Indian archdiocese issues austerity code for priests, urges lay people to pray for them.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India – A southern Indian archdiocese has issued a code of conduct for priests and seminarians encouraging them to be role models for the faithful and warning them not to succumb to worldly pleasures.
“It is time for introspection,” said Auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath of Ernakulam-Angamaly, who issued the guidelines on September 13 as part of the Archdiocese’s observation of the Year for Priests.
The Syro-Malabar prelate told UCA News he prepared the code after consulting priests and lay people.
“It’s an attempt to remind priests what is expected of them. They have to be role models for the faithful and should not succumb to worldly pleasures,” he said.
The code appeals to priests to base their lives on the Bible and observe simplicity and transparency. It bars them from receiving expensive gifts from parishioners for services. Fr Paul Thelakat, spokesman of the Syro-Malabar Church, told UCA News that some priests had received expensive cars from parishes.
“The Church wants to curb such lavishness,” Fr Thelakat said.
The guidelines ask priests and seminarians not to use expensive consumer goods and to be simple in their food habits, dress code and travel.
The code insists that all priests set apart a day a month for prayer and wants parishes to observe a day in a year as the priest day to be set aside to honour the parish priest and conduct special prayers for priests who have served the parish.
The guidelines also direct priests to create a platform in every parish for interaction with lay people.
They have to prepare sermons based on the Bible and take people’s feedback to improve their content and delivery. The Archdiocese, based in Kerala state, also plans to set up a tribunal to resolve disputes among priests.
Several lay people interviewed by UCA News have welcomed the code.
“I’m happy the Church has come up with the guidelines because some recent scandals involving priests and nuns have damaged the image in Kerala,” Merlyn Thomas, a housewife, told UCA News.
The 35-year-old Catholic woman wants the Church to issue guidelines for lay people as well. “Many things we follow in our private life are anti-Christian,” she added.
Augustine Joseph, retired college professor, blamed Church leaders for priests’ extravagant lifestyle.
“Many parishes have built churches worth billions of rupees. If the Church is sincere about its guidelines, it should bar all such practices,” he said.
The Archdiocese’s move coincides with the federal government’s recent austerity drive.
It has banned ministers travelling in business class and lavishly furnishing their offices and residences, saying such excess was inappropriate in view of the drought in many parts of the country.