Kerala church clash: Rival factions scuffle over ownership, admin to mediate
The long-running dispute over control of church properties between two factions of the Malankara Church took a confrontational turn on Sunday, when priests and members of the Orthodox and Jacobite groups clashed at St. John's Bethlehem Church in Piramadom, near Muvattupuzha, Kerala. Police intervened to disperse both sides, and the church was temporarily locked to restore order.
According to police, the incident occurred when members and priests of the Orthodox faction arrived at the church claiming to possess a court order granting them ownership. The church had been under the control of the Jacobite faction. A Holy Mass was reportedly in progress when the rival group entered, leading to a verbal argument that escalated into physical scuffles. Visuals showing priests pushing each other near the altar were widely shared on social media, prompting local authorities to act quickly.
The clash is the latest flare-up in a decades-old legal and ecclesiastical dispute within the Malankara Church, which traces its origins to the Apostle St. Thomas. The Orthodox and Jacobite factions have divergent views on the church's administrative autonomy, and both have claimed rights over numerous parishes and seminaries across Kerala. Over the years, court rulings have attempted to settle ownership, but implementation has often met with resistance from one side or the other.
In this case, the Orthodox faction stated that they possessed a favourable court order, though details of the order were not immediately available. The Jacobite faction, which was in possession of the church, disputed the claim and maintained that the matter was still sub judice. Security in the area has been tightened to prevent any further escalation, and senior police officials have urged both communities to maintain peace.
The district administration has scheduled discussions with representatives of both factions on Monday (August 10) to address the immediate situation and explore ways to ensure the church remains open to worshippers without disruption. Officials said they would review the court order and any objections raised, with the goal of ensuring that the rule of law is respected and public order is preserved.
Community leaders from both factions have also appealed for calm. The broader Christian community in the region has expressed concern over the recurring incidents of violence at places of worship, which they say tarnish the sanctity of religious sites and create communal tension. The government has assured that it will take all necessary steps to protect places of worship and uphold legal decisions, while also encouraging dialogue between the parties.
This incident underscores the importance of resolving property disputes through legal channels and respecting court rulings. While emotions run high on matters of faith and tradition, the use of force or intimidation is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy. The police and administration have acted to maintain law and order, and further action will be based on the outcome of Monday's talks and the provisions of the law.
The faithful of both congregations, who have coexisted in the region for centuries, look to their leaders to find a peaceful solution. It remains to be seen whether the scheduled discussions will lead to a temporary arrangement or a long-term settlement. Observers note that the core issue — the interpretation of church governance and property ownership — is a complex one that may ultimately require the intervention of the highest judicial authorities.
Until then, the administration's immediate priority is to prevent any recurrence of violence and ensure that worship is conducted without fear. The temporary closure of the church, while unfortunate, was a precautionary measure to protect lives and property. The authorities have said that the church will be reopened once it is deemed safe for worshippers of both factions to use it peacefully, or as directed by the court.
