Kochi: The general synod meeting of the Syro-Malabar Church has constituted a five-member committee to study and resolve the controversy relating to the land deal in the Ernakulam–Angamaly archdiocese.
The committee headed by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt comprise bishops Mar Jacob Manathodathu, Mar Thomas Chakiyath, Mar George Madhathi-kandathil and Mar Antony Kariyil. It has been entrusted with finding an immediate solution to the issue through parleys with the persons concerned in the Church leadership, according to a media release.
Though the first half-yearly session of the 26th synod began at St. Thomas Mount, Kakka-nad, on Monday, the controversial topic came for detailed discussion only on Tuesday. However, during the synod, Cardinal Mar George Alencherry reportedly expressed regrets over ‘technical lapses’ in the land deals which had triggered a fierce debate over violation of Canonical and civil laws.
Enact Church Act, demands Catholic groups
The land row has resulted in a serious debate over the need to bring the administration of Church properties under the control of the state. Various Catholic organisations like Joint Christian Council and Kerala Catholic Renewal Movement have demanded immediate enactment of a Church Act. “A draft Bill of the Church Act was proposed by Kerala Law Reforms Commission headed by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer in 2009. Political parties, which are concerned about the Christian vote bank, should show the courage to enact the Act,” said Mr Joseph Varghese, joint secretary of Kerala Catholic Church Reformation Movement (KCRM).
“As per canon law, which is against the Indian Constitution, the ownership and administration of Church properties is vested with the cardinal. The prelate is the only authority for managing the assets. In view of the latest developments in the Church, this is the ideal time to bring the administration of the Church under the rules and regulations of the Constitution,” he added.
