Church to help large families in Kerala
To counter the demographic decline of the Syro-Malabar community, the Diocese of Pala will provide financial support to couples with five children. Those with at least four children will also receive other forms of aid. These families are among the most affected by the COVID-19 emergency.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Church in Kerala announced an economic aid plan to support large families, as part of pro-family initiatives adopted by the local Syro-Malabar Church.
“In recent years, the birth rate in the Christian community fell by 14 per cent,” said Archbishop Joseph Perumthottam of Changanassery. “When Kerala was established as a state, Christians were the second largest community; today they are 18.38 per cent of the total population.”
In view of the situation, the Apostolate for the Family of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Pala is offering 1,500 rupees (about 20 dollars) in financial support per month to couples who married after 2000 and have at least five children.
In addition, women who have a fourth child can receive free assistance in Church-run health facilities, while children who already have at least three siblings can receive scholarships in the diocese-run college.
This initiative, explains Fr Joseph Kuttiankal, director of the Apostolate of the family, is designed to provide support to large families who are now facing the consequences of COVID-19 as well.
Younger couples are the most vulnerable because in most cases only one member is able to work and earn a living.
The initiative has also received sharp criticism on social media from those who see it as a deliberate attempt by the Syro-Malabar Church to strengthen the community in Kerala.
For Church authorities, such views are completely unfounded.
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07/02/2019 17:28
12/07/2021 16:01
