The New Indian Express reported that the Syro Malabar Church in Kerala, south India, has been concerned with the trend of building mega churches, and faced criticism over one of the new builds - St George Forane Church - which was reportedly built at a cost of "30 crore to 50 crore" (around £1.35m).
Fr Paul Thelakkat is the spokesperson for the Syro Malabar Church. He said: "Some regulations like mandatory clearance of the project and budget by the Church Curia is already there.
"Since the parish priest and parish council are closely associated with construction activities, they should ensure that the project cost does not exceed the sanctioned budget."
He stressed that spending on new churches can often get out of hand because councils use them as an opportunity to show off, and that construction should be simple.
Cardinal George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Kerala, has also spoken out against the spending trend.
Fr Paul Thelakkat said: "While speaking at a conference of All-Kerala Catholic Congress (AKCC) recently, the Cardinal made the stance of the Church clear once again."
He added: "The size of the church depends on the location, importance of church.
"When a church is constructed at pilgrimage spots such as Edapally or Malayattoor, we will have to compromise on the size, but luxury can be avoided."
