Response From our Member

The Kalpana dated 6^th December 2010 from our Metropolitan Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Marthoma, has finally given shape to three new Churches in Kuwait with effect from January 01, 2011.   Some of the Kuwait Marthoma Parish members have accepted the Kalpana and happily joined the respective new parishes.

Still there are a large number of Kuwait Mar Thoma Parish members feel that, the decision of The Metropoletan to dissolve the parish is unilaterally forced on them who value the identity of Kuwait Mar Thoma Parish very dearly. They feel that the action was not democratic and unacceptable.  

Till 31^st December 2010, we worshipped together as a body of Christ in one church.  Despite difference in opinion, we lived together as brothers and sisters.  

The current situation has created a hostile attitude among us. From the grass root level of the Parish  we are divided. We have become arch enemies. Each trying to defeat one another.  For what purpose?  Is it line with the teachings of Jesus Christ? Everybody has freedom of choice. You have chosen the church according to your belief and satisfaction.  Those who objected the division is making their own decision. Let them take any step which they deem fit. One should not intrude into the personal freedom of the other.

We are not acting as models to our next generation.  We are trying to defeat each other.  Our leaders failed to be our examples in Christian love. They have created a chaotic situation among us for reasons unknown.

 The cartoons, sarcastic writings from both sides are not  healthy sign.  We can maintain cordial relation while separated in different churches and beliefs. We can reason each other.  Why to quarrel each other?? This is a request to both sides to have restraint.

You will agree that this Parish is the result of the prayer and toil of our ancestors, who migrated from India ever since 1961. They  built up this parish in a foreign country with limited resources and freedom of worship.  This parish is the outcome of their dream to worship our Lord Jesus Christ as faithful Marthomites.  They did not get any help from the Central Church Authority in forming this parish. Now Some of them live in India, elsewhere and in Kuwait too. Their children and grand children were nurtured in Christian love in this Parish. Those, who  came later has also become a part of this parish keeping a nostalgic attachment. The Parish  survived the Iraqi invasion and many other turbulence. God Almighty kept it safe in the face of all eventualities.  It has grown as one of the biggest Parishes of Marthoma Church, which was a matter of pride for many.  The decision of the Supremo of the Church was a shock to such ordinary people who value tradition.  This situation, made them to revolt and express their protest, which is not yet listened or favourably considered by respective authorities.  Instead, policy of subjugation is applied on them.  This has widened the gap between the common man and the Church authorities.

When a decision was made earlier to form a new Parish in Salmiyah, nobody objected and accepted it voluntarily. That Parish is functioning smoothly.  With regard to the creation of new parishes now, no objection is raised.  The objection is only in the matter of dissolution of Kuwait Marthoma Parish. Is it in disciplinary, to protest  and claim the rights??

Let us resolve to co-exist.  You have your Parishes with the blessing of the Church Leadership.  You may administer it as a separate entity in the love of Jesus Christ.  Let the Protestors go ahead with their way in reclaiming their right. Please assist them to get their right back as you too have some moral responsibility to do so.

There are certain misunderstanding about the protestors which need to be addressed. 

1. VOLUNTARY PROTEST

It is rumoured that some vested interest is forcing ordinary believers to protest. All protesting members have enough understanding of what they believe and their action is voluntary.  No one is forcing them.  The protest is ignited by the Church leadership by forcing their decision on common man. If the Metropolitan, Diocesan Bishop and the clergy feel it as an insult to them, then they should evaluate the justification for the cause of it.  Everybody, clergy and laity have self respect, which should not be questioned by either party.

Jesus Christ, in the Jerusalem Temple acted violently, against the practices of the High Priests.  Non Christians term it as a proof of violence advocated by  Jesus Christ.  Our Lord’s action was a revolt against injustice/malpractice of the then all powerful Church/Synagogue leaders.  Christians are not passive in their response to injustice.  Wherever injustice is found, one true Christian should try to point out it without the fear of the outcome.  Jesus never compromised injustice.

2. HOLY QURBANA

Wide publicity is given from some sources, that, since the protestors are denied of the Holy Qurbana, they shall surrender to the Church Leadership at a later stage. Is Qurbana serving the very purpose it is supposed to be? We need to understand the real meaning of Holy Qurbana, before proceeding further in this direction.

What is Holy Qurbana??   

Theologically, Holy Communion has different interpretations in various denominations of Christian community such as - transubstantiation of consecrated elements--the real presence of Christ-  a  new covenant - thanks giving- an enactment of Last Supper of Jesus Christ and so on.  In reality it is the communion with our Lord Jesus Christ. To administer and to receive  the Holy Qurbana, one has to live the life of  Christ – selfless and unconditional love, forgiveness, a  life of purity. Jesus broke the single bread into pieces as a sign of sharing.  The sharing of everything in the spritual life. If any of the participants fail in this aspect, the very purpose is lost. It will become a mere RITUAL We should make a self evaluation of the state of mind and action before and after one hour of administering Holy Qurbana, whether we (priest and laity) fulfill this criteria? In the first Holy Communion established by our Lord Jesus Christ, Juda Iscariott, was a participant.  Could he be saved ?? – even by our Lord??. In the present situation,  can our Metropolitan, Bishops, priest and THE COMMON MAN confirm with confidence that they are administering and receiving Holy Qurbana in the true sense??  Incase we fail it is a SIN of misrepresentation. The Holy Bread will become simply a bakers bread and the Holy Vine, an intoxicating material.  Its divinity can be lost and  become a source of sin.  The Clergy should not monopolize their position as administrators of Holy Qurbana in subjugating the laity.

The present situation is a denial of our right to protest and being persecuted in our right to worship.  Early Christian society grew only through persecution. Now the church is in a relaxed mood.  Hence they look for Worldly aspects rather than spiritual. This turmoil is a blessing from God to be united in the true sense of Christian love and fellowship.  The Lord is with the destitute and not with the All Powerful of the society.  

    3.     MISAPPORPRIATON OF FINANCE

There is a further allegation that the Church accounts and finance has been mismanaged.  If so, the accursers should be specific in mentioning, which year it happened and who is involved.  The general comment that finance is mishandled is not appropriate as all previous years’ Trustees and Accountants will be misunderstood, which is not justifiable. It should be investigated, where these people are now?  Are they with the PROTESTORS or in the NEWLY FORMED CHURCHES.  This will help each to expel such people from the society where they are now associated with.

In the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Well Wisher of Kuwait Mar Thoma Parish.