Church initiates disciplinary action against priest for Sabarimala pilgrimage; 'Will climb the holy hills' says Anglican priest Manoj

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Christian priest Reverend Dr. Manoj K G gleamed in news for the past few days for his spiritual decision to ascend the holy hills of Sabarimala. However, now the priest is caught up in a muddle with the church deciding to take punitive action against him for his heathen act.

The church revoked Father Manoj's license and identity card for alleged violation of creeds. It was Kerala Kaumudi that released the news about Anglican priest Father Manoj's visit to Sabarimala last day. The topic soon turned into a matter of discussion with many other media portals following suit. It was under this limelight that the church decided to reprimand Father Manoj for his planned pilgrimage to a Hindu sacred spot.

Meanwhile, Father Manoj responded to Kerala Kaumudi for the first time since the issue flared up. “The current corrective measures forced against me is taken from the Old Testament, which has gone redundant”

Amidst all the chaos circling him, Father Manoj is least perturbed and is adamant to climb the holy hills of Sabarimala whatever may come.

Fr. Manoj said that the 'Tatvamasi' philosophy brought him closer to Ayyappan. ''God is one. Only religions see God in different ways. All religions say one thing. God cannot be confined to the fence of religion. There is a problem in the world that can be solved if everyone realizes this. There is no need to leave one's religion to know other religions. All religions aim at human good" -Fr. Manoj.

After fasting for 41 days, Anglican priest Father Dr Manoj will embark on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala where he will diligently observe all the rituals. On the 20th day, following the completion of his fast, the rituals will take place at the Tirumala Mahadeva temple.