By Express News Service

KOTTAYAM: In yet another embarrassment to the Catholic Church, an audio conversation between a priest and a nun emerged on Sunday where the former offers her 10 acres of land and a new convent if the nuns withdrew the sexual harassment complaints against Bishop Franco Mullakkal of Jalandhar.

The 11-minute audio clip of the conversation between Father James Erthayil attached to the Kanjirappally Diocese of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate and Sister Anupama of the Missionaries of Jesus in Kottayam, has triggered speculations about the Church’s alleged attempt to bury the complaints.

In the conversation, Fr Erthayil can be heard suggesting even the families of the nuns would ostracise them if they continue to support the survivor.

Sister Anupama, one of the five nuns who supported the 44-year-old nun who was allegedly sexually abused by the Bishop, however, rejects the offer and tells Fr Erthayil they will not withdraw the case, come what may.