By Matters India Reporter
Kochi, July 18, 2019: The Syro-Malabar Church’s Permanent Synod has called for unity in a bid to resolve the ongoing turmoil in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
“Everyone, in the light of faith should accept the developments and circumstances in connection with executing the Vatican’s decisions in Ernakulam Angamaly Archdiocese. No one should act against the Church’s unity and discipline,” Father Antony Thalachelloor, secretary, Syro-Malabar Media Commission, told media persons on July 17.
The synod was held the previous day at the Church’s headquarters in Mount Saint Thomas in Kakkanad, a suburb of Kochi.
Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese Cardinal George Alencherry presided over the Synod. Archbishops Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, Mathew Moolakkattu of Kottayam, George Njaralakat of Tellicherry and Bishop Jacob Manathodath of Palghat attended the meeting.
After the synod meeting Cardinal Mar George Alencherry and other members urged the laity to abstain from all activities which hamper the unity and discipline of the Church.
Pope Francis has entrusted the permanent synod to assist Cardinal Alencherry in the administrative affairs of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese until the synod meeting, scheduled for August, takes a final decision regarding this, Father Thalachelloor said in a press release.
“All priest and laymen should abstain from actions that sow the seeds of discord in the Church,” the secretary added.
The synod reviewed the situation in the archdiocese after implementing the papal decisions. Everyone should comply with the disciplinary instructions issued by the synod during its meeting held in January. The laity and the clergy have been warned against making public statements.
The synod also scrutinized the monthly financial transactions of the archdiocese and approved them. Curia members vicar-general, chancellor, vice-chancellor and finance officer held discussions with the synod on the financial matters of the archdiocese.