Pallippad to US power centres: Malayali priest crafts high-profile career

IN A REMARKABLE achievement that has his hometown brimming with pride, Fr Dr Alexander J Kurien of the Kadackel family, in Pallippad, has been appointed to a prestigious role in the United States government.

- BIJU E PAUL @ Alappuzha

He will serve as the liaison officer for interfaith relations through the White House Faith Office.

The Faith Office, instituted by President Donald Trump in February during the National Prayer Breakfast, was created to empower faith-based organisations and combat religious intolerance. Rev Paula White, a long-time religious advisor to Trump, oversees the office, with Attorney General Pam Bondi coordinating its operations. Amid this prominent leadership, appointing a Malayali priest as the key liaison marks a proud moment for India and Kerala.

"This is also a matter of great pride for the family," said Anil Thomas, secretary of the Anjulimootil family unit, of which the Kadackel family is a branch.