Catholic youths enter the fray at Church’s behest

A large number of Catholic youngsters are in the fray in this local body election at the behest of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).

According to KCBC Youth Commission secretary and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) director Fr. Ditto Koola, youngsters from 32 dioceses under three rites of the Church are contesting the election. “The Church has no favourites and the Christian youths are contesting under the United Democratic Front (UDF), Left Democratic Front (LDF), and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banners in various local bodies,” said Fr. Koola.

“Present and former representatives of Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM), and KCYM-Latin are contesting. To encourage the youth to enter politics, the youth commission had conducted a rally in 32 dioceses. The Catholic Church aims to encourage value-based politics among the youth. Their participation will help bring in a positive political culture,” said Fr. Koola. “The youth commission has asked all dioceses to submit the list of their members who are candidates in this election,” said the priest.

‘A positive move’

Merin Thomas, a UDF candidate in the Kuravilangad panchayat ward 9, said she was interested in joining politics. “The Church’s call to the youth to join politics is a positive move. Youngsters should enter politics as only they can create a change in society,” said Ms. Thomas. The candidate is an LLB student and joint secretary of SMYM Kuravilangad. 

Fr. Tom Olikkarott, secretary and spokesperson for the Commission for Media of the Syro-Malabar Church said that in this election, youngsters from all communities are contesting. “The Church welcomes the positive trend. Youngsters will get an opportunity to share their ideas and can get involved in all issues in society with a clear vision,” said Fr. Olikkarott.

The KCBC had issued a circular on July 6, the Church’s Youth Day, urging Christian youngsters to join active politics. “Catholic youth organisations should train young women and men with leadership qualities and bring them into the mainstream. Qualified youths must come forward for this mission, recognising it as essential for society, particularly the Christian community,” read the circular.