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Utilise franchise wisely, says Catholicos

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM Nov. 25. Perhaps for the first time in its long history, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church came out with an unambiguous political statement, putting at rest the confusion over its stand. The church wants to foster and respect the new-found warmth in its relationship with the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, and the Revenue Minister, K.M. Mani.

Speaking at a hurriedly called press conference before his departure for Mumbai on Wednesday, the Catholicos, Baselius Marthoma Mathews II, supreme head of the Church, said that though the church had to suffer injustice under the present UDF Government, the relationship with Mr. A.K. Antony and the Revenue Minister, K.M. Mani, could be utilised for the benefit of the Church (in its struggle to implement the judgement of the Apex Court). He believed that sustaining and fostering this relationship would be helpful in getting justice. The Pontiff also wanted to put at rest the rumours being spread about the church's stand on the Thiruvalla by-elections.

The Catholicos did not ask his flock to vote for any particular candidate in the by-election, but said he was confident they would utilise their franchise wisely.

According to him, the church never interfered in politics, but had always kept a tab on political movements. The church reserved the right to appraise and also engage in constructive criticism of the Government as it was essential in a democratic system, he said. The Orthodox church had engaged in such actions in the past and reserved its right to do it in future also, he said.

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