Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Feb 21: A clarification has been issued by the Church Finance Committee and the vice president of the Church Pastoral Council, Roshan D’Souza, along with secretary Josveer D’Souza, regarding the reports circulated on social media and other media platforms about the demolition of the old building of Christ the King Church, Kayyar. A video of the demolition of the old church and the Cross falling down has gone viral, and they expressed regret over the incident, stating that they too are saddened.
However, as the truth is being concealed, they placed the following details before the public.
They stated that a request had been made to the Paivalike panchayat to inspect the old church building and provide a fitness report. However, the Panchayat reportedly informed that it was not possible to give any positive report regarding the church building and that it had become dilapidated. Accordingly, a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (Order No: 5836970/2025) dated November 21, 2025 was issued for its demolition.
As the church comes under the diocese of Mangalore, the bishop, with the approval of the Diocesan Finance Committee, issued a ‘No Objection Certificate’ on February 12, 2026.
They further stated that the demolition work of the old church building began from February 15, 2026. When some people who wished to preserve the old church objected to the work or were told not to make videos, it led to controversy. Abusive remarks were allegedly made against the committee and the priest, and accusations of illegal work were levelled. When matters related to police and law were discussed, it was claimed that they were accused of issuing threats. Therefore, they did not prevent anyone from recording videos of the demolition work. It was also alleged that some individuals waited for three days and later made the video of the removal of the Cross viral to portray the priest as guilty.
They clarified that every effort was made to carefully remove the Cross. For the past ten years, no one had approached the church tower for repair works, and climbing it was extremely dangerous. As the dilapidated church tower was shaking and the Cross had developed cracks after being struck by lightning a few years ago, it became impossible to relocate it. They noted that the rope used in the attempt to bring down the Cross can be seen in the video. All religious items of the old church and the tiles and other materials required for the new church have been safely preserved.
Regarding the construction of the new church, they stated that in May 2023, Fr Vishal Monis assumed charge as parish priest and conducted a survey covering 220 houses under the church jurisdiction regarding the decision taken in October 2022 on church reconstruction. As many as 190 families reportedly supported the construction of a new church. They emphasised that the new church construction project belongs to the devotees of Kayyar and not to the priest.
They also mentioned that, as per the survey conducted in May 2023, only 23 families expressed willingness to repair the old church. In the Church Finance Committee meeting held in October 2025, 100% of the members agreed to demolish the old church. Similarly, 100% of the members of the new church building committee agreed to demolish the old church, while 92% of the members of the Pastoral Council gave their consent. In the general body meeting of the church, 88% of the members expressed their approval, and the Bishop accepted the opinions expressed in all these meetings.
They stated that, in the general body meeting held in October 2025, written clarification was sought on what needed to be done to preserve the old church, including who would provide the Rs 75 lac required for repairs, who would take responsibility in case of any mishap during prayers or other occasions, and who would arrange to obtain the required fitness and stability report as well as fire and safety NOC. However, no one has reportedly come forward so far to take responsibility for these aspects.
It was further stated that when some members met the Bishop seeking preservation of the old church, they were asked to submit in writing how much money they would contribute for the repair works. However, they only provided the names of three carpenters, three masons, and one electrician, without giving any information regarding financial contribution, materials, or equipment required for the building.
They also noted that, as per the bishop’s order, from January 2026, for three consecutive Sundays, people were requested to submit written details regarding funds required for the repair of the old church, but no one took responsibility or submitted any written undertaking.
According to Srinivasa Pai of Uppala, who worked on obtaining permission and the building number for the new church and school building, the town planning director, Kasargod, informed that in order to obtain the completion report and building number for the new church, the old church had to be demolished.
Addressing allegations that the old church was demolished hastily, they stated that on October 26, 2025, the vice president, in the presence of the Kasargod regional vicar general, informed devotees in a meeting of the Church Finance Committee, Church Building Committee, and ward gurkar that a decision had been taken to comply with the government order and the Bishop’s order. Later, on February 9, 2026, in another meeting of the Finance Committee, Church Building Committee, and ward gurkar, the demolition was discussed and it was decided that once the Bishop’s order was received, all prayers and other religious functions would be conducted in the Christ the King Mini Hall and all items from the old church would be removed.
Regarding the NITK report, they said some people have claimed that NITK had given a fitness report, but clarified that it was only an inspection report of the building and not a Fitness Report. They stated that in Kerala the authority to issue a fitness report lies only with the local administration, and that the NITK report was prepared without the knowledge of the parish priest or the administrative committee and in an unauthorised manner. The report was reportedly submitted in the name of Mrs Caroline and not in the name of the priest or the Bishop.
They further highlighted that under the leadership of the priest, along with the construction of the new church in Kayyar, three new houses have already been built and handed over to the poor at a cost of Rs 24 lac. With the support of the Konkani Cultural Organization, Abu Dhabi, two more new houses costing Rs 16 lac are under construction and are expected to be handed over within two months.
They added that in Kayyar, without appointing a contractor, and with the cooperation, donations, and labour of devotees, the priest’s residence, church office, and a hall with a capacity of about 500 people have already been inaugurated, and prayers and other rituals are being conducted there. About 40% of the new church construction work has been completed, and a large number of devotees are contributing with their body, mind, and wealth.
They clarified that the decision to construct the new church and demolish the old church was entirely that of the church devotees and that the priest had no role in this decision. The Church Finance Council implemented the decision presented in all administrative meetings of the church and approved by majority. They alleged that a handful of members, whose request to preserve the old church was rejected by the church administration, have become angry and are spreading defamatory statements against the priest on social media.
They also stated that since the old church building, which was located in the middle of the school ground, has now been demolished, future plans include the development of a spacious playground for the school, a 400-metre track, a football ground, and the construction of a high school building.