“From the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest every one deals falsely” (Jer. 6: 13)
The Thariode CSI Church, today known as Padinjarethara, and its cemetery are situated on a hill top surrounded on three sides with water overlooking the catchment area of the Banasura dam providing a serene, enchanting and indescribable experience. Bishop Benjamin and subsequently, Bishop George Issac cherished many dreams of turning this place into a Family Retreat /Meditation Centre. But Bishop K. P. Kuruvilla could see this place only as a hen that lays golden eggs. Foxes’ eyes will always be in the chicken’s shelter. He decided to sell the property including the church and the cemetery raising the bogey of submergence of the property.
The history of Padinjarethara Church dates back to 1957 when the foundation stone for the present church was laid. The present church was dedicated in 1961. Till 1968, it remained as an out station of the Manathavadi Pastorate. The early architects of this parish were Rev. Francis Samuel of Mananthavadi Pastorate, an independent missionary from Switzerland, Zuber, a voluntary evangelist, Chacko Upadeshi who was also an ex-service man from Chenganoore and Bishop Benjamin. This parish was a refuge, solace, inspiration and a source of spiritual nourishment for the early settlers. Many early generation settlers in Wayanad had found their final resting place in the cemetery close to the church. Even now one can count at least 60 tomb stones in the cemetery.
The property where the church is situated was gifted to the CSI by Edathil, a Hindu family. The family gifted about one acre of land at the top most place of a mountain. There were about 100 families during the period 1960-90 as members of this parish. During the 60s, with the special interest and effort of Bishop Benjamin the whole mountain was bought and the valley of the mountain became Thariyode Angady. This parish and the surrounding areas have many stories to tell about the sacrificial service of many who built up the parish. It is said that the whole amount for the construction of the Thariyode church was contributed by a lady from Switzerland who collected the money by stitching and selling handkerchiefs. In 1968, the parish became an outstation of the Vyithiri Pastorate. In the 80s, about 4 kms away from the church and the cemetery a new township emerged in Padinjarethara and a school belonging to the Ayroor estate became the focal point for people to come together for a Sunday school and Worship. Thus the Thariyode Church and the cemetery faded into oblivion and new church and congregation came to be established in Padinjarethara. But, the cemetery still continued to be the one where the dead were buried.
Due to neglect and irresponsible stewardship, much of the land was lost during this period by encroachment leaving behind 5 acres of land. Out of these five acres, 2.5 acres was acquired by the government as it fell within the catchment area of the Banasura Dam. The remaining 2.5 acres of land, surrounded by waters on three fronts and providing an enchanting view of the horizon, remained as the habitat of the church and the cemetery.
But, this is more than enough a temptation and reason for Bishop Kuruvilla and his accomplices to descend on this valuable property. Vultures gather wherever there is carcass. Instead of dreaming about any mission project or Family Life Centre or meditation centre (for which the property is ideally suited) which the earlier Bishops had dreamt about, Bishop Kuruvilla saw in it a fortune. This became one of the earliest attempts by Bishop Kuruvilla to alienate valuable church property. It is natural that birds of the same feather flock together. He was soon joined by Philip Abraham, Vythiri Pastorate Secretary, in this shady deal. The rest of the story is shrouded in mystery. The parish members in Padinjarethara believe or they were made to believe that the property was sold for Rs. 19,000 per cent. There was an offer of Rs. 15000 and Rs. 17000 from among the parish members themselves. But from reliable source we learnt that an agreement was signed with Mr. Baiju Varghese, Managing partner of Mountain shadow resorts, Padinjarethara, Wayanad for Rs. 15000 per cent. Bishop and his henchmen received an advance of Rs. 20 lakhs, but as per records, only 15 lakhs was found deposited in the CSITA Account in Shornur. Who has pocketed the balance of Rs. 5 lakhs? Where is the agreement made in 2007?
