Archdiocese of Mumbai condemns self-styled “Church” causing confusion among the faithful

In a pastoral letter, Archbishop John Rodrigues clarifies that the “Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ” is not in communion with the Pope and has nothing to do with the local Catholic Church. Promoted by a former married priest, it has called for a “mass protest” on 5 June against injustices towards Christians. But dividing the community by confusing people is not the way to combat discrimination.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) – In the face of growing confusion caused by social media posts and news reports concerning an organisation calling itself the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ of India, the Archdiocese of Mumbai has issued a pastoral letter clarifying that this organisation is not part of the Catholic Church led by Pope Leo XIV.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of a campaign by the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ, which is promoting a major protest scheduled to take place at Azad Maidan on 5 June. Posters circulating online feature the self-styled Bishop Donald Rodrigues and call on members of the Christian community to take part in a demonstration against the “injustices and atrocities committed against the Christian community”. The promotional material calls for people to unite in defence of constitutional rights and religious freedom, citing Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.

Donald Rodrigues is a former diocesan priest ordained in 2005 who – after asking the then Archbishop, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, to be dispensed from his priestly duties – married and joined this group which calls itself the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ. Recently, a former seminarian from the Archdiocese of Mumbai was also unlawfully ordained first as a deacon and then as a priest in this self-styled Church (pictured).

In a pastoral letter dated 25 May, the Archbishop of Mumbai, John Rodrigues, categorically states that the group, despite using the term ‘Catholic’ in its name, is not in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and does not fall under the ecclesiastical authority of the Pope. The Archdiocese also warns Catholics against participating in liturgical celebrations or receiving the sacraments in communities that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church, noting that such participation would be contrary to the norms of the Church.

Whilst noting that the Catholic Church recognises the validity of certain sacraments administered by certain non-Catholic churches, the archbishop emphasised that such recognition does not amount to ecclesiastical communion nor does it constitute permission for ordinary participation in their sacramental life. The archbishop urged the faithful to remain firmly rooted in the teachings, sacramental life and governance of the Catholic Church, especially “in an age of confusion and misinformation”.

Catholics who have doubts regarding the organisation’s status or its activities were advised to seek guidance from their parish priests or to contact the Chancery at the Archbishop’s House.

Melwyn Fernandes, secretary of theAssociation of Concerned Christians, stated: “We fully support the pastoral letter issued by Archbishop John Rodrigues and reaffirm our loyalty to the Catholic Church under the leadership of Leo XIV. At a time when misinformation and confusion are creating divisions, it is essential that the faithful remain united in faith, in the sacraments and in full communion with the Church.”

“Whilst firmly condemning every instance of discrimination and atrocity against Christians,” he added, “we believe that street protests and marches alone cannot resolve these challenges. The way forward lies in unity, in legal and democratic action, in prayer and in constructive dialogue that strengthens the Christian community rather than dividing it.”