Over 100 members of CSI Emmanuel Church in Coimbatore staged a sit-in protest on Monday, demanding the arrest of Pastor Prince Calvin for alleged hate speech and financial irregularities.
Coimbatore: Members of the Church of South India (CSI) Emmanuel Church in Race Course, Coimbatore, staged a sit-in protest on Monday, demanding the immediate arrest of Pastor Prince Calvin. The protest comes in the wake of allegations against the pastor for hate speech and financial irregularities.
The controversy erupted after Pastor Prince Calvin allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hinduism and Hindu worship practices during a Sunday congregation meeting on April 16. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral on social media, sparked outrage and debates.
Despite warnings from church members to refrain from such behavior, Pastor Calvin reportedly continued his controversial actions. This led to a complaint being filed against him at the Race Course Police Station. The police have registered a case under three sections and are currently investigating the matter.
Speaking about their grievances, the protesting church members said, "Pastor Prince Calvin has been involved in various fraudulent activities and spreading false information. He continues to speak disparagingly about the Hindu community, disrupting religious harmony. Despite raising this issue multiple times during church meetings, the Bishop has not taken any action against him."
The protesters also alleged financial misconduct, stating, "He has been involved in misappropriation of church offerings and embezzlement of funds from the sale of Malabar Gold. The treasurer and a few others are also complicit in these criminal activities."
The church members further claimed that there is a pending case against Pastor Calvin in a Tirupur court. They also alleged irregularities in his marriage, with some suggesting it might be fraudulent. "We have evidence of sexual harassment against women as well," a protester added.
The sit-in protest, which saw participation from over 100 church members, is set to continue until their demands are met. The protesters are calling for a thorough investigation into all allegations and appropriate legal action against Pastor Prince Calvin.
The controversy erupted after Pastor Prince Calvin allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hinduism and Hindu worship practices during a Sunday congregation meeting on April 16. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral on social media, sparked outrage and debates.
Despite warnings from church members to refrain from such behavior, Pastor Calvin reportedly continued his controversial actions. This led to a complaint being filed against him at the Race Course Police Station. The police have registered a case under three sections and are currently investigating the matter.
Speaking about their grievances, the protesting church members said, "Pastor Prince Calvin has been involved in various fraudulent activities and spreading false information. He continues to speak disparagingly about the Hindu community, disrupting religious harmony. Despite raising this issue multiple times during church meetings, the Bishop has not taken any action against him."
The protesters also alleged financial misconduct, stating, "He has been involved in misappropriation of church offerings and embezzlement of funds from the sale of Malabar Gold. The treasurer and a few others are also complicit in these criminal activities."
The church members further claimed that there is a pending case against Pastor Calvin in a Tirupur court. They also alleged irregularities in his marriage, with some suggesting it might be fraudulent. "We have evidence of sexual harassment against women as well," a protester added.
The sit-in protest, which saw participation from over 100 church members, is set to continue until their demands are met. The protesters are calling for a thorough investigation into all allegations and appropriate legal action against Pastor Prince Calvin.