Many more ghosts are tumbling out of the cupboard. The CSITA managing committee, which met on April 26, 2010 refused permission to sell this land and asked the Bishop to return the advance received by him. The Diocesan Finance Committee which met on April 29 also resolved to return the advance. But we understand that till today no action has been taken on this. Probably, the treasurer, who has been acting as a rubber stamp all these years, may not know to whom he should return the money and on the basis of what agreement. But will anybody in their right senses deal with these unscrupulous fellows without a valid agreement? Whom does this buyer represent? What might be the alleged purpose for which proceeds from this sale would have been put to use? What is the certified rate of 2.5 acres of land assessed as per the CSITA manual? Why did the bishop and his cronies not seek the permission of the CSITA before receiving the advance of Rs. 20 lakhs? These and many more questions remain unanswered. The bishop misrepresented facts to the Executive Committee and they were made to believe that the whole property would be submerged. But only common sense is required to understand that nobody would bid for a property that would be submerged. Most often many in the EC and the key functionaries of the diocese has been acting as morons and dancing to the tune of the Bishop without any regard for Christian values, democratic norms and integrity of character.
The complete deal and the true face of it will be revealed only when as a Christian community we insist that the advance be given back and the bishop should come out clean of this accusation. Where do we go as the sheep for guidance, correction and spiritual nurture? What is our witness under these circumstances? If we keep silent at such times as these, God’s judgement will come upon us too. Let us unite and raise our voice to reclaim our Christian witness.
28 May 2010
23 May 2010
The Court Restrains Bishop Kuruvilla
The Hon. Munsiff Court, Ottapalam has granted an interim injunction restraining Bishop K. P. Kuruvilla and his accomplices from preventing Rev. Thomas John from discharging his ministries as a Presbyter/clergy of the North Kerala Diocese by IA no. 1109/10 in civil suit no. OS/145/10. The interim order was passed on a case filed against the action of removing Rev. Thomas John from the clergy roll of the diocese on the basis of a forged letter alleged to have been written by him requesting to be relieved from service as clergy of the diocese. Rev. Thomas John’s prayer is that this action be declared null and void as he had not written such a letter. It is learned that the bishop and his cronies do not have such a letter from Rev. Thomas John. The bishop himself confessed the absence of such a letter from Rev. Thomas John to a delegation that met him from the Holy Trinity CSI Church.
Rev Thomas John is a thinker, writer, philosopher, social activist and well respected all over Kerala, was the former Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology in U C College, Aluva and also a former General Secretary of the student Christian Movement of India. At present he is mission personnel of the Presbyterian Church, USA assisting them in their Hunger Ministry in India and also the Young Adult Volunteer program.
In 2007, Bishop Kuruvilla summarily relieved Rev. Thomas John from the charge of the Holy Trinity CSI church without assigning any reason. Rev. John accepted this action with grace as he had other important assignments with the Presbyterian Church and he had been serving the pastorate on an honorarium. This action is only one among the many vindictive actions taken by Bishop Kuruvilla on Clergy and laity against whom he has a grouse.
Rev Thomas John is a thinker, writer, philosopher, social activist and well respected all over Kerala, was the former Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology in U C College, Aluva and also a former General Secretary of the student Christian Movement of India. At present he is mission personnel of the Presbyterian Church, USA assisting them in their Hunger Ministry in India and also the Young Adult Volunteer program.
In 2007, Bishop Kuruvilla summarily relieved Rev. Thomas John from the charge of the Holy Trinity CSI church without assigning any reason. Rev. John accepted this action with grace as he had other important assignments with the Presbyterian Church and he had been serving the pastorate on an honorarium. This action is only one among the many vindictive actions taken by Bishop Kuruvilla on Clergy and laity against whom he has a grouse.
10 May 2010
Former Bishop arrested for threatening priest
A former Bishop of a Church of South India diocese, facing charges of misappropriating funds, was arrested today for not appearing before a court which had summoned him for allegedly threatening a priest in Gudalur in Nilgiris district.
