Pastoral letter bars atheists from holding Church offices

According to the pastoral letter issued by the Thrissur Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, "Atheists and those working with atheists and materialistic organisations will not be allowed to hold offices in the tributary organisations in the church."

The Archdiocese had the letter being read during the Sunday masses and also at educational institutions urging it would make no compromise with regard to belief in God.

The seven–page pastoral letter pointed out that followers of Jesus Christ could not be atheists and those who take up responsibilities in the church and organisations should express their belief and commitment to righteousness and obedience to church authorities.

The church urged people to not be misled by political organisations which are spiritually blind and morally weak.

"Nevertheless, after gaining power, they change their colour by bringing pressures, challenges and misleading propaganda to undermine the institutions in the fields of education, religion, social, cultural and communication with a view to imposing atheism," it said.

The Archbishop warned the faithful to always remain with the Church and to be socially committed.