The Syro-Malabar synod of bishops has sent a new plea to priests in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly to accept new liturgical rules. But dissident priests in the Indian archdiocese have rejected the directive.
Following the election of Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil to head the Syro-Malabar Church, the apostolic administrator of Ernakulam-Angamaly, issued a message to priests of the archeparchy, signed by the 49 bishops who had participated in the synod meeting, confirming the order that all Syro-Malabar priests should celebrate the Eucharistic liturgy in the new form.
The priests of the Archdiocesan Movement for Transparency (AMT), who have led opposition to the liturgical changes, quickly responded that they “will not make any compromise” in their resistance. The refusal of priests in Ernakulam-Angamaly to accept the changes has led to violent confrontations, the closing of the local cathedral, and a hold on priestly ordinations.