Theodosius Mar Thoma, the Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, delivered a poignant address during the inauguration of the 131st Maramon Convention in Pathanamthitta on Sunday. Speaking before a vast assembly on the Pampa riverbed, the Metropolitan expressed profound concern regarding the increasing frequency of attacks against religious minorities across the nation. He asserted that these targeted incidents have fostered a pervasive sense of insecurity and represent a direct threat to the democratic fabric of the country. According to his assessment, the current social climate is increasingly defined by a rejection of pluralism and a narrowing definition of national identity that endangers the safety of marginalized communities.
During his address at the historic Christian religious gathering, the Metropolitan highlighted specific instances of violence and humiliation that have captured national attention. He cited media reports of a recent incident in Odisha where a Christian believer, accused of religious conversion, was allegedly subjected to a public ordeal. The victim was reportedly paraded through the streets wearing a garland of slippers and coerced into consuming cow dung. The Metropolitan characterized this episode as a stark and disturbing reminder of how quickly communal hatred and sectarian frenzy can dehumanize individuals. He argued that such acts are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger breakdown in social cohesion and mutual respect.
The Metropolitan further detailed what he described as the disturbing signs of a weakened democracy. He pointed to the questioning of citizenship rights and the rise of distorted interpretations of patriotism as primary factors contributing to this decline. In his view, the rejection of pluralism—the idea that diverse religious and cultural groups can coexist equally—threatens to push the nation toward authoritarianism. He emphasized the necessity of protecting alternative voices, suggesting that a healthy democracy must allow for dissent and diverse perspectives to survive and flourish without the fear of state or communal retribution.
A significant portion of the address was dedicated to the protection of constitutional rights for minorities, Dalits, and tribal communities. The Metropolitan urged government authorities to move forward with the public release and implementation of the recommendations found in the J.B. Koshy Commission report, which was submitted in 2023. He specifically referenced government proposals for welfare funds for religious teachers, cautioning that such initiatives must align with the commission\’s findings. He warned against these measures becoming avenues for political interference in Church institutions, which he stated are traditionally rooted in selfless service rather than political maneuvering.
The call for accountability extended to both the Union and State governments. The Metropolitan advocated for the initiation of open, transparent discussions regarding the delivery of equal justice. He insisted that all sections of society, including Dalits and tribals, must be afforded protection from communal offenders. He suggested that the legal and political systems must be robust enough to ensure that no group is targeted due to its faith or social standing. The Metropolitan also expressed concern over the intersection of corporate power and political processes, warning that a situation in which large corporations control elections could eventually undermine the foundations of democracy itself.
As the state approaches an upcoming election season, the Metropolitan highlighted the urgent need for inclusive governance. He noted that the political leadership must adopt systems that respect the equal rights of all citizens and show a genuine willingness to listen to criticism. In his view, an ethical form of politics is one that refuses to compromise with intolerance or communalism. He called upon the Christian community specifically to uphold these values and to remain vigilant against the rise of extremist ideologies that seek to divide the population along religious lines.
The session was presided over by Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa, the president of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association. The event also featured a keynote address by Cleophus J. Larue and the presence of Suffragan Metropolitans Euyakim Mar Koorilos and Joseph Mar Barnabas. The gathering served as a platform for both religious and political dialogue, reflecting the influential role of the Maramon Convention in the social and cultural life of the region. The convention is widely regarded as one of the largest Christian gatherings in Asia, traditionally serving as a space for spiritual reflection and the discussion of contemporary social issues.
The inaugural session was attended by several prominent political figures, indicating the significance of the Metropolitan’s message to the broader political establishment. Among those present were Ministers Veena George and Saji Cherian, along with Members of Parliament Anto Antony, Kodikunnil Suresh, and Francis George. The presence of these officials underscored the intersection of religious leadership and public policy in addressing grievances related to minority rights and social justice. The Metropolitan’s critique of the current political landscape was delivered directly to those responsible for crafting and implementing the nation’s laws.
In expanding on the historical context of these concerns, observers have noted a trend of increasing communal tension in various parts of the country. International human rights organizations and domestic monitoring groups have frequently highlighted the vulnerability of religious minorities in regions where sectarian rhetoric has become more prominent. The Metropolitan’s reference to the Odisha incident aligns with broader reports of localized violence that often stem from allegations related to religious conversion or the violation of communal norms. These incidents often serve as flashpoints that test the efficacy of the local law enforcement and the judicial system.
The J.B. Koshy Commission, which the Metropolitan referenced, was specifically tasked with studying the issues faced by the Christian community in the region. Its recommendations are expected to cover a wide range of topics, from education and employment to the protection of religious properties and the prevention of discrimination. The delay in the full implementation of these recommendations has been a point of contention for religious leaders who feel that the government has been slow to address the documented grievances of minority groups. The Metropolitan’s demand for transparency regarding the report reflects a broader desire for data-driven policy changes.
Furthermore, the Metropolitan’s warning regarding corporate influence in politics touches upon a growing debate within the country regarding campaign finance and the influence of wealthy donors on policy outcomes. By stating that corporates should not be allowed to consume a nation, he connected the struggle for minority rights with the struggle for economic and political equity. This holistic view suggests that the weakening of democracy is a multifaceted problem, involving both the marginalization of specific social groups and the concentration of power in the hands of a few economic entities.
The address at the Maramon Convention concludes with a call to action for the faithful to remain committed to an inclusive and pluralistic vision of the country. By emphasizing that the country should not slide into authoritarianism, the Metropolitan positioned the Church as a moral voice in the defense of democratic institutions. The speech serves as an important marker of the current anxieties felt by religious leaders in India and highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining a secular and pluralistic society in the face of rising communalism. As the election cycle continues, the themes of justice, equality, and the protection of constitutional rights are expected to remain at the forefront of the national discourse.
