October 2009

Dearly beloved in Christ,

By God’s grace, we were able to hold the Church Assembly (Sabha Prathinidimandalam) Election, the General Body of the Sunday School and the Yuvajana Sakhyam. The creative cooperation of clergy and lay people during these meetings is well appreciated. The decision of the Church Assembly has been communicated to the parishes in a timely manner.

Let me draw your attention to some of the important resolutions presented and passed at the assembly. Amongst these, one of the resolutions calls for the election, consecration and appointment of new bishops in our church. Uphold these subjects in your family and individual prayer so we can resolve any legal issues that may arise. 

I applaud all those who assisted in lowering the high bank interest of the Kumband hospital, and I expect church members’ cooperation for the repayment of this interest free loan. Construction of the Seminary building has begun. I congratulate all those who donated for the same. As you get updates from the seminary, I expect your continued cooperation with this project.

Happy to know that the College of Science and Technology and Institute of Science and Technology have both received minority status. A society was formed for the college, and the by-laws of the society helped us to get this status. St. Thomas school at Thiruvanthapuram already has minority status.

In order to get minority status for KATTANAM NURSING college, we need to form a society. In all these societies, the Bishop’s name was the first on the list of founding members and this was one of the driving factors, which enabled us to receive this status. Now the Central government has minimized the formalities for the formation of a society, so this is the right time to start a medical college.

I am glad to learn that this year in Ludhiana Medical College, 15 of our students were admitted for MBBS and 10 for the BDS programs. In the past, we got seats in Allahabad Agricultural University, but that no longer is the case. I hope the home diocese; will make a special effort to reverse this situation.

It has been our long cherished dream to start a school in Delhi. Since we have the land and permission for the school, we have commenced construction work. Rev. Alexander Thomas, who was running our school in Ranchi and other places, has been handed this responsibility.

Remarkably, our nation is progressing well on the financial front. However, at the same time crime and lawlessness are the dominant topics of discussion in our media. This is indeed a shock to the common mans conscious and painful for all. Allegations are not the solution; strong steps from the central government are the need of the hour. Without any bias like the ruling or opposition party, this internal problem needs to be addressed in the right manner.

I hope the main opposition; Bharatiya Janata Party will resolve their internal differences and serve as a constructive opposition. Divisions among the Communist Party Marxist, especially in Bengal and Kerala have alienated them from the people who form the very foundation of the party.

We have seen the translation of English jokes to Indian languages without understanding the Indian perspective, leads to an emotional outburst. The role of media in presenting our potential future leaders in an emotional manner is improper. All of us need to stop discouraging our upcoming leaders.

The sudden demise of Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Mr. Y. S. Rajeshwerra Reddy has shattered the hopes of people in Andhra. I express the deep condolences of our church to the people of Andhra and to the late leader’s family. I wish and pray for the formation of an able leadership in Andhra Pradesh.

Admission procedures in educational institutions in Kerala will be completed this month. As I mentioned in my previous letter this delay will have an adverse effect on students’ seeking admission in other states.

I wish for a permanent solution against division in Kerala politics. Without actively participating in the parliamentary process, the opposition party stage walk outs repeatedly. This diminishes our hope in the opposition party. I hope the ruling and opposition party will work jointly to receive all benefits due from the central government.

I appreciate the efforts of the Health minister and Secretary in successfully handling doctors’ strike. Officials promised doctors that they will be called for discussion if they call off their strike first. However, it is discouraging to see the government change its stand and push forward the discussion by placing new demands on the doctors. They need to be educated on their unjustifiable demands, and granted what is reasonable.

Voluntary Evangelists’ week and Voluntary Evangelist Sunday was observed in the month of October, which served to remind us of our responsibilities and equip us for our mission in the local parishes. Followed by this we reflected on the under privileged (‘differently able’) in the society and the possibilities of effectively utilizing their ‘different abilities’.   

Next is Youth Sunday. Yuvajana Sakhyam should plan a novel program, in order to bring out the enormous talents of our youth. Fourth Sunday of October is Christian family Sunday. This is the last Sunday in the church lectionary.  From November, the new lectionary year starts.

Today family problems are on the rise, and it is saddening to see its adverse effects across all strata of our society.  Alcoholism and lack of trust among couples needs to be resolved for a strong marital relationship. The teaching of Jesus concerning family life is infallible, and we have no right to make any changes “That at the beginning the creator ‘made them male and female’ and said ‘for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’…” Let this be our motto of the Christian family.

Grace be with you all,

Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan,

Poolatheen.
September 21, 2009