Some observations on the escalation of tensions between the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Syrian Church. (I will be biased in my opinion but would prefer to position my bias/preferential option to those who are oppressed and afflicted at the moment. Whenever there is a change and if the oppressed becomes the oppressor, this opinion will also change accordingly.)
1. The court has not ruled out reconciliatory talks
and confidence building measures between the churches. The door to talks and
settlements is not closed.
2. This is a jolt to the ecumenical relationships
between churches. The OSC has bishops and priests in high ranking positions of
ecumenical bodies. How then can the church not compromise for the larger good,
as ecumenical acceptance is itself also a compromise?
3. A forced unity can never be Christian. It is a very
imperialistic move from the OSC which does not bode well for churches in India.
4. The court has not suggested alienation of
people/church members from their beliefs or spirituality. Such forced alienation,
eviction and use of force is anti-democratic and un-Christian.
5. Jesus’ teaching that the first will be last and the
last will be first should never be laughed off as an unrealistic and utopian dream
(which is what an unbridled expansion will mean). If we do so we risk preaching
a defeated Christ and a defeated cross, which goes against the theology and
belief of all churches.
6. By being generous and compassionate the OSC will
only gain a larger acceptance in society, among other churches and among their
own church members.
7. The thought of the annihilation of a church, a
people or a particular tradition is very dangerous and can lead to irreparable
damage among all Christians.
8. The court cases also came about because of a deep-seated
enmity among two churches. The aim was not just winning but showing the
opposition to one another.
9. Tomorrow whoever else does something like this will
also have to face the criticism of other churches and civil society. The
opposition is not to the OSC as a church but to the thought of acquiring and
amassing wealth and property which does not completely belong to someone.
10. Evil has to be opposed but it need not come at the
expense of not having a relationship with one another. The wide ranging
criticism of a church should change to the criticism of wrong policies.
11. People from both churches can join to oppose
injustice in society and even in churches. There is already a natural
association which is in relationship with common concerns and issues. This will
be a healthy development.
12. How long can we accuse one another and try to do
away with each other? Even as we worship the same God, it is necessary that we
allow the continuing of several denominations as it helps us to witness to
Christ Jesus in a better way.
13. Clergy and laity of both churches who should be
contributing effectively to the Christian world are blinded by the faith to the
denomination than true faith in God. This leads to the stunting of growth of
very promising minds.
14. It is still not too late. We can stop throwing
stones at one another and sit at a table and start talking. By hurling
accusations at one another, we are rubbing salt on the wounds instead of
working on the healing process.
15. Forceful occupation done by countries and powerful
institutions has never worked anywhere. The enmity lasts for generations,
leading to greater mistrust, hatred and unending conflict.
May God show a way for peace to prevail and for people
to be given the churches that their ancestors or they themselves have built.
Hope all of us can come together in prayer and wait for a great healing from God.
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