Church played savior for bishop, says nun's family

Kottayam: The family of the nun, who filed a sexual abuse complaint against a bishop in the order, have alleged that the church has been trying to save the accused.

Following the sexual allegation against bishop of Jalandhar Archdiocese, the family is pointing to serious flaws on the part of the church.

According to the family, both the Latin Church and Syro-Malabar church ignored the sexual abuse complaint. All tried to save the bishop. They said that the bishop cannot be penalised and the issues can be solved through prayers. There was an effort to make the complainant into a defendant and save the bishop. Though the nun complained that she had been exploited continuously, churches hesitated to move. The family told that Mother Superior of Jalandhar also told the alleged victim that the problems could be solved through prayers.

Meanwhile, as the inquiry is moving to its final phase, the family is trying to produce maximum evidence to prove the allegation. They told media that all available evidence was handed over to the investigation team. The family has produced scientific evidence to wage the legal battle. It is learned that a section of the order is also supporting the kins of the nun, who stands firm against the accused.

The family has denied the allegations raised by the bishop and termed them baseless. They also denied the claim that the bishop was the first to file a complaint against her. They assert that the nun was the first to file a complaint against the bishop.

The nun filed a complaint with the Mother Superior of Jalandhar Diocese in 2017. In follow of the complaint, Mother General reached Kuruvingalat and met the nun. Members of the family also were present at the meeting. The family has given the photos and documents related to the meeting to the police.

Cardinal Mar Alanchery was not apprised of the abuse. He was informed of the excesses and exploitation in the church. He instructed to file complaint with the Vatican's mission in India. In follow of that, a complaint was filed in November 2017. But no action followed. It was then decided to file a complaint with police as it became clear that no action would be taken against the accused, the family said.