Kerala church warns against abortion

Due to the decline of Christian population in Kerala from 24% in 1950 to 19% in this decade, the Churches in the state have been alarmed and asked to open up with fresh strategies to prevent the downslide.

Kerala's Thrissur district, which is believed to have laid the foundation of Christianity and traces its origin back to the Apostolate of St.Thomas, who landed at Crangannore (Kodungallur) in the present district of Trichur in the year 52 AD – are stressing on the need of Christians producing more babies.

A pastoral letter signed by Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath and read in churches under the archdiocese on September 2, reiterated the Catholic Church's opposition to abortion and warned of the "danger" to the religion if the practice wasn't given up.

The letter read, "The fact that Christian population in Kerala fell from 24% to 19% in the past 50 years should be an eye–opener for all. Hence, parents should strive to bring up every human life realising that the mother's womb is a security cover given by God for the protection of life," quoted a secular news agency.

The letter exhorted the brethren to honour couples with more children and to stay away from abortion.

"But this sin [abortion] against life can in no way be justified," the archbishop pointed.

The Archbishop called on the faithful to observe a "Pro–Life Day" and encouraged church officials to organise study classes, seminars and exhibitions to enlighten the masses. The major reason for the church's voice of concern, say observers, is the rising number of Muslims in the state.

Kerala's Christian population consist of Catholics constituting about 61.4%, the Syrian Orthodox and Syrian Jacobites together about 21.4%, the Marthoma Syrians about 5.7%, the Church of South India 5.2% and others about 6.3% of Christians in the state.