Orthodox faction accuses Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan of taking sides in intra-church row

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of taking sides in the ongoing dispute between the two factions of the Malankara Church – Orthodox and Jacobite.

The church said it was undemocratic of the Chief Minister to participate in the events of one faction and offer them “unlawful support” to gain applause. It was referring to a recent speech made by Pinarayi Vijayan when he attended an event of the Jacobite Church.

He had told the Jacobite Church the state government was committed to ensuring its existence. The Kerala Chief Minister also mentioned the presence of “wolves in sheep’s skin” trying to divide society.

In response, the Orthodox Church asked Vijayan to clarify whom the phrase was intended for.

The church released a statement saying the Chief Minister violated his oath by declaring the government’s willingness to assist those who are deemed ‘legally non-existent’.

Pinarayi Vijayan showed complete disregard for the Orthodox Church which has been actively seeking peace in all meetings convened by him, said the statement.

The Church also accused the Chief Minister of triggering new disputes on a matter that was resolved by the Supreme Court. Instead of fostering peace by implementing the Supreme Court’s order, which concluded the centuries-long legal battle, his statements could result in new disputes, lawsuits and the emergence of law and order issues, said the Orthodox Church.

The two factions of the Malankara Church have been entangled in a conflict for decades over the right to worship and the ownership of the church’s properties.