By M K George
Rome, Nov 30, 2022: There is a simple sociological axiom. Any sub-system is in effect a microcosm of the larger system. Hence, what is happening in the larger system is likely to repeat itself in the sub-systems.
Indian Nation faces issues of polarization and attempts at uniformity. So too the Indian Church, particularly the Syrian Church seems to be driving down the same path.
Critical observers have pointed out that the present ruling party in India follows a path of polarisation. Analyzing the 2014 electoral victory of the present regime, Sanjay Kumar (The Mint 17 May 2014) wrote, “But those who saw the electoral verdict as merely a vote for change and development or as an aspirational vote have misread it somewhat. Caste and religious considerations did play an important role in determining the choice of voters. These elections witnessed the strongest-ever polarization of upper castes in favor of the BJP and of Muslims in favor of the Congress. Nearly 60% of upper caste voters backed the BJP while 43% of Muslim voters favored the Congress. The polarization of voters on caste and religious lines is much sharper in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.”
The ruling party continues its agenda of polarization and uniformity through its ‘One nation, One people, One language’ , ‘Uniform Civil Code’, ‘anti-conversion’ rhetoric, or ‘Ghar Wapasi’ and so on. In a critical analysis of the situation, comparing the US and India, Devkar, an economist, wrote, ‘Polarization is bad for India and the US. But its effect in India will be catastrophic. On the ‘Fragile States Index’, both Indian and US rank high. But the US still has the rule of law, independent institutions, and a working opposition while they are almost non-existent in India.’
The Church goes the party way
Now true to the sociological axiom, the Catholic Church, as a sub-system of the larger society, particularly the Syrian Catholic Church seems to follow the same path as of the ruling party. They want one Church, One liturgy and have shown in recent times that they will go to any extent to achieve the same. No matter what the scandal is, the danger to the future of the Church could be, the agenda of uniformity seems to govern the Church. The call for ‘obedience’ adds weight to their argument misleading a good chunk of simple believers.
Hate speech is a major tool in the hands of the ruling regime. Look at the way the Catholic Church too seems to have adopted so easily to hate speech. Some of the new video channels and social media activism point to the most atrocious hate speeches between factions in the Church. The street violence that has appeared recently is another deplorable development.
Polarization is not Catholic
In contrast, Pope Francis seems to be saying something different. In a recent interview with the editors of the America magazine, the Pope said, “Polarization is not Catholic. A Catholic cannot think either-or (aut-aut) and reduce everything to polarization. The essence of what is Catholic is both-and (et-et). The Catholic unites the good and the not-so-good. There is only one people of God. When there is polarization, a divisive mentality arises, which privileges some and leaves others behind. The Catholic always harmonizes differences.’
Father Bobby Jose, a popular preacher, recently reflected about the conflict over liturgy in Kerala and titled it ‘a loveless Liturgy.’ His question reverberates in our hearts. Have we looked at Jesus, in dialogue with the Samaritan woman? (John 4). If we do, we cannot engage in such divisive behaviors in liturgical and other matters.
An invitation to the bishops’ conferences
The call of the Pope is an invitation and challenge to the two bishops’ conferences in India to initiate dialogue and reconciliation in a true Christian spirit in the matter of liturgy. Marydasan John, a former editor with the Hindu, wrote recently in an open letter to Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, “You have much more serious issues to deal with. For example, the Vizhinjam issues where the members of the Church are facing a fascist regime and a corporate house, which have no interest in the lives of the poor fisherfolk. You should have visited them rather than going to the Ernakulum basilica where you were sure to face the wrath of the priests of the laity.”
The voices are all over. Those who have ears let them hear. Otherwise, I am afraid history will judge us harshly and God, the almighty too.
(Jesuit Father M K George is based in Rome.)
Archbishops like Andrews Thazhath cause division, polarisation (like our politicians) and resultant chaos among the Laity. How can they talk of peace and unity in the Catholic Church? Unity Octave is a far cry! Almost each bishop, barring may be a few, thinks he is the monarch of all he surveys!!