Indian Liturgy War: Archdiocese Capitulates for Compromise

On 19 June, 300 priests from the Grand Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly met with Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and his vicar, Joseph Pamplany, and reached a compromise on their year-long disputes over liturgy. However, previous similar agreements have failed at the last minute.

In 2021, the Syro-Malabar Church introduced a standardised liturgy. This requires priests to face the congregation during the readings, turn towards the altar (ad orientem) for the Eucharist and then face the congregation again after Communion.

Opponents of the reform want the priest to stare into the congregation throughout the liturgy, a practice influenced by Vatican II (1962-1965).

Most Syro-Malabar dioceses welcomed the 2021 reform.

There was resistance in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese in Kerala. This opposition was expressed through hunger strikes, boycotts and the burning of effigies of cardinals, as well as letters from church officials. In January 2025, priests opposed to the new liturgy, who had occupied the Major Archbishop’s House, were forcibly removed from the building by police officers.

So far, all mediation efforts have failed, including those of Pope Francis.

The Compromise

According to AsiaNews.it, the compromise is that only one Mass must be celebrated in the uniform form determined by the 2021 synod in all churches on Sundays and public holidays.

However, the form in which the priest faces the congregation at all times remains permissible.

Until now, newly ordained priests have had to sign a written promise before their ordination that they will only celebrate the uniform form. This obligation has now been lifted.

All disciplinary measures against priests due to the liturgical controversy are to be withdrawn.

In addition, all charges and legal proceedings brought before state authorities by protesters are to be withdrawn.

Reports suggest that the new agreement has the blessing of both the Syro-Malabar Church’s Synod of Bishops and the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

The Syro-Malabar Church is the second-largest of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, after the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

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