Kochi: It’s Amen to Church row

Kochi: The priests of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church ended the three-day protest at the Archbishop’s House in Kochi on Saturday following  an assurance from the permanent synod of the church that their grievances would be given due consideration.

Senior priest Fr Joseph Parecattil was conducting the hunger strike along with the prayer protest by other priests and a section of laity.   

A statement jointly signed by Bishop And-rews Thazhath of Thri-ssur and a member of the permanent synod and Fr. Kuriakose Mundadan representing the priests stated that a convergence existed on the five key issues raised by the protesting priests and synod.

The synod members promised to take steps for a speedy conclusion of the probe into the ‘forged documents’ case without victimising the priests.

The police investigation into the forged document case is one of the main issues between the supporters and opponents of Cardinal George Alenc-herry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church.

The supporters of the cardinal allege that the documents were forged to defame him. The priests opposing the cardinal called for an impartial investigation by other agencies as they lacked confidence in the present investigation team which says the documents were forged.

The synod also promised that the suspension of the auxiliary bishops of the archdiocese will be brought before the synod scheduled to be held in August. Fr. Mundadan explained that priests have faith and respect in the authority of the Pope to take action against bishops but that the two suspended bishops were not given a proper chance to explain their position.

An assurance was also given on discussing the reports linked to the controversial land deals of the archdiocese and the possibility of the contents of the reports being made public.

The synod also promised to recommend the appointment of an archbishop with administrative powers to look after the day-to-day affairs of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese replacing Cardinal Alencherry.

Father Mundadan said eight bishops of the permanent synod and nine priests, representing 451 clergy members of the archdiocese took part in the talks held at St. Thomas Mount, Kakkanad. The discussions, which started on Friday, evening lasted for more than five hours, he said.