Divisions emerge in Syro-Malabar Church over standardized holy mass format implementation

Simmering tension within the Syro-Malabar Church has emerged over the unilateral implementation of a standardized format for the holy mass. This decision has divided both clergy and the faithful, sparking concerns about its impact on tradition and unity.

According to the fundamentals of Christianity, the holy mass is a traditional ritual performed in memory of Jesus Christ’s last supper, which involved breaking bread and distributing it among the disciples. The church leadership, through a circular issued this week, warned dissenters—including priests and laity—of excommunication if they conducted the holy mass in any style other than the one prescribed by the church synod after July 3.

In many areas of Kerala, where the Syro-Malabar Church holds significant influence, the circular has provoked strong reactions. Some faithful have burned the circular in protest, reflecting widespread discontent. The archbishop’s authority faced a notable challenge when fellow bishops issued a strongly worded reply to the circular, expressing deep concerns over its authoritarian nature.

Bishops Mar Ephrem Nariculam, Mar Jose Chittooparambil, Mar Jose Puthenveettil, Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, and Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath questioned the hasty issuance of the circular without prior discussion at church forums. They cited Pope Francis’s emphasis on dialogue and unity in the church, contrasting it with what they perceive as a unilateral decision-making process. “The circular reflects a mediaeval approach contrary to the spirit of the values pushed by the Second Vatican Council,” the letter said.

The bishops also expressed dismay over the potential long-term consequences of the circular, fearing it could deepen divisions and erode faith within the community. They assured their commitment to synodal decisions on uniformity in holy mass celebrations but emphasized the need for a more inclusive and collaborative approach.

The Syro-Malabar Church, India’s largest denomination of Catholics, is also the most prominent among the 22 oriental churches in full communion with the Vatican. Beyond its spiritual role, the church is actively involved in educational, social, and health-related fields, operating 4,860 educational, 262 ecclesiastical, and 2,614 health and charitable institutions nationwide.

The controversy began in August 2021 when the church synod, which decides doctrine and manages administration, issued a directive to implement a uniform code across all dioceses and regional administrative units. This directive has since sparked ongoing debate and resistance, highlighting tensions between tradition and modern governance within the church.

Source: Read the original report