KOCHI: The Syro-Malabar Church has stated that it would respect the freedom of the laity to believe and work according to their political preference. A pastoral letter read out in all parishes under the Syro-Malabar Church on Sunday in connection with the ensuing assembly polls in the state said the community of believers under the church is workers or supporters of various political parties. Archbishop George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Church has issued the letter.
The opinion of the powerful Christian clergy has been interpreted as a clear sign that the Church will opt for neutral position instead of supporting the Congress-led UDF in the assembly polls. “The Church is having a clear opinion on social issues including the political affairs. Amongst the political parties some are known to share the views of the Church while few others don’t agree with the views of the Church”, the letter said.
“Even those known for sharing the views of the Church may not be agreeing with some issues while those known for not in tune with the opinion of the Church may share the views of the Church on some issues”, the letter said. These wordings of the letter are cited as a signal of the Church taking an equal distance policy in the elections.
The letter also urged the faithful not to exercise their franchise based on the temporary allegations and counter allegations by political parties at the time of elections.
“The voting decision should be based on the ability of the leaders to uphold the sustainable interest and common well being of the state” it said. The letter also expressed concern over the increasing trend of political apathy amongst the people especially of the younger generation.
“The number of people losing faith the electoral system is going up due to the feeling that politicians, irrespective of the differences in fronts, shows that same character”, the letter pointed out. The letter said that such apathy will only help to weaken the democratic institutions in the country.
