Priest admits to idol worship in churches

Posted March 14, 2009


12 March 2009
Indian Express
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BANGALORE: In a revelation that could have widespread ramifications, Father Joseph Menengis, priest of St James Church in Mariyannapalya, Bangalore, confessed before the Justice B K Somashekara Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday that idol worship was being performed in churches to attract Hindus and convert them to Christianity.

The Commission is inquiring into the recent attacks on churches in Karnataka.

“Hindus believe in idol worship
. So to attract them to Christianity, idol worship is performed in churches,� Menengis said.

During cross-examination, the priest said that “despite idol worship being prohibited in Bible, we have idol worship in churches.� “The duty of every Christian is to convert non-Christians to Christianity by any means,� the priest told the commission.

St James Church was attacked by miscreants on September 21, 2008.

The church is running co-education institutions, with classes from first to eight standard.

During cross-examination the priest confessed that “no girl students are permitted to use kumkum, bangles and wear flowers. In our institution, we have moral science textbook.

But it does not contain texts regarding Holy Bible and Jesus,� the priest added.

The commission has requested the priest to submit the textbook to it.