Thrissur: The fourth Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Assembly which began at Kodakara has observed that luxury and celebrations exceeding certain limits could be considered as infringement upon the rights of the poor. After the deliberations, it came out with major proposals which include austerity in the life of the clergy and the faithful, reconsidering the decision to allow permanent tombs in cemeteries, calling off or reducing to minimum the fireworks during celebrations and lenient approach towards the parishioner who takes stand against the church.
As many as 600 representatives presented the views collected from all the 31 dioceses of the church during the last five years. The draft proposals from the assembly have been prepared and the final report will be presented by Major Archbishops of the Syro-Malabar Church Mar George Alencherry at the concluding ceremony on Monday morning. The synod of the church will discuss proposals from the assembly and make guidelines/laws from the proposals. All the 50 bishops of the church who took part in the assembly will be taking part in the synod in Kakkanad starting from Monday.
After debating the issues which posed challenges to the church like extravagant lifestyle and celebrations along with issues faced by migrants, the representatives have formulated several suggestions which will be further discussed in the synod. Representatives from Italy, Britain, Australia, USA, Canada, Austria, Singapore, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, South Africa, Nigeria and different Gulf countries took part.
