The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka has expressed its full support for Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and the Catholic Church’s efforts to seek truth and justice for victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
The Bishops’ Conference issuing a statement strongly condemned what it describes as recent attempts on social media to spread false and defamatory content against the Cardinal and certain members of the clergy. It further notes that some groups are attempting to distort facts related to the 2019 Easter attacks, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
The Bishops’ Conference also rejected allegations that Cardinal Ranjith is using the Easter attacks to extend his tenure, calling such claims misleading and unacceptable. It said efforts to misrepresent Canon law and mislead the general public on Church procedures were deeply regrettable.
According to the statement, under Canon Law (Canon 401), bishops are required to submit their resignation to the Holy Father upon reaching the age of 75. However, the acceptance of the resignation and any decision regarding an extension of service rests solely with the Pope.
It further noted that Cardinal Ranjith submitted his resignation upon reaching the age of 75 and is continuing to fulfill his responsibilities until a decision is made by the Holy See.
“The implementation of Church law and the power structures of the Church cannot be compared with political systems. Unlike civil governance, authority in the Catholic Church is rooted in divine ministry,” the statement said.
The Bishops’ Conference also praised Cardinal Ranjith’s service to both the local and universal Church, stating that he has consistently stood for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks with sincerity and integrity.
It added that the Cardinal continues to receive the unwavering support of the Sri Lankan Catholic community and the Bishops’ Conference.
The statement has been issued with the signatures of the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, His Eminence Archbishop Harold Anthony Perera, and the Secretary General, His Eminence Anton Ranjith, Apostolic Administrator of Batticaloa and Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo.
