Thou shalt procreate more. Not another commandment, but it’s an announcement by the Catholic church in Kerala, nevertheless.
With the number of followers dwindling alarmingly, the church wants believers to embrace the Christian concept of sexuality that blends love and procreation on an equal footing.
The just-concluded Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC), the powerful body of 29 dioceses, has decided to support families that produce more children. Besides the hectic pace of modern life, economic constraints are also a factor in family planning.
“We are planning to develop a pro-life ministry in a big way. We want to promote and encourage more life. Our family commission has submitted many proposals to check the dwindling numbers of the believers,” said Father Stephen Alathara, KCBC deputy secretary.
According to the last census, the growth rate of Christians has come down to 19.2 per cent from 22 per cent.
(However, church insiders say the figure stands at 18.5 per cent now)