Church and Corruption
Editor,
I had written my response to Albert Thyrniang’s essay, ‘Bishops and the Church’ (ST Oct 5, 2023) but never posted it. Reading Vesuvius Diengdoh’s letter, ‘Mawkhar Church Committee: An unholy scam, (Dec. 15, 2023) has made me rewrite that letter. I’m really not a rigid denominational person. But let me focus on what jarred me about Vesuvius’ letter, “that all residents of Sohmylleng belong to the Roman Catholic church,” and the dilemma it faces.
All Anglican schools, established before and after Independence across the country had an open door policy on school admission. Christian students were admitted irrespective of denominations. In the school I studied in, 70% were Roman Catholics! A miniscule number were Anglicans! All expenses were borne by the overseas Committees. Not a paisa was collected from the parents! And with pride in our schools, I carry this truth sharing with people who are so caught up with denominational Christianity!
Now back to the core issue of the church. God’s Ministry today, (across all denominations I surmise) has become an institutionalised body of corruption and irreligious activities. Harsh assumptions/allegations some would conclude, but it is a hard fact backed by concrete evidence-based truth.
Our Church of North and South India is currently caught up with nefarious and ungodly functioning with court cases galore against the top hierarchy! Mind you this is nothing new! Since the amalgamation of churches under CNI/CSI corruption, nepotism and political intrigue has been played out openly by the powers that be! The previous Moderator along with a few Bishops, priests and family members are imprisoned without bail.
Bishops, as the head of dioceses, have ruined many Christian institutions, missions and charitable organisations. By virtue of their designation as bishops, they are the Chairpersons, Presidents of all governing and managerial bodies and they rule the roost! Quite a few Bishops have minted enough money to open their own schools in metropolitan cities, construct a few floors to run guest houses, built other assets in cities before retirement! Something just impossible on a Bishop’s salary!
The dark and ugly side of churches will always find supporters among the congregation, clergy, elected members of various managing committees and the hierarchy. Earlier, I would burn with a red hot anger over these Robed Robbers! But not today. I rest in the comforting assurance that they will be held accountable and will face the wrath of God,’ for there is nothing permanent and durable in this world;”. We as laymen must continue living our lives as true believers! My heart aches when I reflect on the selflessness of missionaries who surrendered themselves in the service of God. Their journeys to far flung places along with their families, that include babies and toddlers, just moves me to marvel at their resilience, commitment and dedication in the service of God! They truly denied themselves, took up their cross to spread the Good News and serve the people in His name leaving a legacy, only to be destroyed by the New Age hierarchical church order. Corruption is so embedded in the priesthood today that the honest and sincere young clergy get drawn into the system and become drunk on the glitter and glamour of a lifestyle lost in the ways of the flesh and of the world! They become stubborn supporters of Bishops because they see how tasty the jam is spread on both sides of their morning toast!
History has revealed to us what shocking and unimaginable horrors the churches have committed and the secrecy is well guarded. We are so ready to dismiss the churches’ wrongdoings as rumours or someone having a hidden agenda or dismissing it as church politics that need to be brushed aside or taken with a pinch of salt.
The impeccably ornate regalia worn by Bishops is designed to project a halo of holiness and infallibility to believers. We are mesmerized by the aura of the ‘costume’! And Not by the ‘Lowliness’ that Christ demonstrates by His life on this earth! I know I’ll be widely criticised but I draw my strength and support from 1Thessonian1vs 3: We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yours etc.,
Kevin Phillips
Shillong – 19