Catholic Church wary of neo-Christian sects in Kerala

The Catholic Church in Kerala faces danger from neo-Christian sects weaning away its faithful, according to an opinion survey conducted in that state.

Published in a Malayalam book titled "Vazhithettunna Viswasangal" (deluding faiths), the survey highlights that majority of the 10,000 Catholic families (62 percent) surveyed was approached by either Pentecostals or neo-Christian sects to leave their Church.

Conducted by Alwaye's St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, the survey notes that at least 28 percent had attended prayer meetings or healing services conducted by these groups.

Additionally, majority of the Catholics said that they were unable to defend their faith and the Church's teachings. Some 53 percent said they had no answers to the criticism and arguments the sects made against the Church.

As many as 65 percent said they had no idea about the Catholic teachings on matters like infant baptism and so could not counter them, as reported by the Conference of Religious India.

Furthermore, the survey showed that some 35 percent Catholics subscribed to neo-Christian and Pentecostal publications and television shows.

Interestingly, the survey also explored on reasons why Catholics joined neo-Christian sects. Some 50 percent of the people surveyed attributed the reason to "ignorance".

Startlingly, many even imputed the reason to "economical gains, selfish motives while the rest others blamed Church leaders' behavior for forcing them to quit their Catholic faith."

According to the report, the most vulnerable group are said to be those living in the Persian Gulf nations.