Protesters Lay Siege to Syro-Malabar Church HQ in Kerala Over ‘One Mass’ Movement

Quick Summary

• Members of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, part of the “One Church, One Mass” movement, protested at Mount St. thomas on June 19, 2025.
• Protestors demanded the resignation of Major Archbishop mar Raphael Thattil and Vicar Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany.
• Allegations were made against the leaders for adopting an “anti-Church stand” and allowing priests under disciplinary scrutiny to attend a meeting at Renewal Center in Kaloor.
• Protestors accused Church leadership of failing to follow directives from a Vatican-mandated tribunal.
• The movement called for dismissal of the Synod and introduction of administrator rule by the Vatican.
• Women members intensified protests by laying siege to Major Archbishop’s residence.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The protests by members of the Syro-Malabar Church signal deep internal strife within one of Kerala’s prominent religious institutions. By alleging non-compliance with Vatican instructions and demanding administrator rule, dissenters highlight concerns about governance and accountability among church leadership. Such unrest could strain relationships within church communities while attracting global attention on ecclesiastical management in India.

This confrontation underscores challenges religious bodies face when balancing traditional practices against institutional openness. Protests involving women’s groups add further complexity, indicating broader dissatisfaction that transcends hierarchical disagreements. The evolving situation may prompt dialogue between local leaders and Vatican officials to avoid prolonged instability that risks impacting faith-based trust among congregants.