By our Religious Correspondent
Kottayam, Aug 26 (IVC) The three-day Fifth Siro-Malabar Church Major Episcopal Assembly ended at Palai near here on August 25,has called for necessary church reforms .
The assembly attended by 348 delegates, including prelates, priests, monks and laity- has produced a final document highlighting necessary church reforms. It also focused on contemporary church life and mission. The document also addressed key area of faith formation , laity involvement in evangelization and strengthening the community.
The assembly also stressed the need for the celebration of Holy Mass in all dioceses as per the Synod’s decision in August 2021.
The assembly also emphasized the need for advocating for ecclesiastical and community rights should not be misconstrued as religious fundamentalism.
The document also said that it was the need of the hour for church members to engage actively in political and social life, adding the document said, it expressed solidarity with farmers facing displacement due to forest and environmental laws as well as with those impacted by natural disasters and wild life incursions.
The assembly also urged the Government to promptly release and the Justice J B Koshy Commission report after discussion with churches. It called for a a practical solution to the concerns surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam, ensuring public safety. It also demanded that Dukrana Thirunal (Death day of Saint Thomas July 03) to be recognized as a public holiday.
The declining representation of community members in bureaucratic and political spheres was a cause for concern, with the assembly deciding to support political leaders who patronize the welfare of the community and encourage active engagement among the faithful.
The assembly called for the Catholic Congress to be elevated as the socio-political voice of the Syro-Malabar Church. As the Church continuous to grow globally, discussions emphasized on the importance of adopting a more inclusive pastoral approach, especially in the diaspora, needed.
During the valedictory function, Cardinal Baselios Mar Clemins, Major Archbishop of the Siro-Malankara Church, urged the faithful to recognize the strength of the Siro-Malabar Church while expanding missionary efforts into new areas. Siro-Malabar Church Head Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil , presiding over the event, emphasized the church’s collaborative efforts with sister churches for mutual growth.
