Bishop Karnam Dhaman Kumar of Nalgonda, Telangana, has been barred from performing priestly duties in the Diocese of Münster, Germany, following allegations of sexual abuse dating back to his tenure as a chaplain there between 2005 and 2007. This incident is the latest in a series of sexual abuse allegations involving Christian clergy in Bharat, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within church institutions.
The Allegation Against Bishop Karnam Dhaman Kumar
- Incident and Allegation:
In March 2025, a formal complaint was filed with the Diocese of Münster, alleging that Bishop Karnam Dhaman Kumar sexually abused a person while serving as a chaplain in Münster between 2005 and 2007. The diocese immediately barred Kumar from conducting any priestly activities within its jurisdiction, a decision made public in April 2025, just before he was scheduled to visit Germany again. - Church and Legal Response:
The Diocese of Münster reported the allegation to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) and to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad, as required under Vatican protocols established by Pope Francis in 2019. The Münster Public Prosecutor’s office has confirmed an investigation is underway, including a review of whether the statute of limitations applies to the alleged offense. - Bishop Kumar’s Background:
Kumar served in Münster from 2001 to 2012 and again from 2017 to 2020, before returning to Bharat. He was appointed Bishop of Nalgonda in February 2024 and ordained in April 2024. As of now, Kumar has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
A Pattern of Abuse: Other High-Profile Cases in Bharat
The case against Bishop Kumar is not isolated. Over the past decade, multiple Christian leaders across Bharat have faced serious allegations and convictions related to sexual abuse. These cases reveal systemic issues of abuse of power, victim silencing, and institutional reluctance to act.
1. Bajinder Singh (Punjab)
- Conviction:
Bajinder Singh, a self-styled pastor with millions of followers, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in April 2025 for raping a woman in 2018. He was also accused of sexual assault by at least two other women, with additional police investigations ongoing. - Modus Operandi:
Singh reportedly used his position to lure, assault, and blackmail victims, sometimes recording the assaults to extort them further. His churches have also come under financial scrutiny.
2. Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Priests (Kerala)
- Allegations:
In 2018, four priests from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church were accused of raping and blackmailing a woman over nearly two decades, beginning when she was a minor. The abuse came to light after the victim’s husband discovered suspicious transactions and confronted his wife, who then revealed the history of abuse and blackmail. - Church and Legal Response:
The priests were suspended, and an internal inquiry was launched, but arrests were delayed. The case shocked Kerala’s Christian community and highlighted the silence and stigma surrounding such abuses.
3. Bishop Franco Mulakkal (Kerala)
- Allegation:
Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar was accused by a Catholic nun of raping her multiple times between 2014 and 2016. The case led to widespread protests by nuns and activists demanding justice and accountability from church authorities.
Systemic Issues and Institutional Response
- Patterns:
These cases reveal common themes: abuse of power, manipulation, blackmail, and institutional inertia. Victims often face intimidation, threats, or blame, making it difficult to come forward. - Church Protocols:
The Vatican has mandated that all allegations be reported to both civil and church authorities, but implementation remains inconsistent. In Bishop Kumar’s case, the Münster diocese followed protocol by notifying the Vatican and the relevant Bharatiya archbishop. - Impact on Community:
These scandals have shaken trust in church leadership and prompted calls for greater transparency, support for survivors, and systemic reform.
Conclusion
The barring of Bishop Karnam Dhaman Kumar from the Diocese of Münster is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of addressing sexual abuse within Christian institutions in Bharat. While recent actions by church authorities suggest a shift toward greater accountability, the persistence of such cases underscores the urgent need for systemic change, survivor support, and transparent justice processes. The courage of survivors and the vigilance of communities remain crucial in confronting and preventing abuse.
