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| Prof. T.J. Joseph |
Joseph's counsel delayed his reinstatement: Church
TNN | Apr 7, 2014, 12.36 AM IST
Kochi:
The Kothamangalam diocese on Sunday issued a pastoral letter saying lecturer T J Joseph's counsel had delayed his reinstatement in service.
The pastoral letter, read out in some parishes on Sunday also said the act of reinstating Joseph in service was an act of benevolence on the part of the church
Joseph had been seeking reinstatement in service before his retirement on March 31 and he was reinstated on March 28, following pressure on the church after his wife Salomi committed suicide.
Diocesan chancellor Father George Thekkekara said the pastoral letter was issued to explain the church's stand on the issue.
"We haven't got an opportunity to describe facts related to the issue. That's why we decided to issue a pastoral letter. However, we don't want to blame anybody, including Prof Joseph," he said.
Joseph, however, said it was not true to say his counsel delayed the case in the university appellant tribunal. "My counsel was trying to settle the case and get me reinstated as soon as possible,'' he said.
"The pastoral letter was not read out in our parish and I don't have all the details. I heard that the letter was read out in some other churches... However, I am really thankful to the church for reinstating me. My family is relieved with the church's decision."?
Joseph, a Malayalam professor, was terminated from service by the management of Newman College, Thodupuzha, following the row over a question paper that reportedly hurt religious sentiments. His right hand was chopped off by religious extremists in 2010.
Courtesy: UCAN
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