Manickam Durai, had been summoned by a Gudalur court following a complaint filed by Priest Raviraj alleging that the former bishop had threatened him, police said.
However, he failed to appear before the court after which the police arrested him from his residence this morning and produced him before the judge.
Police suspected enmity to be the reason behind Durai's action.
Durai is facing charges of misappropriating Rs three crore from the church funds and was asked to go on leave by the church authorities.
Manickam Durai, had been summoned by a Gudalur court following a complaint filed by Priest Raviraj alleging that the former bishop had threatened him, police said.
However, he failed to appear before the court after which the police arrested him from his residence this morning and produced him before the judge.
Police suspected enmity to be the reason behind Durai's action.
Durai is facing charges of misappropriating Rs three crore from the church funds and was asked to go on leave by the church authorities.
Bishop may act only as caretaker till new appointment: Chennai HC
Holding that Synod is the supreme authority of the Church of South India (CSI), the Madras high court has said the incumbent bishop of Madras Diocese could continue only as a caretaker bishop until the new appointment is made.
A ruling to this effect was given by a division bench comprising Justice M Chockalingam and Justice R Subbiah, on a matter relating to the continuation of V Devasahayam (60) as bishop of CSI beyond May 1, when his 10-year stint ended.
It all began with the Laity Association filing a civil suit in the high court to restrain Devasahayam from continuing in the post beyond May 1. It also sought commencement of election process to elect a new bishop. It also referred to a communication from the CSI moderator, stating that the bishop's term would end on May 1 and that he could continue as caretaker bishop of CSI until a new bishop takes over.
The bishop, on his part, filed a suit stating that as per the CSI constitution he could continue until age 65, and that he should not be restrained from holding the post beyond May 1. After a single judge upheld the case of the bishop, the present appeals were preferred by the Executive Committee of the Synod and JW Gladstone, moderator of CSI.
Allowing the appeals, the division bench said that as per clause 13 of chapter IX of the CSI constitution, Synod was the supreme governing and legislative body of the CSI, and it was the final authority in all matters pertaining to the church. In 1999, it was the Synod which unanimously decided to restrict the period of appointment for 10 years. "It has made the appointment for only 10 years, and this was also approved subsequently and informed to bishop Devasahayam. He also gave his consent in writing...Having accepted the appointment for a period of 10 years, now he cannot be permitted to say that he would continue till 65 years of age..."
Also, Devasahayam, who filed the suit against the Synod, did not seek the court's permission to sue an unincorporated body such as the Synod and hence the suit itself was not maintainable, the judges said. They then permitted Devasahayam to continue as caretaker bishop of the Madras Diocese until a new appointment is made.
Source: Times of India
A ruling to this effect was given by a division bench comprising Justice M Chockalingam and Justice R Subbiah, on a matter relating to the continuation of V Devasahayam (60) as bishop of CSI beyond May 1, when his 10-year stint ended.
It all began with the Laity Association filing a civil suit in the high court to restrain Devasahayam from continuing in the post beyond May 1. It also sought commencement of election process to elect a new bishop. It also referred to a communication from the CSI moderator, stating that the bishop's term would end on May 1 and that he could continue as caretaker bishop of CSI until a new bishop takes over.
The bishop, on his part, filed a suit stating that as per the CSI constitution he could continue until age 65, and that he should not be restrained from holding the post beyond May 1. After a single judge upheld the case of the bishop, the present appeals were preferred by the Executive Committee of the Synod and JW Gladstone, moderator of CSI.
Allowing the appeals, the division bench said that as per clause 13 of chapter IX of the CSI constitution, Synod was the supreme governing and legislative body of the CSI, and it was the final authority in all matters pertaining to the church. In 1999, it was the Synod which unanimously decided to restrict the period of appointment for 10 years. "It has made the appointment for only 10 years, and this was also approved subsequently and informed to bishop Devasahayam. He also gave his consent in writing...Having accepted the appointment for a period of 10 years, now he cannot be permitted to say that he would continue till 65 years of age..."
