The Kerala Nun, Bishop & Church
As
a child growing up in Kerala, I went to a school run by the Christian
Missionaries. One of the earliest memories I have from school is of a Sister
(that’s what we call Nuns in Kerala) wearing a white dress looking after all of
us like her own kids. Children used to LOVE her. We used to surround her, hug
her, and loved to be around her. This story is not unique to me. Many who have spent
their childhood in Kerala will relate to what I have described above.
Nuns
in Kerala, like everywhere in the world are a respected community. There is a
certain sense of revered deference in the way the public interacts with them.
Today,
a nun has come out in the open seeking justice. Many more have come out in
support of her. I strongly feel this is the time to rally behind that nun and
reassure her with our love and support in her pursuit for justice.
The
church has a great deal of power, influence and respect in the state of Kerala.
Rather than taking the short-term vision of its image being maligned due to
this case, the church should look at this moment as an opportunity to set
right, all the wrongs that some of its members might have endured over the
past. If the church does that, this moment in time will shine through when
years later, someone looks back at its history and this moment will make its
followers proud.
People
of Kerala look up to the church and the catholic society for all the good work
they do in areas of education, healthcare and other noble causes. If the church
puts its might behind the nun and fights for her cause, the image of church
will only become more pristine in the eyes of the people.
Also,
why should church be ashamed of one person who might have gone way ward? The
institution is larger than the person in all regards. This is not a cross that
the church should carry over its shoulders. If at all there is any burden that
the church should carry on its shoulders, it should be the burden of
alleviating the pain and sorrow the nun had to go through in her journey of
being a follower of the church.
From the Bible,
“He
said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He
got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.”
The
church, its people and their faith are far greater than one Bishop. It is only
the men of little faith who will try to suppress the oppressed and cover up the
crime. A true believer will embrace the Nun who is wronged and assuage her of
her fears and will fight for her justice.
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