The pro-Synod group of laypersons has appealed to Joseph Pamplany, the metropolitan vicar of the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, that there is no need to open fresh dialogue with the rebel priests in the Ernakulam-Angamaly diocese on the mass liturgy issue, that the full people-facing mass should be banned and that “protection and recognition” should come to the priests and the laity who have stood by the Synod of bishops in the ongoing Church dispute.
In a communication here on Wednesday (January 22, 2025), the group said it held discussions with Archbishop Pamplany before submitting the appeal, which expressed “great pain” at the way the rebel priests and laypeople have “caused division” in the archdiocese and “disobeyed” the Synod. The group has promised full support to the new vicar in his efforts to find peace.
The group said the full people-facing Mass has been “declared illegal” in the Syro-Malabar Church. Therefore, there is no need for further discussions on the issue.
It requested the head of the archdiocese to “set an example” by celebrating the unified mass either in the basilica or any other church whenever he is in the city.
The group also felt that the new archdiocesan curia should not be changed or anyone removed from the present curia as it has been “instrumental in taking action against the rebels.” The action initiated by the curia and former apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur against the rebels should not be withdrawn.
The group also said action should be taken against the nuns who have “supported” the rebel priests by joining their protests.
Similarly, action should be taken against the laypeople who joined the rebels, the group said in its appeal.
