By Matters India Reporter

Chennai: “It is time we ponder on a proactive stand on our religious life: it is relevance and need for people and Church today,” said Capuchin Father Nithiya Sagayam, human rights activist and retreat preacher.

Speaking to Matters India, in the backdrop of latest sex scandals in India and other parts of India, Father Sagayam said, “Review of our institutional functioning- purpose and effect is a must. Formation to the priesthood and religious life – preparing to face challenges or preparing for comfort zones has to be done carefully. The ongoing formation of priests, brothers and sisters -critical evaluation of personal mission in life and its effectiveness has to be planned.”

The centering on Gospel commitment against an excess focus on intellectualism based promotions is to be checked, said Father Sagayam, former secretary of Office of Human Development (OHD) of the Federation of the Asian Bishops Conferences.

The church needs to focus on personal mission-based commitment against preparation for running institutions, he added.

“We have to focus on spirituality against ritualism. Centering on God experience, the life of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit against excessive focus on increasing pious practices with the direct connection to the economy can be sacrificed,” the priest said.

Becoming actually Church of the poor by life and ministry rather than the present manifestation of being the money centers is to be seen.

Taking the radical option for the poorest and the marginalized (Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, who form 70% of Indian Christians) rather than becoming caste-based, power based and Rite based in fights and competitions is must, he said.

“When will we ever change?” he asked.