As Syro-Malabar Church Synod commences, CMI launches stinging attack on bishops over liturgical dispute
An article published in the latest edition of Karmmela Kusumam, an official publication of the CMI Congregation, criticised the bishops for the abrupt suspension of the special tribunal established in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
'Even those condemned to death are granted, by the judge, a final opportunity to speak before the verdict is carried out. But in stark contrast, you chose to suspend the functioning of the special tribunal in Ernakulam–Angamaly without the slightest sense of justice. No show-cause notices, no warnings were issued. What unfolded instead was sheer theatrics by first paralysing the tribunal without a second thought and then retracting the decision when it became clear that you had cornered yourselves,' the article said.
The publication also accused the bishops of turning their backs on `a large community of faithful in Ernakulam–Angamaly' who demanded the Holy Mass in its rightful form.
'It is you, the bishops, who sowed the seeds of division and nurtured them until they grew within the Church. If you had truly resolved to implement the unified Mass, you could and should have done so with resolve, conviction and courage. It was not the faithful who demanded changes to the Qurbana. It was you who revised it, you who approved it unanimously and it is you who now stand divided,' it added.
Reacting to the publication, Almaya Munnettom, a lay forum from the Ernakulam–Angamaly Archdiocese, dismissed it as an attempt driven by vested interests.
'This publication, brought out by the Thiruvananthapuram Province of the CMI Congregation, is clearly intended to serve the interests of a priest who was part of the suspended tribunal. Neither the laity nor the prelate are concerned about anything mentioned in that article,' said Riju Kanjookaran, coordinator of the outfit.
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The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. tags : hindu Narendra Modi rss view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 20, 2025, 04:29 IST News opinion Right Word | Decoding RSS: Ten Key Tenets Of World's Largest Voluntary Movement Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Thattil condemns growing attacks by communal forces against Christians
Kochi: The second session of the 33rd Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church began on Monday at Mount St Thomas, the headquarters of the Church in Kakkanad. A total of 52 bishops, including those serving in India and abroad as well as those retired from pastoral ministry, are participating in the session. Major archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, delivered the inaugural address. In the context of India's 79th Independence Day celebrations, the major archbishop recalled the nation's progress in modern times, the persecution faced by religious minorities, especially Christians in independent India, and the injustices endured by nuns in Chhattisgarh. He strongly condemned the growing attacks by communal forces against Christians across the country. Thattil assured persecuted church communities and individuals in different parts of India that they are not alone and that the Church will always stand with them. He reminded the bishops that the Church should never retreat from the evangelising mission in the face of crises. Instead, he called on the Synod bishops to overcome all shortcomings in the Church's mission of evangelisation and move forward, praying for true and complete freedom by surrendering fully to the will of God. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Highest Earning College Majors—2025 Edition Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo The synod session opened with meditations led by Mar Alex Tharamangalam, auxiliary bishop of the Eparchy of Mananthavady. Afterwards, the synod bishops celebrated Holy Qurbana together, presided over by the major archbishop. At 2.30pm, thattil officially inaugurated the session by lighting the lamp. The synod will conclude on Friday, Aug 29. The synod is being held against the backdrop of comparatively peaceful time in the Ernakulam Angamaly archdiocese where the holy mass row has subsided following peace talks. Meanwhile, there are criticism over the Church's action against a tribunal appointed for implementing disciplinary action in the archdiocese. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Syro-Malabar Church Archbishop condemns attacks against Christians
Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil on Monday condemned what he termed as the growing attacks by communal forces against Christians across the country. Inaugurating the second session of the 33rd Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church at Mount St. Thomas, the major archbishop assured the 'persecuted church communities and individuals in different parts of the country' that they were not alone and that the church will always stand with them, according to a communication issued by Fr. Tom Olikarott, spokesperson, Syro-Malabar Church. In his address, Archbishop Thattil recalled the nation's progress in modern times while condemning the persecution faced by religious minorities and the injustices endured by nuns in Chhattisgarh. The major archbishop said these were days calling for deep reflection on the changes and reforms needed in the pastoral style and arrangements of the Church. The Synod session opened with meditations led by Mar Alex Tharamangalam, Auxiliary Bishop of the Eparchy of Mananthavady. A total of 52 bishops from across the country and abroad are attending the session. The Synod will conclude on Friday, August 29.
