Bishop Mar Mathew Vaniyakizhakkel issued a public apology for attending a marriage involving a Muslim boy and Christian girl. The marriage was held at St. Joseph Church in Kochi on November 9. The photo of Bishop standing with the newly wedded couple went viral on social media. This had triggered controversy in the Christian community. In response, Bishop Mathew said that he attended the marriage due to his proximity to the bride’s family.
Usually, when inter-religious marriages are held at a Church, related customs are kept simple. The Church laws do not allow Priests of Bishop Mathew’s stature to take part in such marriages. Thus his participation is a gross violation of the canonical laws.
Kerala Catholic Bishop Council has come out against Bishop Mathew for attending this Love Jihad marriage. Cardinal Mar Alencherry has ordered an inquiry into the matter. There are multiple incidents of Christian girls falling prey to love Jihad in Kerala.
