KOCHI: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference, an apex body of the Catholic Church in the state, on Sunday criticized the state government over the growing number of liquor outlets and alleged inaction against alcoholism and drug abuse.
The KCBC Temperance Committee issued a circular that was read in Catholic churches across the state.
In the circular, Bishop Ambrose Puthenvithil, chairman of the committee, said that anti-liquor and drug activities are being carried out across 32 dioceses of the Catholic Church in Kerala.
“While the church and social organizations raise their voices against alcohol and drugs, the authorities often fail to take effective measures to control or prevent them. Instead, alcohol outlets continue to expand,” the post said.
Despite previous promises to reduce the availability of alcohol, the number of liquor outlets has increased significantly, KCBC said.
“Today, the state has thousands of bars, beverage outlets and snack shops,” she said.
At the same time, dangerous drugs such as MDMA and marijuana are spreading throughout the state, the commission said.
Government assessments indicate that about 1,400 schools have become hotspots for drug activity.
“Even young children fall into the trap of the drug mafia. If parents do not remain vigilant, the future of our children will be in danger. Recent events – including murders, violent family conflicts and horrific crimes – reveal the horrific consequences of alcohol and drug abuse,” the post read.
The circular claimed that alcohol and other intoxicants had deeply penetrated homes, families and youth.
“The consequences of alcohol and drug abuse have severely affected society. Family ties are silently broken. Mothers cry behind closed doors. Children live in fear. Homes built with love are turning into centers of conflict, violence and even murder,” the report stated.
KCBC said the church must rise up like the prophets and confront this evil, adding that silence in the face of such devastation would in itself be a sin.
He added: “The church must work with full commitment to protect children and youth from addiction and ensure their future.”
KCBC celebrated Anti-Alcohol and Drug Control Day on Sunday through several programs organized by the committee at various churches across the state.
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