Kochi: Raising a strong voice against what it calls a deliberate and orchestrated effort to malign Christian-managed institutions, the Vigilance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has urged the people of Kerala renowned for its progressive values and awareness to unite in defense of institutions that have been beacons of service in education and healthcare.
In a statement that resonates with both concern and caution, the Commission condemned the growing trend of malicious social media propaganda that exaggerates isolated incidents or minor errors occurring within Christian institutions, and turns them into sweeping allegations. “Even the smallest human mistake is being magnified and falsely presented as systemic wrongdoing,” the Commission noted, warning that such misinformation campaigns are not innocent critiques but part of a larger agenda.
The KCBC Vigilance Commission emphasized that Christian institutions, like any human-run organizations, are not immune to errors or operational shortcomings. “We are not claiming infallibility. Mistakes, if they occur, are addressed with seriousness and responsibility,” the statement said. However, it questioned the intent behind selectively attacking Christian institutions while ignoring lapses in other sectors. “Why do these smear campaigns predominantly target Christian-run establishments, despite their decades-long legacy of service and sacrifice?” the Commission asked.
The Commission highlighted that Christian-run schools, colleges, and hospitals have for generations served as models of excellence, often filling gaps left by the state in education and healthcare. The men and women who lead these institutions are not driven by profit or politics, but by values of compassion, service, and moral commitment, rooted in the Christian faith.
“Portraying these individuals and institutions as malicious or corrupt is not only unjust but dangerous,” the statement continued. “These are institutions that reach the poorest, serve without discrimination, and uplift entire communities. Targeting them harms the very social fabric of Kerala.”
The Commission warned that these attacks are not isolated online rants but part of a systematic agenda possibly aimed at communal polarization. It urged Prabuddha Kerala Enlightened Kerala to recognize and resist such divisive politics, calling upon citizens to remain alert and responsible in their consumption of online content.
Furthermore, the KCBC called on the media, government, and civil society to exercise discernment and stand by truth and fairness. “Institutions that have built credibility over decades should not be condemned based on unverified social media posts. Let the law and truth prevail, not mob opinion.”
In a climate where false narratives can spread with the tap of a finger, the KCBC Vigilance Commission’s appeal is a call to conscience a reminder that Kerala’s true strength lies in its pluralism, maturity, and commitment to justice.
As Kerala continues to evolve as a knowledge-driven society, the question now is whether it will stand firm against attempts to polarize or discredit those who have tirelessly contributed to its growth or allow misinformation to rewrite its moral compass.