Rising attacks on minorities threaten democracy: Theodosius Mar Thoma

Theodosius Mar Thoma, Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, has called upon the Christian community to uphold an ethical form of politics that makes no compromise with intolerance or communalism.

Inaugurating the 131st Maramon Convention in Pathanamthitta on Sunday, the annual Christian religious gathering held on the riverbed of the Pampa at Maramon, the Metropolitan expressed concern over the alarming rise in attacks on religious minorities in the country, which, he said, was creating a growing sense of insecurity. He referred to media reports of an incident in Odisha in which a Christian believer, accused of religious conversion, was allegedly paraded through the streets wearing a garland of slippers and forced to consume cow dung. The episode, he said, was a stark reminder of how swiftly communal hatred and sectarian frenzy could strip people of their humanity.

Disturbing signs

“There are disturbing signs of democracy being weakened, including the rejection of pluralism, the questioning of citizenship and distorted interpretations of patriotism. The country should not slide into authoritarianism. Alternative voices should be allowed to survive,” the Metropolitan said.

He also stressed the need to protect the constitutional rights of minorities, Dalits, and tribal communities, and urged the authorities to make public and implement the recommendations of the J.B. Koshy Commission report submitted in 2023. “When the government proposes a welfare fund for religious teachers, it is important to understand what the J.B. Koshy Commission has stated on the matter. This should not become yet another backdoor for political interference in Church institutions that are rooted in selfless service,” he said.

Calling for greater accountability, he said the Union and State governments should initiate open discussions on ensuring equal justice and protection from communal offenders for all sections of society, including Dalits, tribals, and Christian communities. “A situation in which corporates control politics and elections will undermine democracy. Corporates should not be allowed to consume a nation,” he warned.

‘Inclusive governance’

The metropolitan also highlighted the need for the State, which is moving into an election season, for adopting systems of governance that were inclusive, respected equal rights for all and were willing to listen to criticism.

Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa, president of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, presided over the session. Cleophus J. Larue delivered the address. Suffragan Metropolitans Euyakim Mar Koorilos and Joseph Mar Barnabas were present.

The inaugural session also featured an array of politicians, including Ministers Veena George and Saji Cherian, and Members of Parliament Anto Antony, Kodikunnil Suresh and Francis George.