A poster depicting Catholic youths in Pala Diocese contesting local body elections | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A large number of Catholic youths are in the fray in this local body election on the behest of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).
According to KCBC Youth Commission Secretary and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) Director Fr. Ditto Koola, young people from 32 dioceses under three ecclesiastical rites, compete in the elections. “The Church has no favorites and Christian youths are contesting under the banners of United Democratic Front (UDF), Left Democratic Front (LDF) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in various local bodies,” said Fr. Cool.
“Present and former representatives of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) and KCYM-Latin are competing. To encourage the youth to enter politics, the youth commission organized rallies in 32 dioceses. The Catholic Church aims to encourage value-based politics among the youth. Their participation will help bring about a positive political culture,” Fr Koola said. “The youth commission has asked all dioceses to submit a list of their members who are running in this election,” said the priest.
“Positive Step”
Merin Thomas, the UDF candidate in Kuravilangad panchayat ward 9, said she was interested in entering politics. “The church’s call for young people to join politics is a positive step. Young people should join politics because only they can create change in society,” said Ms Thomas. The candidate is an LLB student and Joint Secretary of SMYM Kuravilangad.
Fr. Tom Olikkarott, Secretary and Spokesperson of the Media Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church said that young people from all communities are contesting in these elections. “The Church welcomes a positive trend. Young people will get the opportunity to share their thoughts and can engage in all the problems of society with a clear vision,” said Fr. Olikkarott.
KCBC issued a circular on July 6, Church Youth Day, urging Christian youth to get involved in active politics. “Catholic youth organizations should train young women and men with leadership qualities and bring them into the mainstream. Qualified youth must stand up for this mission and recognize that it is essential for society, especially for the Christian community,” the circular said.
Published – 21 Nov 2025 21:05 IST
