Kerala CM steps in to defuse Orthodox-Jacobite church dispute

The Chief Minister of Kerala Oomen Chandy has stepped in to defuse an escalating row over the ownership of St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church at Kolencherry in Ernakulam.

The chief minister has reportedly sought 15 days time from the Jacobite and Orthodox churches to find an amicable settlement to the issue.

On Sunday, the chief minister held discussions with administrative and police officials after talks by the court-appointed mediation committee failed.

Chandy urged the heads of both the factions to call of their agitations. If there will no settlement in two weeks, the court order will be implemented, he told reporters.

Several protests were last week called by both the churches in different parts of the state and country. The Orthodox faction even staged a demonstration in front of the chief minister's residence in Kottayam.

Trouble began after the Ernakulam district court last month ruled that the administration of St Peter's and St Paul's Church should go to the Orthodox Church as per the Church constitution passed in 1934.

However, Jacobites maintain that they are not ready for any compromise on spiritual matters and the status quo should be maintained in the disputed church.

While stating that the Orthodox Church had legitimate authority over the church, Government Chief Whip PC George on Sunday appealed to both the sides to find a peaceful settlement to the issue.

George urged the two factions to follow the path of Christ and said the conflict was causing an embarrassment to Christians in the state.

The Orthodox faction, according to reports, has decided to keep away from any more talks and stick to its demand for implementation of the court directive.

The Kerala High court appointed Kerala Mediation Committee and the district administration have both failed last week in resolving the dispute through arbitration.