5 Malankara Orthodox clergy accused of sexual abuse

KOTTAYAM (Times of India) - The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is mired in controversy following a serious allegation that a married woman was sexually exploited by some priests who used her confessions as a blackmail tool.

The church authorities have formed a committee to look into the matter.

According to the PRO of the church PC Elias, the internal probe is progressing and action will be taken based on the findings of the panel.

The accused priests have been relieved from their church duties temporarily till the panel completes its probe.

Elias said that several versions of the complaint are being circulated on social media platforms and the church will wait for the findings of the panel.

Meanwhile, the husband of the woman told TOI that he had filed a complaint with the Niranam Diocese of the church on May 7. "Since I am under the Niranam diocese, I filed a complaint here. I have marked copies to the other church heads also,” he said.

He also said that based on his compliant, he was asked to appear before a three-member inquiry committee on June 22 which he did.

The person is now agitated that the church is delaying action based on his complaint.

He also claims that he has got sufficient proof to nail the culprits. The person says he has given complaint against five priests, of which, three belong to the Niranam diocese and the other two are from the Delhi and Thumpaman dioceses.

In the complaint, complainant said that the system of confession was misused and the woman was sexually exploited. He has demanded the ban on the system . He has also demanded that the priesthood should be taken away from the alleged persons who he alleges that disclosed the confessions to sexually exploit his wife.