Kochi: More than 100 priests of the Church of South India (CSI), who attended an annual event in Munnar, Kerala last month, have been found infected with corona. Two of them have died and 5 are in critical condition. The infected include CSI moderator and Bishop rev a Dharmaraj Rasalam of the state of South Kerala. He is currently in the Home Quarantine. During the media report, corona guidelines were highlighted at last month's retreat programme.

According to media reports, the conference of priests and community members was held at CSI Christ Church between April 13 and April 17 last month. 350 priests had come from different places to attend the meet. Sources said, the meeting was held even after a request to postpone the programme. At the same time, it was said that if a priest does not join, disciplinary action will be taken against him.

The priests had to travel by bus from LMS Church in Thiruvananthapuram to Munnar for the meet. Rev Bijumon, a 52-year-old pastor of CSI Church in Kazukod, Vatspara, then fell ill and passed away last Thursday. Similarly, Rev Shine B Raj, a 43-year-old pastor of CSI Church, Punnakkugal near Thirumala, succumbed to covid infection this Tuesday. Several other priests are also undergoing treatment at Dr. Somerwell CSI Medical College Hospital, while others are in home quarantine.

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