CSI administrative dispute: Clash breaks out in front of Palayam LMS Church

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devotees turned into two groups and clashed in front of the LMS Church in Palayam where the CSI Dakshina Kerala Maha Idavaka is headquartered. The issues started after newly appointed Bishop Dr Manoj Royce Victor was ousted from the church by a group of believers led by the dismissed administrative committee secretary TT Praveen. The conflict broke out after another section of believers came out against this. The police soon intervened and dispersed both groups.

Earlier, the Madras High Court had dissolved the CSI synod, including the Dakshina Kerala Maha Idavaka, and appointed two of its former judges to administer the affairs of the CSI. Following this, the existing administrative committee of the Maha Idavaka was dissolved and Dr Manoj Royce Victor and former SP KG Simon were appointed East Kerala Maha Idavaka Bishop and Administrative Secretary respectively. The group led by TT Praveen kicked out the Bishop and seized the administration of the church pointing out that the Supreme Court, which considered the appeal against the judgment of the Madras High Court, ordered the continuation of the status quo.