From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 12: Catholic Bishops of different Dioceses in Karnataka, Secretaries and Joint Secretaries of the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Commissions, who held their meeting at the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Centre in Bengaluru this week, have strongly condemned the "derogatory, defamatory and inflammatory speech" made by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike’s Narayana Gowda against Christian beliefs, particularly the Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Bernard Moras.

The Catholics Bishops of different Dioceses in Karnataka, Secretaries and Joint Secretaries of the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Commissions, have in an unanimous resolution, took strong exception to KRV chief’s recent "provocative" speech at the public protest rally organised by him and Kannada activists and said it had hurt the sentiments of the entire Catholic community.

They have strongly urged the State Government and other civil authorities "to initiate appropriate penal action against him (KRV chief) immediately for his life threatening and provocative speech."

The objectionable and provocative speech, the resolution said, had "spread religious hatred and violence as it a direct attack on the religious head of the Catholic community in Karnataka."

"The entire Catholic community condemns the provocative speech and seeks an unconditional apology from Narayana Gowda," the resolution demanded.

The Catholics Bishops of different Dioceses in Karnataka, Secretaries and Joint Secretaries of the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Commissions, in their resolution that has been circulated to the media, have also condemned the "inappropriate, unbecoming and scandalous behaviour of the Catholic priests – Frs Chalakere Chowrappa Selvaraj (Chasara), A Thomas from Bangalore Archdiocese and Frs David Anthonappa and C Anthonyraj from Chikmagalur Diocese and other priests, who were present at the rally and applauded the derogatory remarks made against the Archbishop."

"These priests have grossly violated their promise of respect and obedience and have publicly disowned their religious Head," the resolution said demanding an unconditional apology from the priests concerned.

It has also demanded that the respective Bishops must initiate Canonical investigation leading to appropriate penal action.