'Adoption' bishop gets suspended

The scandal comes as Christians celebrate India's first female saint

The Vatican has suspended a Catholic bishop in India who adopted a young woman as his "spiritual daughter", sparking outrage in the community.

Bishop John Thattungal, 58, from the southern state of Kerala met the 26-year-old unmarried woman on a pilgrimage and decided to adopt her.

He said the relationship had given him a "spiritual renewal", citing the woman's extraordinary spiritual powers.

He now faces a formal inquiry in India and is due before a panel in Rome.

Father Stephen Alathara, a spokesman for the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Conference, said a communique had been received from the Vatican, ordering the suspension of Bishop Thattungal.

The Vatican had responded after public outcry in the local media and complaints from clergy in the city of Kochi, who said Thattungal's action was "morally and ecclesiastically wrong".

Although Bishop Thattungal loses the title of bishop and many responsibilities, he will continue to celebrate mass and perform other functions for the time being, Fr Althara said.

"A final decision would be taken only after the inquiry report is submitted and till then he remains suspended," Fr Alathara said.

A three-member committee of fellow Indian bishops will conduct a formal inquiry into the charges, which could take years.

The suspended bishop will also go to Rome to explain his stand to the Congregation of Bishops.

Bishop Thattungal has offered to withdraw the adoption if the Vatican deems it improper.

The row comes as Indian Christians celebrate the Pope's canonisation of India's first woman saint, Sister Alphonsa, who also hailed from Kerala.

Christians make up 2.3% of India's billion-plus population, with Roman Catholics making up 70% of the minority.