(Nov. 23, 2011)In India, a regional bishops’ council has joined civil society groups
in identifying corruption as an immediate challenge for the Church. Jesuit Fr. Cedric
Prakash, who presided over a recent meeting of the Agra Regional Bishops’ Council
and other groups, said opposition to corruption was fundamental to faith. “If one
is a true disciple of Jesus, one cannot but be against the very notion of corruption.
Christian discipleship necessitates honesty, accountability and transparency,” he
said. He further urged participants to oppose corruption through the ballet box by
electing honest politicians. “Corruption is not only about taking money but also about
our attitude of indifference towards corruption,” Fr Prakash added. Bishop Oswald
Lewis of Jaipur diocese in Rajasthan said that just as corruption remains a challenge
for society at large, the issue also affects the Church. “Corruption in society is
rampant and Church personnel, being part of the society, are also involved in corrupt
practices,” he said, though refusing to identify specific instances of corruption
within the Church. Bishop Raphy Manjaly of Varanasi diocese told the gathering that
individuals inside or outside the Church, should make sure “their own house is in
order” while also working to eradicate corruption in society.