Jacobite Church reiterates call for dialogue, seeks end to litigation
Kuriakose Mor Theophilose, chairperson of the media cell of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church and the Metropolitan-designate of the newly formed Thiruvananthapuram region, has said
Kuriakose Mor Theophilose, chairperson of the media cell of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church and the Metropolitan-designate of the newly formed Thiruvananthapuram region, has said that failing to resolve the long-standing dispute with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church would be an injustice to future generations. Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday (July 14, 2026), Mor Theophilose said matters of faith should be resolved through dialogue and consensus rather than through court proceedings.
He added that the Jacobite Syrian Church has consistently sought an amicable settlement over the years. He, however, regretted that such efforts have not been successful, partly owing to the stance adopted by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. “There is still an opportunity to resolve the issue. The Jacobite Syrian Church has always kept the door open for dialogue and we are ready to participate in any talks initiated by the Kerala government as we had done in the past,” he said.
He added that the Jacobite Syrian Church’s position is to end the litigation and disputes, and move forward by recognising the two groups as separate sister denominations. The installation ceremony of Mor Theophilose as the first Metropolitan of the Church’s Thiruvananthapuram region will be held at the St. Peter’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Simhasana Cathedral on Wednesday (July 15, 2026). Catholicos Mor Baselios Joseph I will preside over the service, while other Metropolitans of the Church will participate as co-celebrants at the ceremony.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Ministers, Speaker, other elected representatives, heads of various Christian denominations, religious leaders and prominent personalities from various spheres are expected to attend the programme. Cathedral Vicar and programme general convener Alexander Thomas, convener Koshy M. George, publicity coordinator Alan Kurian Sabu, Church lay secretary Jacob C. Mathew and other Church representatives attended the press conference.
The BriefWire