The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka has denied recent claims that self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ Jerome Fernando has been appointed as a bishop of the Catholic Church.

This statement follows a recent ceremony held by Fernando, during which he claimed to have been appointed as a bishop. He was also seen wearing attire resembling that of a Catholic bishop.

In an official statement dated 9 December, the Conference clarified that Fernando does not hold the title of bishop and does not possess any official apostolic succession within the Catholic Church.

The statement emphasised the sacred lineage of Catholic bishops as direct successors of the apostles of Jesus Christ, highlighting that every Catholic bishop is a successor of the eleven apostles, with the Pope serving as the direct successor to St. Peter, the head of the apostles.

“Mr. Jerome Fernando, who has no official apostolic succession in the Catholic Church, is not a Bishop of the Catholic Church. Hence, we request our Catholic Faithful not to be deceived by such information,” the statement read.

Signed by Bishop J. D. Anthony Jayakody, the Secretary-General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the letter urged the faithful to disregard misleading advertisements and reports suggesting Fernando’s appointment as a bishop.