A circular issued by Alencherry about love jihad which was read out at Catholic churches on Sunday mass alleged that Christian women are targeted, recruited to Islamic state and even killed. However, the circular was not read in many of the churches in Ernakulam district due to differing opinions.[46][47] The church's statement sparked criticism from its leaders and followers. Reformists criticized the church for labeling interfaith weddings as "love jihad."[46] Many clergy directly challenged the legitimacy of the statements.