KOCHI: The 11-day long meeting of the synod of the Syro Malabar Church has discussed in detail the series of issues haunting the church for last several months from the controversial land deal to forged document case.
The more than 60 bishops who assembled for the synod shared their opinions on the series of events and sought forgiveness from the laity for not able to intervene effectively and resolve the issues in a time-bound manner.
The synod observed that no one including the cardinal, auxiliary bishops or priests made financial gains through deal but there were lapses from the part of canon committees, auxiliary bishops and the cardinal in their collective responsibilities.
The synod reiterated its stand that it never intended to include the names of Mar Jacob Manathodath and Fr Paul Thelakat in the complaint filed in the forged document case.
The synod expressed strong dissent over the violation of discipline in the Church at various levels. Some of the protests by the clergy and the laity have tarnished the image of church. It said the transfer of two auxiliary bishops is not a disciplinary action, but an administrative measure, according to a release.
