This blog is meant to deal with issues concerning Malankara(Indian)Orthodox Church.But a major development in the largest Christian organisation cannot go un noticed by Christians all over the world,irrespective of whether they are Catholics or not.
Abdication by prelates on grounds of health is a step that should be welcomed.If a prelate feels that he is not in a position to perform his duties due to indifferent health,abdication is a welcome step.However,it is not common in the Catholic Church.System of that mighty organisation is such that the all powerful Curia can manage the day to day administration even if the pope is unable to discharge his duties for a reasonable period of time.At least from what appears on live TV broadcasts,the pope does not appear to be in such serious ill health that warrants a drastic step like abdication.
Then,there is something that is more that what meets the eye.Catholic Church hierarchy is such that it can give out information up to and only up to the extent they choose and only what they choose.The iron curtain is capable of holding secrets they would not like the rest of the world know. Hence anyone trying to analyse smiler issues based on grapevine and educated inferences.
Despite having the reputation of world's best managed organisation,catholic Church is finding that the issues which they have on hand is rather challenging.The hierarchy is sharply divided between those who want to continue with the time tested methods and those who fell the necessity to be alert to the current realities and to respond based on that.While he was Cardinal Ratsingher,the present Pope was considered to be a hardliner conservative.There is no reason to believe that his views changed once he was elevated as Pope.If anything,it could have only hardened on assuming a post which has infallibility as a perquisite.
The massive revelation of sex scandals by the Clergy in different parts of the world has inflicted a major body blow on the credibility of the Church especially in the western world . Damage control measures only made things wors.While admitting guilt and taking some disciplinary action,lack of sympathy for the victims has shown the church in bad light.The progressive thinking elements in the hirarchy has been furious over the insensivity.But they could do nothing since the decision making bodies are predominently hardliners.
In the western world,the Church already had serious issues to handle.Indiferance of the younger generation to spiritual matters,leave alone the Church,has resulted in closing down of many parish churches.Nunnaries and Monastries have seen dwindling inmates . With hardly any new entrants,these are also getting closed down.This is beig countered by "outsourcing"nuns and priests from third world countries.This also is becoming unviable due to shortage of manpower therin also.Attempts ofCatholic Bishops Council of India to persuade the faithfuls to have more children have only made them a laughing stock.Not that the Bishops were unaware of the stupidity of their call,they were under compulsion from global church
Situation is ripe for another Luther to emerge and a reformation to take place.This is an oppertunity for Orthodox Churches .
Abdication by prelates on grounds of health is a step that should be welcomed.If a prelate feels that he is not in a position to perform his duties due to indifferent health,abdication is a welcome step.However,it is not common in the Catholic Church.System of that mighty organisation is such that the all powerful Curia can manage the day to day administration even if the pope is unable to discharge his duties for a reasonable period of time.At least from what appears on live TV broadcasts,the pope does not appear to be in such serious ill health that warrants a drastic step like abdication.
Then,there is something that is more that what meets the eye.Catholic Church hierarchy is such that it can give out information up to and only up to the extent they choose and only what they choose.The iron curtain is capable of holding secrets they would not like the rest of the world know. Hence anyone trying to analyse smiler issues based on grapevine and educated inferences.
Despite having the reputation of world's best managed organisation,catholic Church is finding that the issues which they have on hand is rather challenging.The hierarchy is sharply divided between those who want to continue with the time tested methods and those who fell the necessity to be alert to the current realities and to respond based on that.While he was Cardinal Ratsingher,the present Pope was considered to be a hardliner conservative.There is no reason to believe that his views changed once he was elevated as Pope.If anything,it could have only hardened on assuming a post which has infallibility as a perquisite.
The massive revelation of sex scandals by the Clergy in different parts of the world has inflicted a major body blow on the credibility of the Church especially in the western world . Damage control measures only made things wors.While admitting guilt and taking some disciplinary action,lack of sympathy for the victims has shown the church in bad light.The progressive thinking elements in the hirarchy has been furious over the insensivity.But they could do nothing since the decision making bodies are predominently hardliners.
In the western world,the Church already had serious issues to handle.Indiferance of the younger generation to spiritual matters,leave alone the Church,has resulted in closing down of many parish churches.Nunnaries and Monastries have seen dwindling inmates . With hardly any new entrants,these are also getting closed down.This is beig countered by "outsourcing"nuns and priests from third world countries.This also is becoming unviable due to shortage of manpower therin also.Attempts ofCatholic Bishops Council of India to persuade the faithfuls to have more children have only made them a laughing stock.Not that the Bishops were unaware of the stupidity of their call,they were under compulsion from global church
Situation is ripe for another Luther to emerge and a reformation to take place.This is an oppertunity for Orthodox Churches .
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