Syro-Malabar Church sets up special tribunal for disciplinary issues in Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese

Fri Dec 20 08:34:19 UTC 2024: ## Syro-Malabar Church Establishes Tribunal to Address Liturgical Disputes

**Kochi, December 20, 2024** – The Syro-Malabar Church has established a special tribunal at its headquarters in Mount St. Thomas, Kochi, to address disciplinary issues stemming from the ongoing controversy surrounding the unified Mass in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese. The tribunal, established on December 18th, 2024, under the direction of Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, will have the authority to punish those found guilty of “ecclesiastical offences,” impacting both priests and laity.

The decision follows continued resistance to the unified Mass, implemented in November 2021, despite appeals from the Pope and the Apostolic Administrator. This opposition has reportedly caused divisions among believers and public embarrassment for the Church. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation within the archdiocese, the tribunal was established at the Church’s headquarters rather than within the archdiocese itself.

Fr. James Mathew Pambara will preside over the tribunal, with Fr. Jose Marattil and Fr. Joy Paliekkara serving as judges. The tribunal’s formation marks a significant step by the Church to address the lingering liturgical conflict.