CM seeks 15 days time to resolve church issue

Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today sought 15 days time from the Jacobite and Orthodox factions of the Malankara church to resolve their dispute over ownership of two churches at Kolencherry in Ernakulam district. Chandy made the appeal after marathon meetings with the representatives of the two factions here tonight. If within two weeks a solution is not in sight, court orders would be implemented, he said. Chandy also urged the heads of the two factions to call off their fast and agitations. The Orthodox faction head Catholicos Basilious Paulose II is on a fast since sunday while Jacobite faction head Catholicos Basilious Thomas I is holding continuous prayers at Kolenchery.


The action council of the Orthodox faction, which is demanding implementation of the district court order, is meeting at Kolenchery tonight to take a decision on Chief Minister's request, council sources said. The Jacobite faction said they will take a decision tomorrow. Earlier Chandy had held discussions with union ministers Vayalar Ravi, K V Thomas and district administration and senior police officers. While the Orthodox faction is demanding implementation of the court order that the administration of the two disputed churches-- St Paul's and St. Peters-- be handed over to them, the Jacobite faction wants status quo to be maintained. The Orthodox faction today staged dharnas in front of the Chief Minister's residence at Puthupally in Kottayam District. Protest meetings were held by both the factions in various parts of the state today.


Chandy had earlier told reporters that efforts were on to find an early solution which would be acceptable to both the factions and that government's stand was impartial.

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