Kerala bishops want to vote for secularism

Kerala goes to the polls on April 23 to elect 20 Lok Sabha candidates.

Kochi:  The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has asked people to support candidates who "protect democracy and secularism".
in the upcoing Lok Sabha elections.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 23 to elect 20 Lok Sabha candidates.

A circular issued by KCBC President Archbishop Soosa Pakiam on Tuesday said: "KCBC wishes to make it clear that they will not support any political front or political party or any candidate. We do not wish to interfere in the freedom of our laity.

"But at the same time, the KCBC will be with those who protect democracy and secularism and who will work for the upliftment of the country," said the circular.

The KCBC, the Regional Bishops Council for Kerala, is constituted under the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI).

The churches that come under KCBC includes the Syro Malabar Church, Syro Malankara Church and Latin Church.

Catholics in Kerala constitute 50 per cent of the 61.41 lakh Christians in Kerala, which is home to 334 lakh people.

IANS