Controversy surrounding Belve church: Udupi diocese issues clarification


Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 26: Udupi diocese has issued a clarification relating to the media reports with regard to the Belve St Joseph's Church located at the St Joseph's Agricultural Colony, Belve in Udupi diocese.

In a clarification issued by the public relations officer of the diocese of Udupi in relation to the above media reports, a few key points related to Belve church have been addressed.

The clarification note referred to these reports has stressed that the claim about the closure of the church gates and not allowing entry for the faithful into the church are far from true. The note said, "On October 24 morning daily Eucharistic celebration was held and the faithful did participate in the celebration. In July 2021, a new director was appointed for the Belve Colony, as the office of the priest and toilets were very congested. The director had begun the extension work after taking written permission from the bishop of the diocese of Udupi and no part of the church building was damaged in the process.


Belve church (file photo)

"A joint meeting with the representative of Belve, and the administrative committee of the diocese was held at the Bishop's residence in Udupi on October 5. All the issues were discussed therein. Apart from the demand to transfer the priest all other demands were spelt out by the representatives of Belve and they had submitted the same in writing.

"It is regrettable that in spite of the fact that the faithful knew that the bishop has exclusive rights to appoint or transfer any priest or director of the church/institution rights of the bishop to appoint/transfer to any church/institution/colony as per the rules of Catholic Church and diocese, they questioned this right. Christians of Belve did not give importance to these matters and sided with the people who are not related with the church and held protest. No one has ever restricted the entry of the faithful into the church for taking part in prayer service. If any instructions are given by the existing director those are part of the conduct of the church.

"We request the Christian faithful of Belve St Joseph Agricultural Colony not to fall prey to any sort of false information and continue with the Christian faith, the clarification note concluded.

 

 

 

 

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Anthony Dsouza, Madanthyar/ Bahrain

    Wed, Oct 27 2021

    It's unfortunate that what could have been solved within the community went out of it to have a protest involving people unrelated to Church. It has happened at a time when Pope Francis has initiated Synod involving the participation of the laity. The Church is hierachical and ecclesiastical centred. It is also man centered as women can not be priests. Although there are pastoral committees in each parish, the ultimate power lies with the ecclesiastes. Priests deserve to be respected for their selfless sacrifice of serving people. However priests also need to be emotionally intelligent to to respect the feelings of people in their fold so that decisions are taken through dialogues rather than through power/ authority. I feel priests need to focus more spirituality and should play a nominal role in financial and other developmental activities.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Crasta, Mangaluru

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    It will help greatly if there is a Blessed Sacrament Chapel attached to each Church so that both clergy and the laity can guidance from Jesus for all their sorrows and problems.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • John Ceata, Mangaluru

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Correction "Seek guidance from Jesus"

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandra, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    This is a matter of the parishioners, parish priest and Bishop of the Diocese. Why couldn't it be solved within themselves and why it is in the newspapers now? Where is the mutual understanding? Who is to be blamed? Outsiders only make it worst. So please solve it among yourselves. Don't bring to the streets. Form a committee of people of right understanding and solve the issue amicably not hurting the sentiments of people or priest. Priests are not fallen from above. They are from families. Let us honour our priests and allow them to live in peace. Don't want to see this issue growing. Treat it at its roots.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • H. Almeida., Bendur/Andheri.

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Madam, this is definitely not an isolated incident. There are so many reported cases of misappropriation in Mumbai parishes, that has led to severe disaffection between the clergy and the laity !!! This is because the parishoners have absolutely no rights nor any privileges granted by the church !!!

    DisAgree [5] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jm, Karkala

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    If everything was going alright then why all of a sudden the faithful of the Belve parish went on public protest with banners. Are they all are uneducated and didn't knew what they were doing. It is a clear indication that there is lot of rot in the system of governance and authoritative style of functioning of the church authorities. Unfortunately because of the teachings of the church the faithful tolerate all the injustice but when it all limits this is how it comes to open to the advantage of people outside the Church. Who is responsible for such situations that too during these testing times for Christians in the State and country at large. There are hundreds and thousands of people who have gone out of Catholic Church and joined the new evangelical groups because they were never cared for when they had problems. Hope some good sense prevails and issues get solved in the interest of all concerned. Let this be a eye opener for our church authorities.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • G. Saldanha, Merlapadavu, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Belve Parish - A peaceful community, why so much restlessness all of a sudden ?

