Kochi, 13 Nov (H.S.):

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has urged the Jacobite and Orthodox churches to come together, assuring the state government’s full support for efforts to unite the two denominations and resolve their dispute.

Inaugurating a public meeting at Puthencruz to mark the 150th anniversary of the Mulanthuruthy Synod, Satheesan said unity between the churches would benefit not only their members but Kerala as a whole.

The Chief Minister said the government would stand alongside initiatives aimed at bringing the churches together. Highlighting the strength that unity could generate, he said such a development could transform Kerala’s social landscape and contribute to the state’s progress.

“The churches should stand together, and the government will be with them,” he said, reiterating his support for reconciliation.

The gathering also heard an appeal seeking a resolution to the Jacobite-Orthodox church dispute. A memorandum outlining the demand was read out in the presence of the Patriarch.

The Jacobite Church called for legislation to resolve the dispute, placing its demand before the gathering attended by the Chief Minister and religious leaders.

The anniversary celebrations also featured the presentation of the Catholicos Baselios Thomas I Award to actor Mammootty. The Patriarch presented the honour to the actor during the programme.

Addressing the gathering after receiving the award, Mammootty spoke about the importance of peace, friendship and personal initiative in overcoming hostility.

He urged people to turn enemies into friends, stressing that each individual should take the first step towards reconciliation rather than wait for others to act.

A peaceful life, he said, brings the greatest happiness. He also expressed hope for a time when people could live without quarrelling.

His remarks echoed the appeal for harmony voiced at the meeting, where church unity, government support for reconciliation and the Jacobite Church’s demand for a legislative solution were prominently raised.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman