By Matters India Reporter
Chiang Mai: The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) on October 18 mourned the death of Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, head of the Mar Thoma Church and “a doyen among Asian ecclesiastical and ecumenical leaders.”
The metropolitan, who was a former president of the conference, died at 2:38 am on October 16 at Tiruvalla in the southern Indian state of Kerala. He was 89.
In a condolence message addressed to the Mar Thoma Church’s Suffragan Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, CCA general secretary Mathews George Chunakara, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the metropolitan.
“It is with profound gratitude that the CCA acknowledges and recognizes Dr Joseph Mar Thoma’s valuable contributions to the Asian and global ecumenical movement in manifold ways,” Reverend Chunakara’s message says.
The metropolitan, who headed the conference during 2000-2005, “endeared himself to many ecclesiastical and ecumenical leaders across Asia who had the privilege of working closely with him,” Chunakara said.
According to the CCA secretary general, the metropolitan demonstrated his leadership in various international ecumenical events throughout the many years of his close association and involvement in the Asian and global ecumenical movement. Ecclesial and ecumenical communities have deeply appreciated and valued the metropolitan’s contribution, the CCA message says.
Reverend Chunakara also hailed the Mar Thoma leader’s simple lifestyle, caring love and affection for all, his genuine concern for the poor and the downtrodden, as well as his kind and encouraging words in all circumstances.
“The churches across Asia and the Asian ecumenical movement are indebted to him for the valuable contributions this great ecumenist has made over the years and the significant leadership he has demonstrated in the course of his many years of service,” he added.