History of the Eastern Catholic Church

[S_J_Thaikattil]

Dear sister SJ,

Having read so often that Rome is to be blamed for EVERY bad thing that has happened to Easterns and Oriental Catholics, it is refreshing to read your wise discernment between what Roman Catholic SECULAR authorities do, and what the Pope does.

Abundant blessings,
Marduk

I did not mean that Portuguese secular authorities made the decisions on behalf of Roman Catholic bishops in Goa. The decisions were taken by local RC bishops in the Indian Portuguese colony of Goa, who had the support of their secular authorities. But the local RC bishops were not acting under instruction from Rome. That is the important point to note. I believe all can make mistakes with the best of intentions. One must believe the Roman Catholic bishops were acting on what they thought was best for Christianity. The fact that they did finally accept the conditions of Apostle Thomas Christians for independence under an RCC bishop proves they were ready to make compromises.

The Apostle Thomas Christian church grew greatly in size since 1599. The Syro Malabar Church has had a wonderful relationship with RCC and the Vatican for a long time now. That is all that matters. Unity based on love which permits smaller churches to maintain their traditions and culture. Jesus Christ is after all the same in every Christian church and belief is the same in all Catholic churches in communion with RCC.

Have a wonderful Holy Week and Happy Easter brother Marduk!