I differ from Bishop Vijayanandh Nedumpuram CMI, in his write up on ‘Synod decision’ for the ‘unification of Syro-Malabar Qurbana (LIGHT OF TRUTH, Nov.16-31, 2021), My question is the unification of Qurbana ‘essential or not? I am for the unification in the interests of Unity in the church. Now what is going on is celebrating Qurbana in different forms particularly in Ernakulam-Angamali Archdiocese and Changanacherry Archdiocese. A section of priests in Ernakulam-Angamali Archdiocese are more particular for the ‘Qurbana’ towards the faithful, how they were celebrating ‘Qurbana’ for the last five decades. At the same time in other Archdiocese particularly in Changanacherry Archdiocese, they are celebrating the traditional ‘Syrian liturgical Qurbana towards the ‘Altar’ where the Holy Eucharist is kept permanently.
Because of different forms of worship in some of the dioceses, the ‘Synod’ of the Syro-Malabar church after two years of discussions and study they decided on majority opinion of Bishops for ‘unification of Qurbana’ in the interests of unity in the church. According to the ‘Synod’ decision and approval from the Vatican the Hierarchy of the church prepared a new ‘text’ to follow the Priests and laity in all the dioceses in the Syro-Malabar church. So, there is no question of ‘Unanimous’ decision. But the ‘Synod’ took a decision based on majority support.
As long as the Syro-Malabar church belongs to the Catholic communion, it should follow the Hierarchical form of functioning as per the ‘Canon laws’ of the Eastern churches. The church is not for the democratic setup like political parties in the country. Therefore, the Bishop views that the ‘Synod’ would have taken decision by respecting the people, and understanding their traditions and demands, if we enforce or impose something on them” is absolutely illogical and irrelevant that the ‘Synod’ decision was not unanimous and not taken views of the people and enforce or impose something on them. For the information, the Syro-Malabar church consists of 5 millions of faithful with 35 Dioceses and about Ten thousand Priests and also several thousands of Nuns.

M.J.Thomas, Bengaluru-560 102