The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its full support for Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and the Catholic Church’s continued efforts to seek truth and justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
In a statement, the Bishops’ Conference strongly condemned what it described as recent social media campaigns aimed at spreading false and defamatory claims against Cardinal Ranjith and members of the clergy. It also alleged that certain groups were attempting to misrepresent facts relating to the Easter Sunday attacks, which claimed hundreds of lives.
The Conference dismissed allegations that Cardinal Ranjith is seeking to prolong his tenure by using the Easter attacks, describing such claims as false and misleading. It further criticised attempts to misinterpret Canon Law and misinform the public regarding Church procedures.
The statement explained that, under Canon Law (Canon 401), bishops are required to submit their resignation to the Holy Father upon reaching the age of 75. However, any decision on accepting the resignation or extending their service rests solely with the Pope.
According to the Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Ranjith submitted his resignation upon reaching the prescribed age and continues to carry out his responsibilities until the Holy See makes a final decision.
The statement also emphasised that the governance of the Catholic Church differs fundamentally from political systems, noting that Church authority is based on divine ministry rather than civil administration.
The Bishops’ Conference commended Cardinal Ranjith for his dedicated service to both the Church in Sri Lanka and the global Catholic community, highlighting his unwavering commitment to securing justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.
It further stated that the Cardinal continues to enjoy the full confidence and support of both the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic faithful in Sri Lanka.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Harold Anthony Perera, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, and Bishop Anton Ranjith, Secretary General of the Conference, Apostolic Administrator of Batticaloa and Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo.
