World · India Bureau
Jacobite Church disputes delegate roster prepared by Orthodox faction
The Jacobite Syrian Christian Church has challenged the authenticity of a delegate list compiled by the Orthodox faction, with senior Church leadership calling for independent scrutiny of the nomination process.
LSN India ·

The Jacobite Syrian Christian Church has raised serious objections to the composition of a delegate list prepared by its Orthodox counterpart, alleging procedural irregularities in the nomination process. Kuriakose Mor Theophilos, a prominent figure within the Jacobite faction, has demanded an impartial verification mechanism to examine the credentials and legitimacy of the delegates named by the Orthodox side.
The dispute centers on concerns that the delegate selection process did not adhere to established ecclesiastical protocols, potentially affecting the validity of any decisions made by representatives drawn from the contested list. Church sources indicate that the Jacobite leadership views the irregularities as a threat to the integrity of the deliberative process.
Kuriakose Mor Theophilos has emphasized the necessity of transparent, independent verification to restore credibility to the proceedings. The call for impartial oversight reflects broader tensions between the two factions of the Syrian Christian community in India, which have long contested matters of church governance and representation.
The development underscores ongoing institutional friction within the church hierarchy as both factions seek to assert their authority and legitimacy within the ecclesiastical structure. Resolution of the delegate dispute appears contingent upon agreement regarding verification standards and the oversight mechanisms to be employed in the review process.