Disgusting opinions

(Letter to Editor published in Gomantak Times, 20 jan 2012)
Some of the opinions glorifying the entry of Catholic priests into contesting State Assembly elections are simply disgusting. On one hand we read and hear about how lay people resent the control of priests in managing Church affairs and accuse them of not being transparent and accountable, while in the same breath we hear noises about how 40 priests are desperately needed to cleanse the corrupt governance in Goa.
We wonder whether these views are genuine, or just meant to split minority votes and polarise communities during elections with a long term agenda of creating confusion within the rank and file of the Catholic Church. Some of the Parishes are already ridden with division and strife because of some irresponsible and unscrupulous Parish Priests aligning with some corrupt politicians. And what would be the role of the lay citizens once the Babas, Mullahs, Gurus, Swamys and Padris take over Parliament and State Assemblies? Sing bhajans, kirtans and hymns? Go on pilgrimages to Shirdi and Vailankani? Or take off to the moon?
-Soter D'Souza