Catholic priest joins BJP, church removes him from vicar duties

A Catholic priest affiliated with the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar church was removed from his position as vicar shortly after he became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Fr. Kuriakose Mattam officially joined the BJP, receiving primary membership from the party’s Idukki district president, K S Aji. Shortly thereafter, the Idukki diocese took action in response.

The church announced that Fr. Mattom has been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities at the Mankuva St. Thomas church near Adimali.