JOINT COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
AND THE MALANKARA ORTHODOX SYRIAN CHURCH
REPORT OF THE 1999 MEETING
Kottayam, 24-29 October 1999
The Joint Commission of the Roman Catholic and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church held its 11th meeting, from 24-29th October 1999, at the Sophia Centre, Kottayam. As usual, the four local sub-commissions presented some preparatory papers on the major topics of this annual meeting.
On the occasion of the 4th centenary of the Synod of Diamper, a common statement was discussed, elaborated and published as a Press Release at the end of our meeting: "Statement on the Synod of Diamper (A.D. 1599) by the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church ". This document can be considered as a first concrete result of the many papers and discussions dedicated to the issue of Diamper, during the past years. It can also be considered as a means of "healing painful memories" at the threshold of a new millennium.
The question of mixed marriages was brought again on the agenda. No positive evolution, however, could be ascertained. The proposal of an "interim provision", elaborated during the meeting of 1997, was not yet acceptable, neither for the Syro Malabar Synod nor for the Malankara Orthodox Synod. Two members of the Commission were authorised to examine some workable ways to resume this topic in the next meeting. .
Regarding theology, the fundamental notion of "communion" and its ecclesiological implications was further examined. A paper from the Malankara Orthodox side on this argument was presented and discussed.
The issue of common witness was also programmed. As several regions in India are actually suffering from increasing violence against Christian persons and Christian communities, a common "Press Release on Attacks against Christians" was discussed and elaborated during the meeting. Some common projects were taken again in consideration, such like meetings between Catholic and Orthodox students, the organisation of common seminars and common social initiatives.
As this Joint Commission has already met ten times, the question was discussed how faithful from both communities could be informed on the content and the progress of its activities. It was decided to prepare a publication, which would include all major addresses and papers, presented during the past meetings. This publication will be prepared in the forthcoming months, in order to be ready for publication before the next plenary meeting.
The participants from the Malankara Orthodox Church in this meeting were: H.E. Metropolitan Philipos Mar Eusebios (co-chairman), H.E. Metropolitan Mathews Mar Severios; Very Revd. Ramban Theophoros; Fr. K.M. George; Fr. Jacob Kurian; Fr. V.P. Varghese; Fr. M.O. John; Fr. John Mathews (co-secretary); Fr. John Panicker; Shri P.C. Abraham and Shri A.K. Thomas; the participants from the Roman Catholic Church were: H.E. Archbishop Joseph Mar Powathil; H.E. Bìshop Patrick D'Souza; H.E. Bishop Kuriakose Mar Kunnacherry; Fr. Geevarghese Chediath; Fr. Xavier Koodapuzha; Fr. MathewVellanickal; Fr. Johan Bonny (co-secretary); H.E. Bishop Walter Kasper, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity could not attend the meeting in Kottayam, due to the solemn signing of the Joint Declaration of Justification, which took place in Augsburg during the same days; H.E. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil assumed the function of co-president exceptionally for this meeting, on behalf of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The next meeting is scheduled for September 26-30, 2000 at the Spirituality Centre of Kottayam. Two major issues will be on the agenda: the evolution of patriarchal authority throughout the history of the Church, on the one hand and conciliarity and models of Church unity, on the other hand.
STATEMENT ON THE SYNOD OF DIAMPER (A.D. 1599)
Kottayam, 29 October 1999
1. This year being the fourth centenary of the Synod of Diamper (Udayamperur) which was held from the 20th to the 26th June 1599, we, the members of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church consider it very opportune to share with our brothers and sisters of both the Churches our findings on the nature and consequences of the Synod of Diamper with the firm hope of creating an increasing awareness of the urgent need of healing the bitter memories of the past which stand in the way of our reconciliation and mutual communion.
2. The undivided ancient apostolic Church of the St. Thomas Christians came into contact with the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. The Roman Catholic Missionaries who accompanied them, unjustly accused the St. Thomas Christians of upholding Nestorianism. Through the Goan Synods and through the seminary formation at Cranganore, Vaipinkotta etc., there was a systematic attempt to conform the indigenous Church to the Latin Church.
3. The activities in connection with the Synod of Diamper brought drastic changes in the ecclesiastical life of the St. Thomas Christians. Westernisation and latinisation were the main results of the activities of the missionaries and the colonial power. The Church was forced to adopt several changes in the Latin direction. Consequently the identity and the heritage of the St. Thomas Christians were severely distorted.
4. As is evident from the canons of the Synod, under the direction of the missionaries, the liturgy was mutilated, the hierarchical relation with the Persian Church was discontinued and substantial changes regarding the practices and tradition of the St. Thomas Christians were introduced.
5. Despite certain positive aspects great damage was done to the ecclesial heritage of this local Church by the Synod. The saddest consequence of the Synod was the loss of freedom and the division of the one apostolic ancient Church in India into two, one section which later came to be known as the Syro Malabar Church and the other one as the Malankara Orthodox Church. This also led to further divisions and all sections of the St. Thomas Christians are suffering from it.
6. This common reading of such a crucial historical event in the life of St. Thomas Christians takes us a long way in our search for reconciliation and rediscovery of the identity of the Churches of St. Thomas tradition.
7. We are happy that some efforts have been initiated towards this. The setting up of this Joint Commission for Dialogue is one. We have already studied and drawn up an agreed statement on Christology; details of an interim agreement on Inter church marriage are being pursued, steps have been taken for a more effective common witness, to mention only a few. So we look forward to the future with hope assured of the desire of our faithful.
PRESS RELEASE ON ATTACKS AGAINST CHRISTIANS
The Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church (14,908,000 members in India) and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (approx. 2,000,000 members), meeting at the Sophia Centre from 25th-29th October 1999 notes with great concern the growing tendency in certain quarters of misinterpreting the identity and witness of Christians in India.
The Commission reiterates the unquestionable Indian identity of the Christians and their unshakable patriotic loyalty to the nation all through the centuries. Christians in India constitute a part and parcel of this country, and trace their roots to this land from the earliest times. Christianity in India is as old as Christianity itself. It arrived in India in AD 52 through St. Thomas one of the Twelve Apostles. Therefore, Christians belong to this country by this long association, by their service and their commitment to the land. The Joint International Commission hereby urges all concerned to take note of this fact, not to hurt Christian feelings and promote the rich heritage of communal and religious harmony prevailing in India.
The Joint International Commission further urges the authorities to take serious and effective steps to prevent the growing instances of violence against Christians in the country and the escalating measure of false propaganda against Christians from certain religious fundamentalist groups.
[Information Service 102 (1999/IV) 251-255]