    DisAgree Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph, Udupi

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Reluctance to hold dialogue with the faithful in undemocratic. Protestantism too started due to the arrogance of the relgious authorities of that time. The same is continuing today. Humbleness and piety is thinning down these days both in religious and faithful. If the religious do not heed the faithful and do not attempt to solve their problems, where else they go, of course to the people who are sympathetic to them. I remember seeing a video clip circulated earlier where one Mr. Ozario threatening to leave Christianity due to some issues at Mangalore at that time. The Shepherd should give pastoral and listening care of their flock, else the disgruntled will be led astray. They are accountable to the God.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gladys Saldanha, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Yes it’s 100% true.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • S. J., Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Whenever there was unrest or people have lost trust in the parish priest, late bishop Basil DSouza was removing the priest from the place without bothering who was right or wrong. This used to help to calm the disturbed people and he used to solve the issues later. If both the parties cling onto their ego, the issue cannot be resolved.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    It could have been in the best interest of justice, the version of aggrived parties also accompanied this report, that could have helped people and believers, to see in more clarity which side is right. It is not something new, where a few individuals try to discredit institutions for their own greed, objective is to tarnish the image. Also, at the same time, these days there are frequent cases where priest act in authoratarian, illegal and immoral ways, to the horror of aggrived parties. Most such instances get wiped under the carpet very easily. Hope that justice, morals and ethics prevails finally.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Thane

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Praise the Lord ...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vivek, Mangalore/Abu Dhabi

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Didnt understand your ENGLISH.

    DisAgree [29] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Thane

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    There is only one Lord our Creator ...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vishal, Puttur

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Managing the churches and their institutions, there must be some maturity. People are more educated and RIGHTS conscious. It is true women too have large freedom within the Church. But if you scratch a little one knows what is its limit! Unilaterally certain decisions are taken -attracts criticism and protest. It is not in Belve alone. All over. The clarification that AUTHORITY alone is having the right means, why the people are there then- this question would arise. All the best. Do well always.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwin, Mangaluru

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    The believers requirements are met through online. If you fight for right you better close.it is not a business house. It's for believers. The believers must through out unbelievers and make them to stop making damage

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • sanjay pinto, udupi

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    absolute wrong done by the parishioners of belve church...do not involve people of other faith in these matters...will they ask your support if they have issues in their religious places? moreover, christianity is the only religion who is well knit in terms of communication and management...even ladies are allowed to raise their concern unlike other faiths where they are only for counting..and dont ever threaten to leave your faith...it simply shows that you people are not true christians...Christians will never forsake Christ come whatever may...remember St Stephen was stoned to death but he stayed with the faith...

    DisAgree [19] Agree [95] Reply Report Abuse

  • rolf, Dubai

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Dear Pinto do not blame other religion. Do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.13For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. —1 Timothy 2:8– For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 1 Cohrithens.

    DisAgree [35] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • sanjay pinto, udupi

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    i can understand Mr. Rolf...that is why till date in your religion women are just kept between four walls and also caged with the black dress...do not teach other people...you do not have any moral right...i bet even the adivasis living in jungle will improve some day but not your cult...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • rolf, Dubai

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Follow the teaching of Jesus which was commanded by his lord. not according to your idelogy. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: - John 10:27

    DisAgree [7] Agree [7] Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    rolf dubai, if u don't know da holy bible ask those who know da bible. read the context. 1 Corinthians 11: 5 crystal clears da following verse. I quote: But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.unquote. a women must cover her head while she prophesies or in a prayer house. If she doesn't cover her head when a woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head in a prayer house, church. 1 c. 11:5 clearly says it. not everywhere wherever she is outside of the prayers or in a church. like in islam from head 2 toe she is sex material so she should cover everything. in ksa da muthawa's r giving sox & glow's 2 cover a muslima if she doesn't cover her foot & hand's. virtually oufit da muslima 2 wear in da male dominated society. even in a mosque muslims altogether cannot pray including father, mother, husband, wife, sons & daughters. totally females r out of mosque. some Muslims r even locking da wives & go out. a women, a donkey, a dog, a swine should not pass by when a man performeth salat. here women & a animals r equal. total man made discriminations 2wards females in islam.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • rolf, Dubai

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [2] Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    rolf, dubai, da bread implies many things, da body of Christ is also signifies bread of life. da bread is given 2 da lost sheep of israel which means she is a lost sheep (dog) da bread was given. 1st she came & worshipped Jesus. remember, worship belongs 2 God. she worshipped & accepted even da dogs (lost sheep) r eating da crunches fell from da tables. what Jesus said, oh woman great is thy faith. (Jesus was testing her faith in another way) understand da spiritual meaning of da gospel scriptures. da gospel is a spiritual book, it is not a material book like Quran & hadith's, getting 72 virgins & 25 boys in heaven if a Muslim kills an unbeliever.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    rolf dubai, aa hih bukhari 1:490 narrated `Aisha. Women are eligible to be beaten 4 their disobedience, Surah 4:34 (Pickthal) for disobiedience of men no beatings & no verses in koran. women r less in intelligence and less knowledge in religion. Sahih Bukhari Book 6 -1.301: Narrated Abu Sa`id Al−Khudri.. Women are a tilth in the koran. Tilth = cultivating an agricultural field. women r used as a material. Surah 2: 223 Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him.(Pickthal). even if a women is not well & objects to sleep with wife & if she doesn't allow, den da angels in heaven r cursing her. - hadith.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Report Abuse

  • Justin Lobo, Bangalore

    Tue, Oct 26 2021

    Rolf Dubai, I know you are good in Cherry picking Read the context. 1 Corinthians 11:5 prophsyseth or prays to perceive 1 Corinthians 11:6.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Controversy surrounding Belve church: Udupi diocese issues clarification



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.