Syro Malabar Church synod moots code of conduct for priests

Kochi: The synod of the Syro Malabar Church has proposed a code of conduct for priests as part of efforts to 'ensure discipline.'

Any efforts to create 'rift' in the church on the pretext of 'ideas or individuals' will be deemed a serious offence and action will be taken if anyone is found erring, the synod says.

The new directives have been stated in a circular for Sunday mass reading prepared by Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alancherry.

Priests will need prior permission from the church head or the major superior to take part in channel or media discussions. Only designated spokespersons should talk to the media on behalf of the church, it says.

Explanation will be sought from those involved in anti-church activities. If the explanations are found unviable, church superiors may take action against them, the synod says.

Priests and those in the 'way of the church' who gets involved in campaigns and strikes are duty-bound to follow canon laws. Any deviation will be deemed a violation of rules, the synod says.

It observed that some of the recent protests involving priests and their statements had violated all bounds of propriety.

The tendency to oppose disciplinary action in connivance with anti-church groups and a section of the media will not be allowed, it adds.

The 27th synod concluded at the St Thomas Mount on Friday.