Priest's homily provokes brawl
August 22, 2011
Critics of a controversial priest fought with his defenders inside a Catholic church in Kerela, India, on August 21, forcing police to intervene. Ten people required hospital treatment after the melee.
Father Francis Muthedath, the pastor of St. Mary’s church in Kottekkad, apparently triggered the violence when he criticized parishioners who had lobbied—successfully—to have him transferred out of the parish. The priest referred to his critics as communists, enraging them and provoking fights with other parishioners.
Local police said that they would expect parishioners to keep the peace until next week, when Father Muthedath is leaving the parish.
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