Wednesday, February 4, 2026
ADVT 
National

'Why's That Thing In Church?’: Indian Priest Says Women Who Wear Jeans Should Be Drowned

Darpan News Desk IANS, 28 Feb, 2017 01:00 PM
    A Catholic priest in India has been filmed condemning women who wear jeans, saying they should be 'drowned in the sea'.
    Father Sharlom told a crowd in the state of Kerala that he does not wish to let women in jeans into his church.
    He also can be heard justifying a man who raped his sister because she wore 'revealing shorts and t-shirts'.
     
    The priest made the speech at a Christian convention and it was later aired on a religious television channel.
    The clip was uploaded to the internet nearly 11 months ago but it has recently gone viral.
     
    Speaking on camera, Father Sharlom says: 'After I lecture young men on the ways of God, they come to me later and tell me, "Father, after absorbing all the knowledge you give us, we exit and are exposed to semi-naked women. We’re involuntarily provoked and aroused".
     
    'When a father or a young man has come to the church to offer themselves to the God, if you’re standing beside him, having dressed provocatively enough to distract him, you’re a sinner, and you deserve to be tied down to the depths of the sea.'
    He goes on to talk about how he was visited by a man who had 'got his elder sister pregnant' for counselling.
     
    He says: 'When I asked him why he had committed the sin, he shared his sorrow with me. 
     
    'He told me when their parents left for work, it was just his sister and him alone at home. All he could see was her roaming around in her revealing shorts and tee.
     
    'If you are someone who provokes their own brother and family, my Lord won’t accept you if you come to the church.'
    Father Sharlom was approached for comment but was reluctant to discuss the video.
     
     
    He told, 'I have not uploaded it and the video has been edited with vested interest,' before reportedly hanging up the phone.
     
    Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, Father Paul Thellakkat in Kochi said, 'What that preacher has said is unwarranted. No priest has the right to dictate a dress code to women.'
     
    The video, shared on Facebook, has angered many people.
     
    One commenter wrote: 'These stupid words are indicating "a holier-than-thou attitude" in this priest.
     
    'His negative and arrogant remarks are gender discriminative and misogynistic. 
     
    'This preacher should have the merciful mind of Christ.'
     
    Another wrote: 'If dressing is the cause for all bad things happening to women, then why are girls in purdah and uniforms raped?'

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Fatal Collision In Langley - Alcohol, Winter Driving Conditions Believed To Be A Factor

    Fatal Collision In Langley - Alcohol, Winter Driving Conditions Believed To Be A Factor
    A 24 year old Langley man has died as the result of a collision shortly after midnight this morning 

    Fatal Collision In Langley - Alcohol, Winter Driving Conditions Believed To Be A Factor

    Man Attacked In A Vancouver Home Dies A Short Time Later In Hospital: Police

    Man Attacked In A Vancouver Home Dies A Short Time Later In Hospital: Police
    Const. Jason Doucette says an injured man was found in a home in southeast Vancouver just after midnight.

    Man Attacked In A Vancouver Home Dies A Short Time Later In Hospital: Police

    Trump Administration To Ration Green Cards, Cut Immigration To Half

    Trump Administration To Ration Green Cards, Cut Immigration To Half
    WASHINGTON:  In what could be perceived as a potential challenge for those aspiring to get a green card or permanent residency in the US, two top senators have proposed a legislation to cut the level of immigrants by half.

    Trump Administration To Ration Green Cards, Cut Immigration To Half

    Got A Windshield Crack? ICBC May Fix For Free

    Got A Windshield Crack? ICBC May Fix For Free
    Drivers with comprehensive coverage can now get chips repaired free under certain circumstances.

    Got A Windshield Crack? ICBC May Fix For Free

    More Operating Rooms, Other Upgrades For Vancouver General Hospital

    More Operating Rooms, Other Upgrades For Vancouver General Hospital
    VANCOUVER — The British Columbia government and Vancouver Coastal Health have announced a $102-million upgrade for Vancouver General Hospital.

    More Operating Rooms, Other Upgrades For Vancouver General Hospital

    Dealer, Gambler Arrested For Alleged Cheating At Casino In Kelowna, B.c.

    Dealer, Gambler Arrested For Alleged Cheating At Casino In Kelowna, B.c.
    KELOWNA, B.C. — Police say two men have been arrested for allegedly cheating at a casino in Kelowna, B.C.

    Dealer, Gambler Arrested For Alleged Cheating At Casino In Kelowna, B.c.