Relations Officer, Fr. Antony Vadakkekara VC, expressed deep concern over a recent wave of misinformation being circulated in public and media spheres.

Fr. Vadakkekara addressed the issue during a public interaction, shedding light on how certain groups and individuals have been deliberately spreading exaggerated and baseless claims about the Church’s assets. According to him, these claims are not only misleading but are designed to stir up suspicion and hostility among the general public.

A particularly glaring example cited was a widely circulated claim suggesting that the Catholic Church in India owns over 17 crore acres of land. Fr. Vadakkekara denounced this figure as “wildly inaccurate and mathematically impossible,” pointing out that the total area of India’s landmass makes such a claim absurd.

He further elaborated that these figures are often shared without any credible source or verification and are strategically used to tarnish the image of the Church, especially among those unfamiliar with the Church's administrative and operational structures.

The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the largest Eastern Catholic Churches in the world, operates hundreds of educational, health, and charitable institutions, many of which cater to marginalized and underserved populations. According to Fr. Vadakkekara, these institutions are built and maintained not for profit, but to uphold the Church’s long-standing mission of service.

He warned that these slanderous narratives are not isolated incidents but part of a larger campaign to undermine the Church’s moral and social authority, particularly in regions like Kerala where the Church plays a major role in public life.

The Church's leadership also emphasized that misinformation of this nature has potential to incite unrest and erode communal harmony. “We are deeply worried that such irresponsible reporting and commentary could lead to social discord,” Fr. Vadakkekara said.

Addressing the press and the faithful, he urged people to verify facts and not fall prey to the distorted portrayals of the Church often peddled by vested interests. “It is time we hold accountable those who spread lies in the name of public discourse,” he asserted.

Fr. Vadakkekara reiterated that the Church remains transparent in its dealings, with most of its land holdings legally documented and audited by government agencies. He challenged anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing to present it through proper legal channels instead of spreading speculative accusations.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the Church’s role in defending minority rights and social justice. He pointed out that institutions under the Syro-Malabar Church’s care have consistently stood for the upliftment of underprivileged communities, irrespective of religion or caste.

The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) has echoed Fr. Vadakkekara’s sentiments, warning against any amendments or public discourse that threatens the constitutional rights of minority communities. They emphasized the need to uphold democratic values in times of increasing communal polarization.

Referring to past attacks on Cardinal George Alencherry and senior clergy members, Fr. Vadakkekara called these episodes as part of an orchestrated effort to shake the Church’s credibility and leadership. He noted that such allegations, when not substantiated by facts, only serve to disrupt the Church’s service-oriented mission.

Fr. Vadakkekara appealed to mainstream media to take a more responsible and ethical approach when reporting on religious matters. “Sensational headlines may sell, but they can also destroy communities,” he said.

He also addressed the faithful directly, asking them not to be discouraged by these targeted campaigns. “Our mission continues. Let us not be distracted by those who wish to divide us,” he encouraged.

The Church is now exploring legal recourse against individuals or groups found to be intentionally propagating these falsehoods. The goal, according to Church sources, is not vengeance but accountability and prevention of further damage.

Social media platforms, where much of this misinformation is spread, have also come under scrutiny. Fr. Vadakkekara urged tech companies and digital watchdogs to monitor and flag content that spreads communal hatred or targets religious organizations without proof.

Despite these challenges, the Syro-Malabar Church reaffirmed its commitment to education, healthcare, and social upliftment. Its leaders stressed that the community’s resilience, faith, and unity are their strongest defense against slander.

In closing, Fr. Vadakkekara said the Church will not be silenced by malicious propaganda. “We will continue to serve the people of India with dignity and truth, and no amount of falsehood can shake our foundation,” he declared.

This bold response from the Syro-Malabar Church signals a turning point in how religious institutions may confront organized disinformation in India, blending transparency with assertiveness in defending both their legacy and future.