'No compromise in unified mass'; Syro-Malabar church opens door for substantive discussion

KOCHI: The Syro-Malabar church will work to ease tensions among dissenting clergy and faithful but confirmed no compromise on the implementation of the unified liturgy decided by the Synod and approved by the Pope.

The appointment of Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany, an acceptable face across all sections, taking charge of the Ernakulam Archdiocese is expected to speed up works toward a resolution.

The unrest in the Angamaly-Ernakulam archdiocese is a religious and administrative challenge faced by the Syro-Malabar church. The Synod which concluded on Saturday judged that urgent action was necessary as protests escalated into street clashes. The Archdiocese of Ernakulam, the headquarters of the Church, is headed by the Major Archbishop. Three years ago, Cardinal George Alenchery resigned from the archdiocese administration following the controversy related to dubious land deals involving the archdiocese.

The Pope had appointed Thrissur Mar Andrews Thazhath as the administrator. After he vacated a year ago, Bishop Bosco Puthur assumed charge. After his resignation, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil decided to take over the administration. Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany was appointed as Vicar of the Archdiocese to handle day-to-day duties. Both arrived at the archdiocese headquarters on Sunday morning and took charge.

The proposal to have at least one unified Mass on Sundays will be strictly implemented considering the objections raised by the priests and the faithful. Action will be taken against priests who failed to conduct at least one mass. The uniform mass has been conducted in 34 out of 35 dioceses. No exception will be given to the Ernakulam-Angamaly diocese.