Is the Cardinal creeping into politics?

I am somewhat surprised as to why, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has woken up from his deep slumber and in unusual fashion is engaging in politics. It is quite obvious from the statements he makes that he is anti-government and has become a spokesman for the opposition. Nothing is said in praise of the government and so far has not found any fault with the previous administration and appears to have forgotten its misdeeds.

If necessary -- In a recent speech he said that the report by the three-member committee which probed the incident can also be biased like all the previous ones. I do not understand why the Cardinal is so interested in politics

There are weaknesses no doubt in the present government but why has he so far not praised the army, navy and the police for the splendid work they have done and are continuing to do since the bomb attack. We have not experienced any more attacks since then -- thanks to the efforts of the government and the security forces. Has he ever appreciated their efforts other than to keep asking this government to resign?

In a recent speech he said that the report by the three-member committee which probed the incident can also be biased like all the previous ones. I do not understand why the Cardinal is so interested in politics. He should understand that when he points a finger at the government, three fingers are pointed at his own institution, the Catholic Church. It is easy to blame the person who manages affairs without analyzing the weaknesses in his own institution. What about the mess within the Catholic Church? Child molestation, harassment of nuns, large scale robberies of church funds and corruption, to quote just a few.

I raise my hat to Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was bold enough to point out some weaknesses of the Cardinal and to report him to the Pope. I wish someone does it soon.

One last question, Did the Cardinal ever visit the non-catholic Zion Church in Batticaloa and sympathise with the affected people there? After all they are Christians too and children of God. But he was ever ready to visit the Rathana Thera - Why? Is it for publicity or politics?

M.R. DE

MEL WATTALA.