Latest news with #BaseliosJosephI
The Hindu
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Political, religious leaders warn against rising religious intolerance
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has raised strong concerns over the increasing violence against Christians across the country in recent times. According to him 834 attacks were reported in the past year, indicating a worrisome trend of over two such incidents occurring every day. Speaking at a reception organised by the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church to felicitate Catholicos Baselios Joseph I, head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, here on Monday, Mr. Satheesan condemned what he described as 'a deliberate pattern of harassment' driven by certain communal groups Referring to the controversial arrest of two Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh, he said such instances are not isolated, but part of a growing and deeply worrying trend. 'We must stand united to counter such tendencies that threaten the very fabric of our democracy,' he asserted. Inaugurating the programme, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine also termed the charges framed against the nuns as unfounded. 'There was no human trafficking or forced conversion as alleged. These missionaries dedicate their lives to educating the poor, caring for leprosy patients and serving the needy across communities. Their work must not be distorted or vilified,' he added, urging both the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre to withdraw the cases. In his reply speech, the Catholicos warned against actions that could tear at the nation's social fabric. 'No religious scripture teaches hatred or violence. Religions must never become tools of division. We cannot judge an entire faith by the regressive acts of a few,' he said. He also urged self-reflection across all faiths, including his own community, to ensure actions align with moral and spiritual teachings. Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council president and Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cleemis; Archbishop Thomas J. Netto of the Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram; Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil of the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Changanassery; Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church; Santhigiri Ashram general secretary Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi; and Palayam Imam V.P. Suhaib Moulavi also took part in the programme.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Churches hold special prayers for country and frontline soldiers
KOCHI: Churches of various Christian denominations in Kerala, led by their vicars and supreme heads, prayed for divine intervention on Sunday to ease tensions and end the conflict between India and Pakistan. Prayers were also offered for the safety of Indian soldiers on the front line. The Malankara Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan and Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, offered prayers for the country and for the soldiers. The parishioners also prayed that peace be restored without further escalation. 'For us living in the southern tip of India, the war may be just news. However, there is a large community in India's border villages whose life and livelihood are in crisis. Many soldiers, including those from Kerala, are on the battlefield. Their families are worried. It is the commitment of every Indian to work for the country. However, we should realise that wars and riots are always a threat to society's existence,' the Catholicos said in a communique to the laity. Jacobite Church members too offered special prayers on Sunday. Catholicos Baselios Joseph I, in a message to the laity, said, 'War and riots are challenges to humanity. This is the time to pray for the country. Our prayer should be that we are not dragged into war and that peace is restored. May God strengthen the country's rulers to lead India to security and peace with diplomatic excellence at this crucial juncture.' He said this was the time 'for us to face this adverse situation with unity, beyond party, religious and political factions, along with the country.' 'We should pray with one heart that the clouds of unrest be lifted and the blue sky of peace spread, and that lasting peace be established in the country as soon as possible,' he said.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Catholicos visits Pahalgam attack victim's family
Kochi: Catholicos Baselios Joseph I of the Jacobite Church visited the house of N Ramachandran, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, on Monday. The Catholicos spoke to his daughter, who survived the attack, and consoled the family members. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Catholicos said that the loss suffered by the family was irreplaceable, and the church's prayers and mental support are with the family. He mentioned that the terrorist activities in Kashmir, often described as paradise on earth, are a challenge to humanity. Such violent incidents, which threaten the nation's integrity, unity, and peace, should not be repeated. The prelate stated that it is time to take strong action, standing united beyond political and religious divisions, considering the nation's security as paramount. The country must fight terrorism together, and the church fully supports the measures the nation takes against terrorism, the Catholicos said. Ramachandran, 65, was among the 26 people gunned down by terrorists in a Pahalgam on April 22.
