The sad politics in our Church
For those fortunate enough to be unaware, there is a raging controversy in the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church over the consecration of a German monk in Kerala by two of our Orthodox Bishops. Ugly story with no approval by Bava Thirumeni, appointment not done per our constitution, etc.
Of course, this brings out in force those obsessed with the Constitution and the lawsuits on both sides of the schism in the Indian Orthodox Church. Everyone trying to justify, and taking the opportunity to ridicule and thump their chest. The sad thing is in few months the roles will be reversed and the same men (yup - mainly men again) will again put on their halos, bring out their dictionaries and constitution and make their statements of the "one true Faith".
How did we get here? How can the stewards of the Church who had been given the awesome responsibility to safe-guard the message of Christ brought to India by St Thomas not only lack the wisdom to have prevented the current state of the administration, but also lack the courage to take steps towards the much needed reconciliation of the Church?
The change needs to occur at multiple levels - Church, Diocesan and local. But, if there's no acknowledgment that something is broken, how can change occur? I am sure that our Thirumeni's pray for wisdom on what Christ demands of our Church ... why are they not listening?
Of course, this brings out in force those obsessed with the Constitution and the lawsuits on both sides of the schism in the Indian Orthodox Church. Everyone trying to justify, and taking the opportunity to ridicule and thump their chest. The sad thing is in few months the roles will be reversed and the same men (yup - mainly men again) will again put on their halos, bring out their dictionaries and constitution and make their statements of the "one true Faith".
How did we get here? How can the stewards of the Church who had been given the awesome responsibility to safe-guard the message of Christ brought to India by St Thomas not only lack the wisdom to have prevented the current state of the administration, but also lack the courage to take steps towards the much needed reconciliation of the Church?
The change needs to occur at multiple levels - Church, Diocesan and local. But, if there's no acknowledgment that something is broken, how can change occur? I am sure that our Thirumeni's pray for wisdom on what Christ demands of our Church ... why are they not listening?
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