Daijiworld Media Network – Toronto/Kochi

Toronto/Kochi, Dec 30: A Catholic priest belonging to Kerala’s Syro-Malabar Church has been arrested in Canada on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference, following which he has been removed from pastoral ministry by the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The accused, Fr James Cherickal, was charged by Peel Regional Police on December 18, 2025, with one count each of sexual assault and sexual interference. Under Canadian law, sexual interference refers to sexual offences committed against minors below the age of 16.

In an official statement, the Archdiocese of Toronto confirmed that Fr Cherickal has been removed from pastoral duties in line with church protocols. “Following our procedures relating to allegations of misconduct, Fr Cherickal has been removed from pastoral ministry. As with any accused in our Canadian legal system, he is considered innocent until proven guilty and entitled to due process,” the statement said.

Church sources in Kochi said Fr Cherickal belongs to the Syro-Malabar diocese of Thamarassery and had been deputed to serve in various parishes under the Archdiocese of Toronto for nearly three decades. According to reports, he has been working in the Greater Toronto Area since 1997 and was appointed to St Jerome’s Church in Brampton earlier this year.

Following his arrest and removal from ministry, St Jerome’s Church announced the cancellation of Holy Mass services between December 25 and January 3.

The case has sent shockwaves among the faithful, with church authorities stating that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.