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‘Accept changes in tune with the times’

PATHNAMTHITTA: Former Supreme Court Judge K.T. Thomas has stressed the need for a positive change in the approach of churches towards interpreting scriptures in tune with the changing times.

Mr. Thomas was inaugurating a consultation on ‘The mission traditions of Kerala Churches, re-envisioning in the contemporary context,’ organised by the Kerala Council of Churches at the Mar Thoma Church Council chamber in Thiruvalla on Wednesday.

“The verses in Bible cannot be changed. But, it is important that their interpretation should be made in tune with the changing times,” he said.

Mr. Thomas said Jesus had always strived for the freedom of women 2,000 years ago. The Indian Constitution has guaranteed the right to freedom and equality to women. At least at this juncture, the churches should have a self-introspection into their efforts for the liberation and empowerment of women besides giving them a treatment on equal terms to that of men, he said.

According to him, the churches have failed to ensure freedom and equality to women and for that reason itself no woman could reach the leadership of any church in India all these years.

“If Jesus is to visit a church today, will he be willing to enter the sanctum sanctorum where no woman is ever allowed to enter,” he asked.

When women, under the Constitution of India, could reach high echelons of power, including the President of India, they remained relegated in the religious field, the former Supreme Court judge said.

“If the churches fail to realise the social changes in the 21st century and ensure freedom to women and treat them on a par with men, Christians will transform themselves into an anachronistic society,” he said.

“We live in a world that thrives for change. The churches should prepare themselves to accept the changes in tune with the changing times lest there is every chance that they may be portrayed as mere laughing stalks by the next generation,” Mr. Thomas said.

Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, head of the Mar Thoma Church, presided over the inaugural function. Abraham Mar Paulos, KCC president; Philip N. Thomas, secretary; Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of the Niranom diocese of Jacobite Syrian Christian Church; M.P. Joseph, Fr. Shajan Idiculla and Fr. Sabu Philip also spoke.

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