Bishop says inter-religious marriages against Christian values

Criticising the rising trend in inter-religious marriages in the Christian community, a Catholic bishop in Kerala today stirred a controversy saying such weddings should not be encouraged as it is against their values and beliefs.

Addressing a pastoral convention at nearby Kanjirapally, Idukki Bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil said Christian girls are being targetted by boys of other religions.

"Mixed marriages are against Christian beliefs. It will destroy our values and beliefs," he said adding the faithful should resist such trends and not fall prey to it.

Of 100 marriages solemnised in churches, over six are mixed weddings, he said.

Expressing concern over increasing divorce rate in the community, he said at least 5,000 people had done so. This is due to western influence and needs to be checked, he claimed.