Orthodox Church welcomes dialogue with Jacobite faction

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has expressed openness to negotiations with the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, aiming to resolve the protracted discord over ecclesiastical authority and property rights that has divided the Malankara Church community in Kerala for decades.
Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, head of the Orthodox Church's media department, acknowledged the Jacobite faction's willingness to engage in dialogue. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the 2017 Supreme Court verdict, which upheld the 1934 constitution granting administrative control of the Malankara Church to the Orthodox faction. Mar Diascoros stated that any discussions must be grounded in this legal framework to ensure a just and lasting resolution.
The dispute between the two factions centers on control over church properties and leadership authority. The Supreme Court's 2017 ruling favoured the Orthodox faction, leading to tensions as the Jacobite faction resisted ceding control of certain parishes. This resistance has resulted in legal battles and, at times, physical confrontations.
In August 2020, the Jacobite faction announced its decision to sever sacramental ties with the Orthodox Church, citing an impasse in negotiations and accusing the Orthodox faction of intransigence. This move underscored the depth of the schism within the Malankara Church community.
The Orthodox Church has consistently advocated for the implementation of the Supreme Court's decision. Church leaders have criticised governmental hesitancy in enforcing the verdict, suggesting that political considerations have impeded the resolution of the dispute. They argue that the rule of law must prevail to restore order and unity within the church.
Efforts to mediate the conflict have included proposals for legislative intervention. In March 2023, the Kerala government considered introducing a bill aimed at resolving the feud. However, the Orthodox Church opposed this initiative, contending that such intervention would undermine the authority of the Supreme Court and potentially exacerbate the situation.
The Jacobite faction has also sought to bolster its position by strengthening relationships with other Christian denominations, such as the Marthoma Church. These alliances reflect a strategic effort to navigate the complex ecclesiastical landscape and assert their identity amidst ongoing disputes.
The historical context of this schism dates back to the early 20th century, with divisions over allegiance to the Patriarch of Antioch and the Catholicos of the East. These theological and administrative disagreements have evolved into a multifaceted conflict involving legal, political, and social dimensions. Open URL