Christian ConcernReligionनेपाली भाषामा (News in Nepali language)

Bishop Chhetri terminated: BEC draws flak from all quarters-

Need of a central, unified council felt for resolving theological issues in Nepali Churches

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December 12, Kathmandu-

Believers Eastern Church has again come into a turmoil for terminating its financial support to Bishop Gopal Chhetri, one of the pioneers of BEC run by Gospel for Asia, popularly known as GFA.

There were some inklings in the social media for over a couple months where the now terminated bishop was seen sort of critiquing the forced veneration of the Virgin Mary, praying to saint and for dead, and such anomalies to the historic reformed faith. We have no idea which of his public posts or private conversation proved the proverbial hair that broke the camel’s back, but finally the issue is spilled out.

Here is the letter handed over by the BEC to the terminated bishop Chhetri:

Bishop Gopal Chhetri,

Termination Letter by BEC to Bishop Gopal Chhetri

I am sending you this letter as you suggested that it would be better to inform you from the office of the Archdiocese itself.

This decision was taken by the Archdiocese Executive Council after a 7-member leadership team representing the Synod Secretariat and the Believers Eastern Church across Nepal met with you.
This is not a personal letter or a personal decision. You have decided not to follow the orthodox faith followed by the Believers Eastern Church and therefore the Holy Church has decided accordingly. Everything else will be clear from the letter itself.

-Mor Osthatheos

Extremism on Orthodoxy veering into Heresy?

It seems many have taken this internal strife as an opportunity for themselves- to prove their loyalty, going overboard, sprinkling the terms like ‘orthodox/orthodoxy’, ‘saints’, ‘tradition’, ‘eucharist; and the like; and thus curry favor with the ever growing empire of one man called KP Yohannan.

On 6 February 2003, he was consecrated and installed as the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church. He remains grateful for the Godly heritage of his parents. Hailing from the Malankara Syrian Christian tradition, he is honored to have begun this spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Saint Thomas.

One latest version of  what BEC/GFA designates ‘father’, in one of his public facebook posts, one  went so far as to evoking the dead saint and praying for the dead people!

Seems the tradition of playing one minster against another to keep top down control in the BEC has been a standard practice. The same Bishop in dismissal now was seen advocating for such traditions as Mary veneration as a orthodox or true practice.

A website dedicated to the founder who curiously over dons apparels as well as titles, reads:

“On 6 February 2003, he was consecrated and installed as the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church. He remains grateful for the Godly heritage of his parents. Hailing from the Malankara Syrian Christian tradition, he is honored to have begun this spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Saint Thomas.

Out of the Metropolitan’s heart for the needy have flowed many initiatives and projects to build the nations where Believers Eastern Church is located. These include Bridge of Hope, a childcare project helping over 70,000 impoverished children; Sisters of Compassion, an order that serves the most neglected of society; hospitals, schools and major relief efforts.

Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan is also the voice of Athmeeya Yathra, touching millions through his daily radio and TV broadcasts. His 250 books offer practical and spiritual guidance on hundreds of subjects.”

Despite many commendable service to the poor and downtrodden by way of schools, hospitals, water supply and many more, the denomination has been facing severe criticism for its founder’s ambitious, power and wealth grabbing, person-centered approach to funding and playing dual roles. In India and Nepal he plays the role of a holy saint, most holy highness with uncannily long robes and white beards while in America he calls himself your brother next door. Also, financial transactions of GFA came into question some years back.

With the recent news of then FNCN disputed and ousted chair CB Gahatraj arrested for academic certificate forgery, and declaration of various federations and councils and elder boards, the Christian community seems to be ever reeling into chaos and confusion.

Courtesy: Facebook wall of Bishop Chhetri: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=6951700608251994&set=a.671847909570660

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