Kochi: In a strongly worded statement, the Media Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church has called for an immediate end to what it described as “inappropriate and misleading discussions” in sections of the media surrounding the recent release of four nuns jailed in Chhattisgarh. The Commission warned that such reports falsely suggest internal divisions within the Church and risk derailing a united stand for justice.
“It is deeply inappropriate to treat this humanitarian matter as a political tug-of-war or a platform to question the unity of the Church,” the Commission stated, responding to public debates about which political faction or leader deserves credit for securing the nuns' release.
The Church acknowledged the clear and proactive involvement of the Central Government in resolving the issue, including interventions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar was sent as a special emissary to brief both the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil had earlier expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the nuns’ release. In a press note, he specifically thanked the Central and State governments, elected representatives, political leaders, media professionals, and secular citizens across India for setting aside political divides to support the cause of justice.
Echoing the Archbishop’s message, the Church’s Public Relations Office emphasized that the struggle does not end with the granting of bail. “The court itself has observed the lack of substance in the charges brought against the sisters. We remain committed to seeing this case through to its rightful conclusion the complete withdrawal of all false accusations,” the statement read.
The Church also raised concerns over the growing influence of hate-driven organizations in North India that promote Hindu-Christian divisions. “Authorities must take firm steps to curb the activities of such groups. Meanwhile, the Church remains open to sincere dialogue with those who may hold misconceptions about our work and values,” the release added.
Despite repeated clarifications, the Church noted that some in the media appear intent on stoking a narrative of division. “Let the public not be misled. These stories are manufactured distractions that do a disservice to the truth and to the cause of justice,” said the Media Commission.
The statement concluded with an appeal to all media outlets: “This is a time for solidarity and sensitivity, not sensationalism. The Church remains united, resolute, and focused on upholding the rights and dignity of the sisters who suffered injustice.”