Pastor Jerome Fernando who heads a religious congregation is neither a Catholic priest nor connected to the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka, the Archdiocese of Colombo clarified today.
Speaking to the media, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando stated that it has been observed that a recent statement made by Pastor Jerome has posed a threat to religious harmony in the country.
Stating that every individual has the right to practice and preach their favoured religion, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini further stated, however, they do not possess the right to make derogatory or controversial statements against another religion.
“The controversial statement made by Pastor Jerome may influence the thoughts of his followers against another religion and may result in opposing views of the religion,” he warned.
Reverend Father Cyril Gamini added that the Archdiocese of Colombo further requests the public to be vigilant of people instigating racial and religious tensions in the country.
The clarification comes after video footage made rounds on social media over the weekend showing Pastor Jerome Fernando making derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha causing uproar among followers of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
"Public should be vigilant of people instigating racial and religious tensions in the country" Archdiocese of Colombo slams Pastor Jerome pic.twitter.com/qDwLQBnK4J
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) May 16, 2023
Video : https://web.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=2Rb1fB&v=765983278512287 (NewsWire)
