Association Accuses Konkani Lobby of Side-Lining Local Clergy and Language; Calls for Urgent Implementation of 1983 Circular
In a forceful condemnation of alleged systemic bias, the All Karnataka Catholic Christians Kannada Association has accused powerful Konkani groups of monopolizing church administration across Karnataka, marginalizing Kannada-speaking clergy, and suppressing the local language in worship and governance. The group warns that continued exclusion threatens to reduce the state’s majority Kannada Christian community to “silent spectators” in their own spiritual home.
Allegations of Administrative Exclusion
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, Association President A. Isaac presented a stark picture of representation: of Karnataka’s 14 religious dioceses, only the Chikmagalur diocese is led by a Kannadiga bishop. He alleged that promotions for local priests are routinely blocked by coastal-origin voting blocs within the Church hierarchy.
“Key church positions, administration, commissions, seminary training centers, and major institutions are dominated by the coastal Konkani lobby,” Isaac stated, expressing deep frustration. He held both current Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado and his predecessor, Bernard Moras, accountable for failing to address these long-pending grievances.
Language and Liturgy at the Heart of the Dispute
The association insists that Kannada must be given primacy in all church services and that spiritual leadership should be drawn from the Kannada clergy. “Just as local bishops lead churches in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, Karnataka too should prioritize Kannadiga clergy and restore dignity to the Kannada language,” Isaac argued.
The recent comments of Roy Castellino from Mangaluru have further inflamed tensions, described by Isaac as “insulting and unauthorized.” This incident has intensified calls to end what the association terms a “coastal monopoly.”
A Call for Structural Reform
The group has urgently appealed to the Supreme Patriarch to implement the Church’s 3/1983 circular across Karnataka—a move they believe would ensure fair representation. They also demand the elevation of the historic Saint Peter’s Guru Math to the status of Karnataka Provincial Guru Math, strengthening its institutional role.
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Broader Implications and United Front
The press conference saw a show of unity, with Association Vice-President Antony Raju C., Treasurer George Kumar Y., and Kannada activists Chandrashekhar and Channegowda in attendance. Their collective stance raises pressing questions about linguistic identity, regional equity, and the future of inclusive governance within the Church. Will the institution heed these demands, or risk deepening a rift within its congregation?