Also, Devasahayam, who filed the suit against the Synod, did not seek the court's permission to sue an unincorporated body such as the Synod and hence the suit itself was not maintainable, the judges said. They then permitted Devasahayam to continue as caretaker bishop of the Madras Diocese until a new appointment is made.
Source: Times of India
08 May 2010
Church administration in the hands of people who have no Christian character and experience
Below is the notice sent to Bishop K P Kuruvilla, to remove people who have no Christian character and experience from the governance of the church. This is with regard to Earnest Edapally, who is a executive member and working committee of the CSI north Kerala Diocese. He was found guilty of economic misappropriation, tampering of govt records, forgery and fabrication of govt. records, to cover up the misappropriation. And is suspended from govt. service as on June, 2009. Please find the Surspension, by order of Governer of Kerala. A notice was issued by Mr. T J John of Holy Trinity CSI church, College hill, Aluva, Kerala, for his removal from the said bodies of the church as per the provisions of the constitution of the Church of South India.
From,
T J John (Member of Holy Trinity CSI Church, College hill, Aluva),
IV/542A, Prakrithi,
Swargam road, desom P.O,
Aluva – 683102
03rd May 2010
To,
Bishop K P Kuruvilla,
CSI north Kerala Diocesan office,
Shornur.
Dear Bishop,
Kindly refer to the constitution of diocese of north Kerala in the church of south India, printed as authorized and approved by the diocesan council held on 10 February 2009 and published by north Kerala diocese, CSI diocesan office PB no 104, shornur, Kerala – 689121 and printed at west life advertising, convent road Calicut – 32, and is claimed to be in force effective from 10 February 2009 of which copies are yet not available either in the diocesan office or in the book shops, or with the church authorities or congregation.
This has reference to Shri. Earnest Edapally, diocesan council member, executive member and the working committee member and also a close accomplice of your good self. In his capacity as Kunamangalam panchayath secretary, in the year 2002-2003 he had misappropriated 333 KG of rice meant for food against work for Govt. of Kerala, fabricating and tampering with the panchayath records. The Kerala state performance and audit officer verified and an enquiry is conducted and Shri. Earnest Edapally is found guilty and he is suspended from the govt. job as panchayath secretary with immediate effect by Govt. order no. 1584/ 2009 of 27-06-09 by order of governor of Kerala. The order copy is enclosed with.
By his action, he has forfeited his right to be a member of diocesan council by the constitution chapter 5 rule 35 read with rule 28 and chapter 2 rule 9 A. Consequently he has forfeited his membership in the executive and the working committee. Kindly treat this letter as an instrument of exhaustion of remedies as described in chapter 8 rule 3 before approaching appropriate court of law. Hence a reply of compliance of the constitution is required within 7 days from the receipt of this letter. Kindly act expediently and urgently since the matter is of purity of the church under chapter 8 rule 77 of the constitution.
Thanking you,
Yours truly
Sd/-
T J John
Enclosed Govt. order no. 1584 of 2009
From,
T J John (Member of Holy Trinity CSI Church, College hill, Aluva),
IV/542A, Prakrithi,
Swargam road, desom P.O,
Aluva – 683102
03rd May 2010
To,
Bishop K P Kuruvilla,
CSI north Kerala Diocesan office,
Shornur.
Dear Bishop,
Kindly refer to the constitution of diocese of north Kerala in the church of south India, printed as authorized and approved by the diocesan council held on 10 February 2009 and published by north Kerala diocese, CSI diocesan office PB no 104, shornur, Kerala – 689121 and printed at west life advertising, convent road Calicut – 32, and is claimed to be in force effective from 10 February 2009 of which copies are yet not available either in the diocesan office or in the book shops, or with the church authorities or congregation.
