The Fr Barthol Machado controversy has intensified within Mumbai’s Catholic community after Blaise Gomes submitted a letter to Archbishop John Rodrigues seeking disciplinary action against Fr Barthol Machado. The complaint followed a pastoral communication issued by the Archdiocese of Mumbai regarding the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ. The controversy relates to an alleged felicitation programme held in Bhayandar involving individuals associated with the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ. The allegations and theological objections remain matters of internal church discussion and have not been independently verified.
Fr Barthol Machado Controversy Details: AOCC Member Seeks Action Following Archbishop John Rodrigues’ Pastoral Letter
A fresh controversy has emerged within the Mumbai Catholic community after an AOCC member urged Archbishop John Rodrigues to take disciplinary action against Fr Barthol Machado over his alleged participation in an event linked to the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ.
The Fr Barthol Machado controversy has intensified after Blaise Gomes, identified as an active member of the AOCC, wrote to Archbishop John Rodrigues seeking immediate action against Fr Barthol Machado following a pastoral letter issued by the Archdiocese of Mumbai.
In a letter dated 29 May 2026 addressed to Archbishop John Rodrigues at Archbishop’s House in Mumbai, Gomes referred to the Archbishop’s pastoral communication issued on 25 May 2026 concerning the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ and its activities.
According to the letter, Gomes stated that he supported the Archbishop’s position regarding the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ but sought clarification on portions of the pastoral communication, particularly references to the concept of “full communion.”
The correspondence also referred to earlier communications reportedly sent by Mumbai AOCC representative Adv Joe Sodder on 18 May 2026. Gomes stated that documentary material and photographs relating to a felicitation programme had previously been submitted to church authorities.
Questions Raised Over Bhayandar Felicitation Programme
The controversy centres around a felicitation programme reportedly held at Our Lady of Nazareth Church in Bhayandar, where individuals associated with the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ were allegedly honoured during a public event.
According to Gomes, Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai had earlier drawn public attention to the issue through statements reported in media coverage. The letter claims that concerns regarding the programme were communicated to church authorities before the pastoral letter was issued.
The communication specifically refers to Fr Donald Rodrigues, who was allegedly felicitated following his appointment as a bishop within the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ. Gomes alleged that Fr Barthol Machado shared the stage during the programme.
The letter further claims that Fr Edward Jacinto, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Nazareth Church, Bhayandar, did not participate in the programme despite it being conducted on church premises. These assertions have not been independently verified by Sprouts News.
Gomes argued that the participation of Fr Barthol Machado in the event allegedly contradicted the position outlined in Archbishop John Rodrigues’ pastoral communication concerning the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ and its relationship with the Catholic Church.
Demand for Suspension or Sabbatical Leave
In the letter, Gomes questioned how parishioners could seek clarification from Fr Barthol Machado regarding the matter when, according to his allegations, the priest himself had allegedly encouraged individuals associated with the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ.
The correspondence urges Archbishop John Rodrigues to take disciplinary action and specifically requests that Fr Barthol Machado either be suspended for two years or immediately placed on sabbatical leave pending further consideration of the matter.
Gomes stated that church authorities should “practice what they preach” and take prompt action if the principles outlined in the pastoral letter were to be applied consistently across the Archdiocese of Mumbai.
The letter also contains theological observations concerning Vatican II, the document Unitatis Redintegratio, and interpretations relating to communion within the Christian faith. These comments represent the personal views expressed by the author and not official church positions.
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Wider Discussion Within Catholic Community
The issue has generated discussion among sections of the Catholic community regarding ecclesiastical governance, inter-church relations, pastoral responsibility, and participation by clergy in events involving organisations outside the Roman Catholic Church.
At present, there is no public indication that the Archdiocese of Mumbai has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Fr Barthol Machado in connection with the allegations contained in Gomes’ letter.
The claims made by Blaise Gomes remain allegations and opinions expressed in private correspondence addressed to church authorities. Neither Archbishop John Rodrigues, Fr Barthol Machado, Fr Donald Rodrigues, Fr Edward Jacinto, nor other individuals named in the letter have publicly responded to the specific allegations contained therein.
As of publication, the matter remains an internal church issue, and any decision regarding disciplinary action or further clarification rests with the competent ecclesiastical authorities. Sprouts News will continue monitoring developments and official responses related to the controversy.
Readers’ Appeal
Unmesh Gujarathi, a senior investigative journalist in India and Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, has extensively reported on matters relating to public accountability, governance, religious institutions, and issues of public interest. Readers possessing credible documents, photographs, videos, correspondence, or verified information related to this matter may confidentially share the information with our investigative team at 9322755098. The identity of whistleblowers and sources will be protected responsibly, subject to applicable laws and journalistic ethics.
Editorial Note:
This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.
