A Report of the Syro-Malabar Archiepiscopal Commission for Doctrine for the Year
August 2007 – August 2008

The Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Commission for Doctrine had three sittings during this period. The commission discussed in detail the following suggestions of the joint meeting of the Syro-Malabar Synod and the members of the consultative body of the Doctrinal Commission held in August 2007.

1. A serious study regarding private revelations is an urgent need.

2. Bible study in small groups must be promoted and make the family units more lively making it an occasion for Bible study in the presence of priests and sisters or lay people who are properly trained for the same.

3. We should try to discern and integrate the charisms of the laity.

4. Financial motives behind the charismatic movement and in the functioning of certain groups must be studied.

5. In the seminaries students must be taught the principles of interpretation of the Bible and application to life.

6. There is an urgent need to have a healthy interaction between the hierarchy and the leaders of the charismatic movements. The attitude of the official Church towards the charismatic movement shall be such that the positive elements and thr fruits from these renewal movements are acknowledged and appreciated, while corrections are given wherever is necessary.

 7. We must give more importance to the liturgy of the Word of God and make it an occasion to teach the people correct interpretation of the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Church.

8. The dissident group leaders must be confronted in a meaningful dialogue.

9. There are certain priests behind the dissident groups and it must be taken seriously by the hierarchy.

10. A proper interpretation of priesthood is an urgent need.

11. We should work seriously to form a basic Christian conscience. An ecclesial experience is lacking today.

12. The Doctrinal commission should try to prepare a catechetical leaflets that can be used in the family units to teach people about the current issues of faith and bible interpretation.

13. We must try to give the correct teaching regarding heaven, hell and purgatory.

The Commission found that there is an urgent need of a new catechesis today regarding many topics and that must be done continuously on a long term basis. The commission decided to concentrate on the problem of popular interpretations of the bible. The commission took seriously the findings of the scholars regarding this. Many problems arise because many preachers interpret the bible passage with little scientific knowledge and very little theological background. Very often personal likings and interests unduly enter into biblical interpretation. While accepting the positive contribution of the preachers necessary corrections should be given to them. Since many of the above mentioned suggestions do not come within the range of the Doctrinal Commission alone, we decided to concentrate on the following topics this year. The scholars are now preparing the leaflets.

1. Biblical Interpretation: Basic Principles
2. The Relationship between Jesus Christ and the Word
3. Historico-literal sense and theological-spiritual sense of the Bible
4. Sacred Scripture and Divine Tradition
5. Psychological Problems associated with popular interpretations
6. Charisms and gifts of the Holy Spirit
7. Prayers of the Church and its Importance
8. Life after Death
9. Sins of Ancestors, Curse of Generations
10. Private Revelations

The leaflets prepared by the scholars will be published only after due examination and consultation. We request the support and assistance of all the bishops to give wide publicity to the leaflets and see that they are discussed in detail in family units with seriousness.

Doctrinal Commission wishes to inform the honorable members of the Syro-Malabar Synod regarding the spread of and the harm being done by certain movements like Emmanuel Emperor Covenant Movement, Spirit in Jesus Movement, the Jose Anathanam group, the group led by Mullakkara etc. and request the Synodal Fathers that definite measures be undertaken to make our people aware of the dangers of these and if needed to ban these people and these movements officially. If required, the Doctrinal Commission shall prepare some case study of each of these movements and present to the Synod.

We would like to inform you also of the New Age Rosary which is being widely distributed among the faithful by a few people of doubtful credentials. Some members of the charismatic group have interpreted this New Age Rosary as a symbol of satanic worship since the symbols engraved on the rosary cross, according to them, are diabolic. Ordinary faithful, as they come to know of this, become totally upset and scrupulous over the fact that they have been using the rosary. Some details regarding this New Age Rosary and its occult implications are already on the website. It is a known fact that some people are upset because of this New Age Rosary. Even some seminarians have developed scruples because they were wearing this rosary unknowingly.

We thank the Synodal Fathers very sincerely for your support and encouragement.