Church leaders in Kerala express concern at attack on Christians

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 8, 2004 – The recent spate of attacks on Christians in Kerala have drawn the attention of the Syro–Malabar Church leaders, the leading church among the Kerala Christians.

The Bishops’ synod, which was inaugurated recently by Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, expressed their concern and apprehension over the growing trend in violence perpetrated against the Christians in the state. Citing the recent incidents of the brutal murder of an elderly priest, the heinous attack on the nuns belonging to the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa and the attack and vandalism on a church, the Bishops echoed that religious intolerance and sectarian violence were increasingly growing in the state.

Cardinal Vithayathil, while presiding the synod, drew the attention of all the bishops towards the internal and external problems faced by the Church and noted that the spiritual needs of the Church followers in the areas like Chennai, Delhi and the Gulf also be addressed.

The synod, being attended by 34 bishops, would conclude on November 13.