Kochi, Aug 20, 2020: Over a century-old the feud between two factions in the Malankara Church on August 20 took a new turn with the Jacobites deciding to cut off all relations with the rival Orthodox group.
“All sacramental and spiritual relationship with Orthodox faction is being cut off as they display no humanity or justice in forcefully seizing churches with the help of law,” said Joseph Mar Gregorios, the Metropolitan Trustee and senior bishop of the Jacobite Church.
The Jacobites’ decision to snap ties with the Orthodox faction was taken in the wake of the rivals taking over theri churches with the help of a Supreme Court verdict.
The Jacobite faction said that they are willing to discuss the issue if their rivals stop the church takeover process.
The Supreme Court in July 2017, upon a petition filed by Orthodox faction, had granted possession of over 1,100 churches to them which were under Jacobites until then.
Recently, as per the Kerala High Court order, the district collector had taken over the church to be handed over to Orthodox faction.
During the process of seizing the church many devotees and priests were injured, alleged Jacobites demanding action against police and Fort Kochi Regional Development Officer.
They also demanded the state government to bring in an ordinance to end Jacobite members being removed from churches in the backdrop of SC verdict. They also demanded to frame a law in this regard.
As an initial step, the senior members of the faction will visit Chief Minister to apprise him on the situation, Joseph Mar Gregorios said.
Source: mathrubhumi.com