In a significant development within the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly, leaders of a long-standing laity movement advocating the traditional people-facing Mass have secured a majority of seats in the newly constituted Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, marking a decisive shift in internal church dynamics.
The group, often labeled as dissidents for opposing the uniform liturgical mode mandated by the Syro-Malabar Synod, is now positioned to shape pastoral and administrative decisions for the next three years, following elections held on January 24 at the Kaloor Renewal Centre.
With Shaiju Antony elected as Secretary and Jaini Samraj as Joint Secretary, the council’s leadership reflects strong representation from those who have campaigned for the restoration of the traditional people-facing Mass, a liturgical format that had been practiced in the archdiocese since the implementation of Vatican II reforms.
Leadership Backed by Liturgical Reform Movement
Shaiju Antony, a prominent figure in the movement, has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve the traditional celebration of Mass, resisting the uniform mode introduced by the Syro-Malabar bishops’ synod.
Other key appointments to the Pastoral Council Executive Committee include:
- Riju Kanjookaran
- Nimmy Antony
- Father Sunny Kalapurackal
Meanwhile, Boby John Malayil has been elected to lead the Kerala Catholic Council, further extending the influence of reform-aligned voices in church-affiliated leadership.
“This election reflects the strong support for the people-facing Mass among the faithful of the archdiocese,” said Riju Kanjookaran, spokesperson for the laity movement, in comments to Matters India.
Broad Participation in the Election Process
According to Kanjookaran, approximately 170 representatives from forane churches and parishes across the archdiocese participated in the electoral process.
“More than half of those who voted are active members of the liturgical movement that stood for the people-facing Mass — a form of worship our archdiocese has followed since Vatican II,” he said.
The election was conducted under the supervision of high-ranking church officials, including:
- Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil
- Apostolic Vicar Archbishop Joseph Pamplany
The process was overseen by Archdiocesan Chancellor Father Antony Vazhakala and Vice Chancellor Father Paul Meledath, who served as returning officers.
Background: A Decades-Long Liturgy Conflict
The election outcome comes against the backdrop of a prolonged and emotionally charged liturgy dispute that has divided clergy and laity in the Ernakulam–Angamaly archdiocese for decades.
The conflict escalated sharply in 2021, when the Syro-Malabar Synod mandated a uniform liturgical mode — requiring priests to face the altar during certain parts of the Mass — across all 35 dioceses under its jurisdiction.
While all other dioceses complied, Ernakulam–Angamaly resisted, arguing that its people-facing Mass better reflected pastoral priorities and the spirit of Vatican II.
The resistance led to:
- Public protests and violent confrontations
- Legal disputes
- The temporary closure of St. Mary’s Basilica Cathedral in Ernakulam
- The burning of official synodal circulars
- Defiance by an estimated 500,000 faithful and 470 priests, despite warnings of disciplinary action, including possible excommunication
June 2025 Compromise: A Partial Resolution
In June 2025, the Syro-Malabar Church announced what it described as a compromise solution aimed at resolving the dispute.
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil stated that both sides agreed to a hybrid formula under which:
- One Mass in the synod’s uniform mode would be celebrated on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
- Other Masses could follow the traditional people-facing format
The compromise was communicated through a circular letter jointly signed by the Major Archbishop and Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, who had been appointed to mediate the crisis.
“The agreement was designed to balance unity within the church while respecting the pastoral tradition of the archdiocese,” Archbishop Thattil said earlier.
Continued Opposition and Fresh Tensions
Despite the compromise, the settlement has not satisfied all parties.
Groups supporting the Synodal uniform Mass have staged protests within cathedral premises, objecting to what they perceive as special concessions granted to Ernakulam–Angamaly.
The renewed protests have led to concerns over law and order, worship disruptions, and the unity of the church community.
In response, Archbishop Joseph Pamplany has reportedly approached the Kerala High Court, seeking assistance to remove protestors from cathedral premises and restore peace and harmony within the archdiocese.
“Ensuring a prayerful atmosphere and unity among the faithful remains our priority,” church sources said.
Implications of the New Pastoral Council
The election of leaders closely aligned with the liturgical reform movement is widely seen as a symbolic and strategic victory for those advocating greater local autonomy in worship practices.
Analysts note that the new pastoral council may:
- Influence future negotiations with the Syro-Malabar Synod
- Shape pastoral priorities, community outreach, and liturgical guidelines
- Strengthen the voice of laity in archdiocesan decision-making
- Play a key role in ensuring the compromise formula is interpreted in favour of traditional practices
“This council reflects the lived faith and preferences of the majority of the archdiocese’s faithful,” a senior lay representative commented.
However, observers also warn that the shift could deepen divisions if dialogue and reconciliation efforts are not strengthened.
A Church at a Crossroads
The developments highlight the broader tension between centralized ecclesiastical authority and local pastoral identity, a challenge faced by many global church institutions navigating tradition, reform, and cultural context.
For Ernakulam–Angamaly — home to one of the largest Syro-Malabar Catholic populations — the question remains whether this new leadership will ease long-standing tensions or entrench competing visions of worship and governance.
“The future depends on whether this moment becomes a step toward unity or another chapter in a prolonged conflict,” said a church-affairs observer.
As the newly elected council assumes office, the archdiocese enters a critical phase — one that could shape the future of liturgical practice, ecclesiastical authority, and lay participation in one of India’s most influential Catholic communities.
