Kerala groom criticises Roman Catholic Church for blocking his marriage

Thekkiniyath Raphael and eight other families in Thrissur had filed a civil case in 2013 against the use of high-decibel fireworks for the church festival at St Anthony's Forane Church in Ollur as they feared the fireworks could damage their houses.

Since the fireworks are part of a long tradition, the Supreme Court had reportedly allowed the church to continue with it. However, Raphael later approached a lower court claiming that his house was damaged by fireworks. The case is still pending in the court.

Now, the church is allegedly standing as a barrier for Raphael's son's marriage by 'forcing' the family to withdraw the case.

The groom Sanju T Rapheal took to Facebook to inform about the church's decisions and added that "not just Hindus or Muslims, even intolerant Christians are catching up" these days.

"Let this be an iconic image of christian intolerance and indoctrination of religious poison to kids. ‪#‎intolerant‬ christians," Sanju posted while sharing the photo of parishers protesting against his marriage.

"We should not allow wedding from Rapheal's family in the church as they filed a case against religious beliefs, against church and against the priest", reads the blue banner (photo) that was used by the protesters.

When I talk about religious intolerance many people have asked me "Have you felt personally?"
My reply to them : Yes. I am feeling it right now.
To all the people who think that intolerance is only for Hindus and Muslims, this may be an eye opener. Christians are catching up.

Sanju has also attacked the priest, the church and the protesters for allegedly making disrespectful remarks about his family without checking the true facts.

Its pathetic that the priest and church is making provocative and derogatory remarks about our family and organize protests to our house frequently. Its more pathetic to know that many people are following these religious bigots blindly without checking the facts. Many are following them because of their ignorance about Indian laws and Canon laws. But I am sure that priest and authorities are well aware of all these laws and they misguide their religious followers intentionally for their vested interests.

Sanju also says that his family had also met Bishop twice and that Assistant Bishop of Thrissur Arch Diocese had asked them to withdraw the case to consider about Sanju's marriage.

If you don't withdraw the case, your family will not be able to live peacefully. Once you withdraw the case, people might celebrate and burst firecrackers in front of your house and might throw few crackers inside your compound. You don't need to respond. Church can't conduct fireworks with the help of normal people like you. Church needs goons to conduct fireworks. So we support them.

Sanju is now preparing for his marriage on 3 January 2016 and invites everyone to his wedding.

"I, Sanju Rapheal invite everyone for the auspicious occasion of my marriage on Jan 3rd 2016. Cheers," he posted on Facebook.