Controversial priest to speak online

An Indian Catholic priest whose invitation to appear at an event in Dublin in 2019 was withdrawn following controversial remarks surrounding autism and homosexuality is set to appear in an online event being advertised in Cork.

Fr Dominic Valanmanal of the Eastern Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in India is one of a list of speakers set to appear at an online international bible convention next week. The priest made headlines in 2019 when he allegedly made comments comparing children with disabilities to animals and blamed homosexuality and other “addictions” for increased numbers of children born with autism. Visits to Ireland, Canada and Australia were all cancelled as a result.

Although the bible convention is not mandatory for church members and is not taking place here in Cork, a number of the local Syro-Malabar community are unhappy that Fr Valanmanal has been included in the event and that it is being promoted on the Cork church’s Facebook page.

The Syro-Malabar Church in Cork falls under the remit of Bishop of Cork and Rosh Fintan Gavin who confirmed he and his office were entirely unaware of the promotion of the event in Cork.

A spokesperson for Bishop Gavin said: “The bishop or his office wasn’t aware of the notice on the Facebook page and the bishop’s office is following up on the matter now.”

A member of the Syro-Malabar Church in Cork told the Cork Independent they can’t understand why Fr Valanmanal has been given this opportunity to reach an Irish audience.

“His comments are really offensive. There are so many other speakers or priests out there. It's so offensive and everybody is upset,” said the church member.

In 2019, Fr Valanmanal was scheduled to hold a retreat in Ireland but ultimately his invitation to appear was withdrawn following a petition launched by members of the Indian Catholic community in Ireland.

Speaking to the Cork Independent, Regional Co-ordinator of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Cork, Fr Sibi Arackal said the online event is fully optional and that it is church members’ own personal choice to attend.

“The event is organized by Syro Malabar Apostolic Visitation of Europe. I am the chaplain in charge of Syro Malabar Catholic Church of Cork. It's my responsibility to promote official events to its members,” said Fr Arackal.

He added: “This event is not based in Ireland and can only accessed through the shared links.”

Based in Kerela in India, the Eastern Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has approximately 4,000 members in Ireland.

Cork services are held in St Joseph’s Church in Wilton and in the Church of Most Precious Blood in Clogheen.