Kasargod: The Church Finance Committee and members of the Pastoral Council of Christ the King Church, Kayyar, have issued a detailed clarification regarding the demolition of the old church building after a video showing the structure and Cross collapsing went viral on social media.

Roshan D’Souza, vice president of the Church Pastoral Council, and secretary Josveer D’Souza stated that they were saddened by the visuals but alleged that several facts were being misrepresented. They said the decision to demolish the old building was taken after due process, consultations and necessary approvals.

Panchayat and diocesan approvals

According to the statement, a request was submitted to Paivalike panchayat seeking inspection of the old church building and issuance of a fitness report. The panchayat reportedly informed that it was not possible to issue a positive fitness certificate as the structure had become dilapidated. Subsequently, a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (Order No: 5836970/2025) dated November 21, 2025, was issued permitting demolition.

As the parish comes under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, the Bishop, with the approval of the Diocesan Finance Committee, granted a diocesan ‘No Objection Certificate’ on February 12, 2026.

Demolition work began on February 15, 2026.

Controversy over viral video

The committee stated that controversy arose when certain individuals who wanted to preserve the old church objected to the demolition or were allegedly told not to record videos. Abusive remarks were reportedly made against committee members and the parish priest, and accusations of illegal demolition were levelled.

They clarified that no one was prevented from recording videos. However, they alleged that some individuals waited for three days and later circulated a video of the Cross being brought down in an attempt to portray the priest as guilty.

The committee maintained that every effort was made to carefully remove the Cross. They said the church tower had not been accessed for nearly ten years for repair work and that climbing it was extremely dangerous. The Cross had reportedly developed cracks after being struck by lightning a few years ago. As the tower was shaking and structurally weak, relocating the Cross intact became impossible. They pointed out that a rope used in the attempt to lower the Cross can be seen in the viral footage.

All religious articles from the old church, along with tiles and materials required for the new church, have been safely preserved, they added.

Majority support for new church

The statement further detailed the process leading to the decision to construct a new church building. In May 2023, parish priest Fr Vishal Monis reportedly conducted a survey among 220 households under the church jurisdiction regarding a reconstruction decision taken in October 2022.

According to the committee, 190 families supported construction of a new church, while only 23 families expressed willingness to repair the old structure.

In the Church Finance Committee meeting held in October 2025, 100 per cent of members agreed to demolish the old church. Similarly, 100 per cent of the new church building committee members supported demolition, while 92 per cent of the Pastoral Council members consented. In the general body meeting, 88 per cent of members reportedly approved the decision, following which the Bishop accepted the collective opinion.

Questions on repair proposal

The committee said that during the October 2025 general body meeting, written clarification was sought from those advocating preservation of the old church. They were asked to specify who would provide the estimated Rs 75 lakh required for repairs, who would assume responsibility in case of mishaps, and who would arrange the mandatory fitness, stability and fire safety NOCs.

No written undertaking or financial commitment was reportedly submitted.

They added that when a delegation met the Bishop seeking preservation of the old structure, they were asked to provide details of financial contribution. However, only the names of three carpenters, three masons and one electrician were reportedly submitted, without any indication of funds, materials or equipment support.

As per the Bishop’s direction, parishioners were invited for three consecutive Sundays from January 2026 to submit written commitments for repair funding, but no one came forward with responsibility, the committee said.

NITK report clarification

Addressing claims that National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) had issued a fitness report, the committee clarified that it was only an inspection report and not an official fitness certificate. In Kerala, they noted, the authority to issue a fitness report lies solely with the local administration.

They further alleged that the NITK report was prepared without the knowledge of the parish priest or the administrative committee and was submitted in the name of a private individual rather than the priest or the Bishop.

Ongoing development and social initiatives

The committee also highlighted ongoing developmental and charitable initiatives under the parish. Three new houses for economically weaker families have been constructed and handed over at a cost of Rs 24 lakh. With support from the Konkani Cultural Organization, Abu Dhabi, two additional houses costing Rs 16 lakh are under construction and are expected to be completed within two months.

Without appointing a contractor and relying on voluntary labour and donations from devotees, the parish has already inaugurated a priest’s residence, church office and a hall with a capacity of around 500 people. Prayers and religious functions are currently being conducted there. Approximately 40 per cent of the new church construction has been completed.

The committee reiterated that the decision to demolish the old church and construct a new one was taken by the devotees through established church administrative processes and not unilaterally by the priest. They alleged that a small group of dissatisfied members are spreading defamatory statements on social media after their proposal to retain the old structure was rejected.

With the old church building, located in the middle of the school ground, now demolished, future plans reportedly include developing a spacious playground, a 400-metre athletic track, a football ground and construction of a high school building.

The clarification aims to address public concerns and reaffirm that the demolition was carried out following legal permissions, diocesan approval and majority consensus within the parish community.