“If this case goes ahead, it will be a new beginning and priests and bishops will be forced to be held accountable,” said the Rev. Augustine Vattoly, a priest in Kerala who was an early supporter of the nun’s accusations and said he was ordered by his superiors to back away or face repercussions. “The church is losing its moral authority,” Father Vattoly said. The nun’s family accuses Bishop Mulakkal, 54, of raping her repeatedly over a two-year period, dating from May 5, 2014. The bishop could not be reached for comment, but church officials and the Kerala police say that he maintains he is innocent.

Source: New York Times February 09, 2019 16:18 UTC