Published Aug 09, 2026 | 6:16 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 09, 2026 | 6:16 PM
Muvattupuzha church
Synopsis: A clash broke out between members of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church at St John’s Bethlehem Church in Kerala’s Ernakulam district on Sunday after Orthodox clergy entered the premises to conduct prayers, citing a court order. The Jacobite faction, which controls the church, opposed the move. The police closed the church after priests from the two sides pushed and shoved each other. The incident is the latest in the long-running dispute over control of churches in the State.
A physical altercation broke out between priests and members of the Malankara Orthodox and Jacobite Syrian Christian factions at St John’s Bethlehem Church in Piramadam, Muvattupuzha, on Sunday, 9 August.
The clash followed the entry of Orthodox clergy into the church to conduct prayers and religious services. The church is under the control of the Jacobite faction, which opposed their entry.
Police at church premises.
The Orthodox clergy cited an order issued by the Muvattupuzha Sub-Court permitting them to conduct worship services, the police said. A Jacobite priest and some believers at the church opposed the move, citing a Munsiff Court order in their favour.
The disagreement turned into a verbal confrontation and then pushing and shoving between priests from the two factions. The confrontation took place near the holy madbaha (sanctuary).
The police intervened but, with neither side willing to withdraw, closed the church to prevent further escalation.
Both factions have claimed that their priests sustained injuries in the confrontation. The police said cases would be registered after receiving complaints from the parties.
The district administration has summoned representatives of both factions for discussions with the District Collector on Monday evening.
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The Orthodox Church recognises the Catholicos of the East in India as its spiritual head, while the Jacobite Church recognises the Patriarch of Antioch as its supreme spiritual authority.
Sunday’s clash at Piramadam is the latest in a long-running dispute between the two factions over the administration and control of churches in Kerala.
Priests from both factions got into a tussle.
The 1934 Malankara Church Constitution and several Supreme Court verdicts have favoured the Orthodox faction. In 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the 1934 Constitution and recognised the Orthodox administration.
The Jacobite faction has continued to oppose the transfer of churches, arguing that its followers should not be denied their places of worship. The dispute has resulted in repeated confrontations, protests and clashes at parishes across the State.
Six churches are currently involved in cases: St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Odakkali; St John’s Besphage Orthodox Syrian Church, Pulinthanam; St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church, Mazhuvannoor; St Mary’s Church, Mangalam Dam; St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church, Erikkinchira; and St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church, Cherukunnam.
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In a significant ruling on 24 March, 2026, a Kerala High Court Division Bench overturned an earlier order directing authorities to forcibly take over the six disputed churches in Ernakulam and Palakkad.
The Bench held that civil courts cannot direct the State to take over churches in religious disputes. It said police protection could be provided to maintain law and order and facilitate worship in accordance with court orders.
The ruling came as the Kerala government told the High Court that Chief Minister VD Satheesan was leading efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
In a statement filed before the Division Bench, Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha said both factions belong to Kerala’s ancient St Thomas Christian tradition and have made significant contributions to the State’s social, educational, healthcare and charitable sectors. Prolonged litigation and repeated clashes had caused hardship to believers and the public, he said.
The government said Satheesan was holding discussions with senior leaders of both factions to reach a lasting settlement.
The submission was made through Additional Advocate General Mohammed Shah P.A. in the cases concerning the administration of the six churches in Ernakulam and Palakkad.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