This has reference to Shri. Earnest Edapally, diocesan council member, executive member and the working committee member and also a close accomplice of your good self. In his capacity as Kunamangalam panchayath secretary, in the year 2002-2003 he had misappropriated 333 KG of rice meant for food against work for Govt. of Kerala, fabricating and tampering with the panchayath records. The Kerala state performance and audit officer verified and an enquiry is conducted and Shri. Earnest Edapally is found guilty and he is suspended from the govt. job as panchayath secretary with immediate effect by Govt. order no. 1584/ 2009 of 27-06-09 by order of governor of Kerala. The order copy is enclosed with.
By his action, he has forfeited his right to be a member of diocesan council by the constitution chapter 5 rule 35 read with rule 28 and chapter 2 rule 9 A. Consequently he has forfeited his membership in the executive and the working committee. Kindly treat this letter as an instrument of exhaustion of remedies as described in chapter 8 rule 3 before approaching appropriate court of law. Hence a reply of compliance of the constitution is required within 7 days from the receipt of this letter. Kindly act expediently and urgently since the matter is of purity of the church under chapter 8 rule 77 of the constitution.
Thanking you,
Yours truly
Sd/-
T J John
Enclosed Govt. order no. 1584 of 2009
05 May 2010
CSI Bishop Booked for Cheating, Forgery
May 4 2010
Cases under various sections of the IPC were booked against a CSI church bishop, his family members and private secretary following a complaint filed by member of a church alleging misappropriation of funds by them, police said today.
A metropolitan magistrate court had yesterday instructed the police to investigate into the complaint, filed by a member of St Peter's church in kolar gold fields, against the bishop, his wife, daughter and private secretary, police sources told PTI.
The complainant had alleged that the four have cheated Church of South India (CSI) to the tune of several lakhs by fabricating documents pertaining to the Bishop Cotton Boys' school and Bishop Cotton Girls' school.
It was charged that the bishop and his wife maintained a joint account in a bank and transferred funds from school accounts to their personal accounts. The alleged fraud has been going on since April 2002, according to the complainant.
"We have booked cases under cases ipc 406 (criminal breach of trust), 417, 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 477 a (falsification of accounts) and are investigating into it", the sources said.
The two schools are among the city's oldest and controlled by central diocese of the CSI.
-----
Bangalore Mirror reports:
Bishop Vasanth Kumar’s bank statements prove funds were transferred from school to his personal account
Bishop S Vasanth Kumar, who is facing a police inquiry following allegations that he has misused funds belonging to Bishop Cotton Boys and Girls School, has landed himself in soup. Just a day before he called an emergency meeting of the Church of South India, Karnataka Central Diocese (KCD) to transfer heads of the institutions functioning under KCD, startling documents have surfaced indicting the Bishop of misusing funds to the tune of lakhs of rupees over a period of 5-6 years.
Following the complaint registered against the Bishop, Bangalore Mirror managed to obtain the Bishop’s personal bank account statements.
These statements indicate he has ‘misguided’ schools to transfer funds into his personal account instead of KCD’s official account.
The Bishop’s personal bank account statement issued by Vijaya Bank, Residency Road branch, for a period between April 2006 and October 2006 indicates Bishop Cotton Boys School had contributed Rs 4 lakh through its SB account no 6988 on May 2, 2006 to the Bishop’s personal account no 118401010017030.
KCD sources maintain the amount should have been remitted to KCD’s account (56133003164) with the State Bank of Saurashtra, Mission Road branch.
Apparently, the Bishop had used this Rs 4 lakh to dole out favours to some of his cronies and also pay his daughter’s credit card bills. This confirms the allegations made by I Sounderraj of St Peter’s Church in KGF who has filed a police complaint against the Bishop. It was Sounderraj who went to the magistrate’s court and lodged a private complaint against the Bishop.
Further, the court had directed the Cubbon Park police to register a case against the Bishop and investigate the matter.
According to sources, the Bishop had asked the girls’ school too to transfer funds to his personal account. Sources indicate the meeting called by the Bishop to transfer principals of these two schools may witness heated debates.
