Churches across central Travancore clarify their stance ahead of election
With the Lok Sabha elections nearing, various Churches that command considerable presence across central Travancore have come up with their political stance.
Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, head of the Mar Thoma Church, emphasises the critical importance of candidates who address people’s issues impartially, maintain a nonsectarian stance, and uphold moral values in public life for the sustenance of democracy in the nation.
“The multiculturalism and societal harmony that our nation has cherished for centuries must be safeguarded like the apple of our eye,” he says.
Highlighting diversity as the nation’s paramount asset, the Metropolitan underscores the need for protecting it at all costs.
“We must not allow seeds of hatred and division to take root within our communities. Democracy must be safeguarded and the freedoms of religion and speech should ourish. It is imperative to safeguard the rights of minorities,” he stresses, expressing concern over attempts to curtail the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
Additionally, the metropolitan calls for concerted eorts to address the escalating violence against Dalits, women, and children, advocating for equal justice and opportunities for all citizens.
Orthodox church
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has claried its intent not to reap any benets by exerting pressure during elections.
According to Biju Oommen, secretary of the Malankara Syrian Christian Association, the Church respects the diverse political aliations of its members and refrains from inuencing their political opinions. “Candidates should succeed based on their merit, irrespective of their political allegiances,” he says.
Mr. Oommen suggests that believers may consider the Church’s past experiences and future prospects while casting their votes.
“Church members possess the discernment to recognise those who oppose their interests. In such instances, the tradition of the Church is to respond through appropriate channels. However, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church abstains from making pre-election comments,” he adds.
Mar Thoma Church emphasises critical importance of candidates who address people’s issues impartially
Jacobite church
Metropolitan Joseph Mor Gregorios has sent a communication to the laity and clergy of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church seeking to return the favour for those who helped the Church in times of crisis.
Though the communication makes no specic mention of the election, it has triggered widespread speculations that it could be a call to extend support to the Left Democratic Front.