Alappuzha: The tensions between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions in the Kerala Malankara Orthodox Church heightened today when the Orthodox members entered a church on the back of Supreme Court verdict.
The Orthodox faction today entered the Kattachira Church, which both the factions claim. The Supreme Court had given verdict in favor of the Orthodox faction. However, the government failed to implement the Supreme Court verdict fearing a loss support from the Jacobite faction.
Recently, the Supreme Court pulled up Kerala government and criticized its lapse in executing its verdict. Justice Arun Misra even warned that the Chief Secretary of Kerala will be put behind bars if the court’s orders are not followed.
Today, Sub Collector, Krishna Teja, executed the apex court’s order and broke the lock of the church. Orthodox members entered the church much to the dismay of the Jacobite faction.
Members of the Jacobite faction had gathered to stop the entry of Orthodox members. However, a strong police contingent was present and blocked them from reaching near the church.
Tensions were high as Orthodox members entered the church after the door of the Kattachira church was thrown open to them. Both the factions have been fighting for the churches and assets of the Kerala Malankara Orthodox Church for decades.
The main point of disagreement between the two warring factions revolve around who should head the Malankara Orthodox Church. While the Orthodox faction do not want to accept the rule of the Patriarch of Antioch while the Jacobites still want the foreign Patriarch to control the church.