It is being said the Bishop is initiating action against principals to prevent them from handing over sensitive documents to the Cubbon Park police and spilling the beans about him.
It’s normal practice for institutions functioning under KCD to contribute some amount every year to the Bishop’s discretionary funds. But these funds should go to an authorised account of KCD, which will be audited every year.
The Bishop is answerable to KCD and duty-bound to show how he has used these funds. He cannot direct schools to transfer funds to his account.
According to sources, principals have the letters sent by the Bishop asking them to transfer funds to his personal account. If these letters are handed over to the police, the Bishop will be in deep trouble.
Cases under various sections of the IPC were booked against a CSI church bishop, his family members and private secretary following a complaint filed by member of a church alleging misappropriation of funds by them, police said today.
A metropolitan magistrate court had yesterday instructed the police to investigate into the complaint, filed by a member of St Peter's church in kolar gold fields, against the bishop, his wife, daughter and private secretary, police sources told PTI.
The complainant had alleged that the four have cheated Church of South India (CSI) to the tune of several lakhs by fabricating documents pertaining to the Bishop Cotton Boys' school and Bishop Cotton Girls' school.
It was charged that the bishop and his wife maintained a joint account in a bank and transferred funds from school accounts to their personal accounts. The alleged fraud has been going on since April 2002, according to the complainant.
"We have booked cases under cases ipc 406 (criminal breach of trust), 417, 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 477 a (falsification of accounts) and are investigating into it", the sources said.
The two schools are among the city's oldest and controlled by central diocese of the CSI.
-----
Bangalore Mirror reports:
Bishop gobbles school funds
Bishop Vasanth Kumar’s bank statements prove funds were transferred from school to his personal account
Bishop S Vasanth Kumar, who is facing a police inquiry following allegations that he has misused funds belonging to Bishop Cotton Boys and Girls School, has landed himself in soup. Just a day before he called an emergency meeting of the Church of South India, Karnataka Central Diocese (KCD) to transfer heads of the institutions functioning under KCD, startling documents have surfaced indicting the Bishop of misusing funds to the tune of lakhs of rupees over a period of 5-6 years.
Following the complaint registered against the Bishop, Bangalore Mirror managed to obtain the Bishop’s personal bank account statements.
These statements indicate he has ‘misguided’ schools to transfer funds into his personal account instead of KCD’s official account.
The Bishop’s personal bank account statement issued by Vijaya Bank, Residency Road branch, for a period between April 2006 and October 2006 indicates Bishop Cotton Boys School had contributed Rs 4 lakh through its SB account no 6988 on May 2, 2006 to the Bishop’s personal account no 118401010017030.
KCD sources maintain the amount should have been remitted to KCD’s account (56133003164) with the State Bank of Saurashtra, Mission Road branch.
Apparently, the Bishop had used this Rs 4 lakh to dole out favours to some of his cronies and also pay his daughter’s credit card bills. This confirms the allegations made by I Sounderraj of St Peter’s Church in KGF who has filed a police complaint against the Bishop. It was Sounderraj who went to the magistrate’s court and lodged a private complaint against the Bishop.
Further, the court had directed the Cubbon Park police to register a case against the Bishop and investigate the matter.
According to sources, the Bishop had asked the girls’ school too to transfer funds to his personal account. Sources indicate the meeting called by the Bishop to transfer principals of these two schools may witness heated debates.
It is being said the Bishop is initiating action against principals to prevent them from handing over sensitive documents to the Cubbon Park police and spilling the beans about him.
It’s normal practice for institutions functioning under KCD to contribute some amount every year to the Bishop’s discretionary funds. But these funds should go to an authorised account of KCD, which will be audited every year.
The Bishop is answerable to KCD and duty-bound to show how he has used these funds. He cannot direct schools to transfer funds to his account.
According to sources, principals have the letters sent by the Bishop asking them to transfer funds to his personal account. If these letters are handed over to the police, the Bishop will be in deep trouble.
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