Kochi, Mar 26 (IANS): The Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC) declared Tuesday that it will not support any political party in the Lok Sabha elections but will be with those who "protect democracy and secularism".
Kerala goes to the polls on April 23 to elect 20 Lok Sabha candidates.
A circular issued by KCBC President Archbishop Soosa Pakiam said: "KCBC wishes to make it clear that they will not support any political front or political party or any candidate. We do not wish to interfere in the freedom of our laity.
"But at the same time, the KCBC will be with those who protect democracy and secularism and who will work for the upliftment of the country," said the circular.
The KCBC, the Regional Bishops Council for Kerala, is constituted under the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI).
The churches that come under KCBC includes the Syro Malabar Church, Syro Malankara Church and Latin Church.
Catholics in Kerala constitute 50 per cent of the 61.41 lakh Christians in Kerala, which is home to 334 lakh people.