JUSTICE BEING DENIED: ORTHODOX CHURCH

JUSTICE BEING DENIED:

ORTHODOX CHURCH

  

Catholicos of the East Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II has said that the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is being denied justice by the State government.The Catholicos told mediapersons here on Sunday that the leaders of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church had violated the directive of the court by “breaking into” the Thrikkunnathu Seminary Church in Aluva. He alleged that a group of around 60 persons assaulted Fr. Yakoob Thomas, manager of the seminary, who remained hospitalised. “Despite the developments, the government has adopted a soft stance towards those responsible for the incident. The authorities have sought to play down the incident and distance themselves from the issue, claiming that the incident was unexpected. The government’s approach will be considered as disrespect towards the Church,” he said.

The Malankara Metropolitan was of the opinion that Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s assurance that equal justice would be ensured for all sections was not being fulfilled. He alleged that the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church received covert support from certain political leaders, who had influenced government actions. “Certain MLAs from Ernakulam district have always worked in the interests of the Jacobite Church.”Responding to a question, the Catholicos said the Orthodox Church had been at the receiving end of injustices, notwithstanding the fact that the Chief Minister was a member of the Church and that there had been a change at the Home Department’s helm.The Church organised a demonstration in Kottayam in protest against the action of the Jacobite Church. Thousands, including women and children, participated in a rally, which demanded immediate action by the government in the issue.

Prof. John Kurakar