KOCHI (AsiaNews): The opening session of the 34th Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church concluded at Mount St Thomas, Ernakulam, with leaders issuing an urgent call to tackle the dwindling population and growing migration concerns.
On January 10, Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil issued a post-synodal circular announcing the launch of a “Year for the Strengthening of the Community”. He encouraged the faithful to bravely confront the challenges presented by modern society.
The Major Archbishop Thattil’s circular highlighted concerns about “reckless migration” abroad, cautioning that this often results in considerable debts and erosion of faith.
“The alarming rate of migration to foreign countries by members of the community is leading some to significant indebtedness, while their absence is felt by the Church in India,” the major archbishop said. He urged Christians to take action to address economic challenges.
The alarming rate of migration to foreign countries by members of the community is leading some to significant indebtedness, while their absence is felt by the Church in India
Major Archbishop Thattil
The Syro-Malabar Church called on its members to recognise their potential as innovators and employers, rather than limiting themselves to seeking jobs. The Church noted that, although working in the field is often seen as unprofitable, successful examples of advanced agriculture in several dioceses have created significant employment opportunities.
The synod reaffirmed the importance of active involvement in public life. The circular asserted that participating in public administration and politics is a “civic duty” for Syro-Malabar Church members, emphasising that “vigilance is the price of democracy.”
It said that the Year for Community Strengthening is not simply a commemorative event but a campaign to renew all spheres of public life according to Christian principles.
In an interview with a Malayalam-language media outlet, Father Tom Olikkarott, head of public relations for the Syro-Malabar Church, said, “We must seriously address the fact that the birth rate is declining. More than just a reduction in our representation, the community is facing the risk of disappearing.”
He added, “One of the main concerns is that as young people migrate to foreign countries, there is no one left to care for the elderly. In addition, many of the new generation do not want to marry and have children. But the family is the fundamental unit of society, and its progressive reduction is alarming. We need larger families that promote responsible parenthood. The Church has been and remains committed to supporting families who struggle to raise their children through various programmes and scholarships.”
