Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, UCA Director Jeevan Vas said the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese has framed rules which he claimed are against the fundamental rights and freedom of speech and expression, with effect from November 1, 2010.

Bishop clarifies

When contacted, Mangalore Diocese Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said that the rules pertaining to the Church are revised every three years and they are formed in consultation with experts and representatives of all the 158 churches spread in the three districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod, coming under the diocese of Mangalore.

He also informed that as many as 32 consultation meetings were held before finalising the rules and regulations of the Church. To a query, the Bishop said that those persons who file cases against the Church can not be part of pastoral council, as per the Canon law (applicable to churches). “Only those persons who fulfil the requirement and are qualified, can be part of pastoral council,” the Bishop added.

Xmas message

In his Christmas message, the Bishop said that the Christmas is not only celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. “It is spreading of the message of love and sacrifice, that the Christ stood for,” he said and hoped that this Christmas will help in spreading the universal brotherhood at a time when tensed situations are quite common. Diocese Chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira, PRO Fr William Menezes and CODP Director Fr Onil D’Souza were present.