Head of Syro Malabar Church resigns amid unity efforts

The Syro Malabar Church has announced that Cardinal George Alencherry has resigned as Major Archbishop after more than a decade of leadership, a move described as a gesture of humility and service aimed at fostering unity and renewal within the Church.

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The Syro Malabar Church announced that Cardinal George Alencherry has stepped down from his role as Major Archbishop of the Church.

According to the December 7, 2023 official statement, “His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam–Angamaly of the Syro Malabar Church, has tendered his resignation from the Office of the Major Archbishop.”

The statement noted that the resignation comes “in view of the centenary of the erection of the Syro Malabar Hierarchy and in the spirit of synodality and service”, reflecting a broader push for unity. It said the move is “a sign of docility to the Holy Spirit” and emphasises that the prelate’s “pastoral solicitude has borne abundant fruit.”

Cardinal Alencherry served in the post since his election in 2011, and the release affirmed that “the mutual ecclesial communion and internal peace of the Particular Church are dear to his heart.” It added that he accepted his new status “as a way of service in prayer and counselling, rather than governance.”

The statement further explained that, until a new Major Archbishop is elected, the Church’s leadership will rest with its curial bishop. It said: “Pending the election of the new Major Archbishop by the Holy Synod of the Syro Malabar Church, the Curia Bishop shall serve as the Administrator of the Major Archeparchy.”

In the release, the Church thanked Cardinal Alencherry for his “zeal and generous service” which, it noted, included a wide range of responsibilities. “Your service has been marked by a love of Christ and His Church, by pastoral concern for the faithful and by concern for the poor and needy,” the document stated.

The announcement also referenced the Cardinal’s earlier self-offer of resignation. The text says he “offered in 2019 to step aside from pastoral governance” amid internal divisions within the archeparchy — a move previously deferred by the Synod of Bishops.

Observers said the resignation comes against a backdrop of tensions within the Church, especially regarding liturgical practices and governance. Media outlets reported that Pope Francis accepted the resignation in a letter to the Cardinal dated 29 November 2023.

In the release, the Church specifically cited the goal of fostering “synodal fraternity, ecclesial renewal and pastoral mission”. It described the resignation as “not the conclusion, but the fulfilment of your service.”

With more than five million faithful worldwide, the Syro Malabar Church is one of the 23 autonomous Eastern-Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. The major archiepiscopal see of Ernakulam–Angamaly plays a significant role for the Church both in India and abroad.

In its closing remarks, the release said: “The Holy Synod will convoke for the election of the new head of the Church in due time, mindful of the welfare of the faithful and the unity of the Church.” It pledged continuity of pastoral care and asked all members of the Church to participate in this transition with “charity and hope”.

Cardinal Alencherry’s resignation marks a significant moment for the Syro Malabar Church as it enters a new phase of leadership aligned with synodal renewal and unity.