Ernakulam: Kerala Police on Sunday blocked hundreds of Jacobite members who tried to re-enter Syrian Cathedral church in Mulanthuruthy which was taken over by the Orthodox faction following the order of Supreme Court. According to the information, members of the Jacobite faction also staged a protest in front of the Piravom Church.
The Jacobite members, led by Metropolitan Trustee Joseph Mar Gregorius, staged a protest in front of Mulanthuruthy church. The police tried to stop the protestors from entering the church without resorting to any action.
Addressing the protestors, Joseph Mar Gregorius said, "The church will not back down from this agitation. We may feel it is unnecessary at the end of the day. This protest is for justice. We will stand united in this protest."
However, the Orthodox faction said that they welcome Jacobite faction to the church but they are not ready to welcome Jacobite priests to enter the churches or lead the prayers.
READ: Authorities take control of Jacobite cathedral in Kerala
This was the second phase of protest by the Jacobite faction and they have sought an ordinance to end the church dispute. Mulanthuruthy church possessed by the Jacobites was taken over by the Orthodox camp after the Supreme Court order.
In line with the court order, state police took control of the Mulanthuruthy church in August. The Kerala High Court had made it clear that that the affairs of the church shall not be in the hands of the Jacobite faction vicar at any time.
