Team formed to probe suspended Indian bishop; Kerala lay leader alleges financial corruption

October 28, 2008

Felix J. Pullooden, president of the Latin Catholic Association, has linked purported financial corruption among the clergy of the Diocese of Cochin with the suspension of Bishop John Thattumkal for adopting a 26-year-old woman as his daughter. Mr. Pullooden said that complaints about the adoption arose after ‘the bishop unearthed multi-million-rupee financial irregularities.’ Earlier reports had stated the woman’s alleged visions had helped the bishop uncover financial irregularities.

On Saturday, Verapoly Archbishop Daniel Acharuparmbil, now diocesan administrator, appointed a three-member bishops’ commission to conduct an investigation. Bishop Thattumkal remains in his diocese, at a house of his religious congregation.

 

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Further information:

• Suspended bishop moves out, new team in (ICNS)
• Team formed to probe suspended bishop (ICNS)
• Corruption Among Clergy Led To Bishop's Suspension, Lay Leaders Suggest (UCAN)
• Pope suspends bishop who adopted 26-year-old woman (CWN, Oct. 24)
• Church investigation after Kerala bishop adopts woman visionary (CWN, Oct. 20)