The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) issued a statement today to clarify that Pastor Jerome Fernando is not a bishop within the Catholic Church, amid growing controversy surrounding his claims and public statements.
The CBCSL confirmed that Fernando, who has been a subject of debate in recent months, holds no official position within the Catholic hierarchy. His self-identified title as a bishop has caused confusion among both the Catholic community and the general public, with some misunderstanding his role in the church.
In their statement, the bishops emphasized that Fernando is not authorized to represent the Catholic Church or its teachings. The CBCSL further urged the faithful to disregard any claims made by the pastor suggesting a connection to the Catholic clergy.
The controversy surrounding Pastor Fernando has been fueled by his appearance in several media outlets and religious events, where he has made statements that some have perceived as contradictory to Catholic doctrine. However, the CBCSL reiterated its commitment to guiding the faithful according to official Catholic teachings and urged vigilance against misleading claims.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference reaffirmed its leadership role in guiding Sri Lankan Catholics and assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent further confusion regarding Fernando’s affiliation with the Church.
The statement concludes by urging unity and adherence to the true teachings of the Catholic faith during this period of confusion.
