Kochi: Even as the Syro Malabar Church is hopeful of amicably resolving the recent land deal row in Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese, laymen association of St. Raphael's Church, Ezhupunna, has demanded inquiry into another controversial land deal.
The association representatives, addressing a press conference here on Thursday, alleged that Archdiocese auxiliary bishop Mar Sebastian Adayantharath is behind the Ezhupunna church land deal in 2009.
Even when there was no need to dispose of the property, a hurried sale was executed in a questionable manner. The Church Trust suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1.8 crore as even the nominal proceedings from the sale were not received, it is alleged. When the shady deal was questioned, an inquiry commission was constituted which found that the Church got only a portion of the land price.
Though the probe commission report was submitted to the Forane vicar and diocese, no action was taken as the deal was with the knowledge of archdiocese, alleged association vice-president George Mathew and joint secretary Reji Raphael
The association demanded immediate enactment of Church Act to bring transparency and accountability in administration of church properties.
