Kakkanad / Pala: The Syro-Malabar Synodal Commission for Family, Laity and Life has asked the Government of Kerala to reject the recommendation to implement the Christian Marriage Registration Bill, which undermines the sanctity and uniqueness of the covenant of Marriage. For Christians, marriage is not merely a social covenant, but a Sacrament of divine dignity. The preparation, timing, place, rules, and practices of marriage are very much spiritually relevant.
It is a matter of concern that the recommendations of the proposed Registration Bill undermine such matters. The Commission opined that it was reasonable to suspect that making such recommendations was malicious in the absence of any deficiencies in the existing laws of the country.
It is also mysterious to talk about gender neutrality in the name of gender equality. The first step to equality is for women and men to be able to preserve their identities and distinctions. Equality is not about outward appearances, but about cultivating mutual respect.
While there is no disagreement with the central government's move to raise the age of marriage for girls, the commission said governments should be prepared to listen to and trust all sections when making important decisions.
The Commission raises concerns about environmental issues that threaten the lives and property of the people and appeals to those concerned for immediate remedial action.
The Commission strongly suggested that the authorities should be prepared to understand the concerns of the people on issues such as the determination of ecologically sensitive areas, safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam and the Silver Line Rail, and to make decisions with a view to giving utmost importance to human life.
The Commission assessed that there was great unity and awakening in the Syro-Malabar Church through the implementation of the Uniform Liturgy. The Commission extended its prayers to Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, who is entering the Golden Jubilee year of Priesthood. The meeting was inaugurated at Pala Bishops House by the Chairman of the Commission Mar Joseph Kallarangatt. Members of the Commission Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, Mar Jose Pulickal and the General Secretary of the Commission Rev. Fr. Anthony Moolayil, Fr. Philip Vattayathil, Fr. Lawrence Thaikkattil, Chevalier V C Sebastian, Syro Malabar Church Laity Commission secretary, Sabu Jose, Tony Chittilappilly, Adv. Biju Parayannilam, Dr.K. V. Reethamma, Rosalie Paul Thattil, Dr. Dyson Panangadan and Rajeev Kochuparambil spoke at the occasion.