Syro-Malabar Synod Calls for Unity and Missionary Renewal Amid Challenges

Syro-Malabar Synod Calls for Unity, Reconciliation and Renewed Mission India: The Syro-Malabar Church has renewed its call for unity, reconciliation and missionary commitment, urging clergy, religious communities and lay faithful to work together amid continuing challenges within the Church. In a circular addressed to the faithful, Archbishop Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, placed particular emphasis on the need to strengthen unity within the Church, especially in relation to the celebration of the Holy Mass. Unity Remains a Priority Archbishop Thattil described unity at the altar as an important milestone in the Church's journey toward greater communion. He noted that efforts to promote unity began in 1999, when differences in the ways the Eucharist was celebrated had become a source of division and affected the Church's sense of togetherness. While progress has been made, the Archbishop acknowledged that complete unity has not yet been achieved. He appealed to members of the Church to avoid words and actions that could deepen existing divisions. “Unity can never be achieved by hurting one another through our words,” he said, stressing that reconciliation requires a spirit of humility, patience and mutual respect. A Call to Examine Attitudes and Words Drawing on the teaching of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Thattil encouraged Christians to examine the language they use, the prejudices they may carry and forms of aggression that can sometimes appear either openly or indirectly. The Archbishop emphasised that genuine peace within the Church cannot be created simply through external measures. Instead, it requires a deeper spiritual transformation among individuals and communities. He identified constant prayer, personal repentance and mutual reconciliation as essential elements in building lasting peace. He also stressed that disagreements within the Church should not become prolonged legal conflicts, stating that “peace in the Church cannot be achieved through court cases.” Following the Guidance of Bishops Archbishop Thattil encouraged the faithful to accept the pastoral guidance of their Eparchial Bishops and to work toward becoming messengers of unity. The appeal comes as the Church continues to seek greater cooperation among its different communities and structures. Rather than allowing disagreements to weaken ecclesial communion, the Synod urged members to approach challenges through dialogue, prayer and reconciliation. Renewed Focus on Vocations The Synod also addressed the future of priestly and consecrated life within the Church. It highlighted the importance of encouraging vocations and ensuring that candidates for priesthood receive formation that responds to the realities and needs of the present time. According to the Synod, seminary formation is being renewed to help prepare future priests for the changing pastoral, social and missionary circumstances in which they will serve. The Church sees strong vocations as essential to sustaining its spiritual and missionary life in the years ahead. Responding to Today's Challenges The Synod has also identified several challenges facing the Church, including demographic changes, a weakening sense of ecclesial spirit, declining engagement among young people and an insufficient presence in wider society. These challenges require the Church to strengthen its pastoral outreach and deepen its missionary commitment. Particular attention is needed to help young people remain connected to the life of the Church and to encourage them to participate actively in its mission. The Synod's message therefore goes beyond internal unity, calling the entire Church to renewed missionary zeal and a stronger engagement with society. Moving Forward in Faith and Communion Concluding his message, Archbishop Thattil encouraged the Syro-Malabar faithful to move forward with faith, communion and missionary zeal, placing their hope in the Lord. The call for unity reflects the Church's desire to overcome divisions while strengthening its spiritual and missionary identity. The circular was scheduled to be read during Mass on Sunday, September 6, in parishes, institutions, religious houses, formation centres and major seminaries throughout the Syro-Malabar Church. The Synod's message ultimately calls Catholics to see unity not merely as an organisational goal, but as a spiritual responsibility rooted in prayer, forgiveness, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the mission of the Church.