Church backs Kerala Christians report, urges stronger action

Official says landmark study validates concerns over Christian backwardness in Kerala, while urging stronger government action and highlighting Church-led mobilisation behind the Commission’s formation.

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Although the Syro Malabar Church invested immense effort for the Commission, only a limited number of recommendations beneficial to the Church have been implemented, an official said, while welcoming its findings.

The publication of the Justice J. B. Koshy Commission Report is “a matter of great satisfaction” for the Syro Malabar Church, described as a direct outcome of sustained advocacy by the community, according to Father James Kokkavayalil.

Writing in Syro Malabar Vision, the Secretary of the Syro Malabar Public Affairs Commission noted that “in a real sense, [it is] a fruit of the Church’s sustained efforts,” adding, “This is no exaggeration.”

He cited the Commission chairman’s own acknowledgement: “It was the Syro Malabar Church that demanded such a commission and worked most earnestly for it.”

The push for the Commission dates back to December 2019, when Church leaders submitted a memorandum signed by 100,000 people to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, demanding a judicial inquiry into the “educational, economic, and social backwardness” of Christians in the state.

Following repeated appeals, the government established the Commission on 5 November 2020. Set up to examine the educational, financial, and welfare concerns of Christian minority communities in Kerala, the report was officially published on Feb. 28 after being approved by the state Cabinet.

However, Father Kokkavayalil noted that the absence of a Syro Malabar representative in the Commission’s initial composition “was widely felt as a serious shortcoming,” though the later appointment of Retired Judge C. V. Francis as Secretary was seen as a corrective step.

Church mobilisation drives unprecedented public participation

The Church, which is based in Kerala, played a central role in mobilising community participation, encouraging submissions and conducting detailed studies. “The Commission received as many as 445,500 representations, the vast majority of which came from members of the Syro Malabar Church,” he wrote.

He recalled personally witnessing “a jeep-load of submissions” delivered from one diocese, describing it as “testimony to the remarkable enthusiasm and cooperation of the faithful.”

Beyond petitions, the Church also submitted structured research. “This memorandum comprehensively and scientifically presented the key issues and discriminations faced by the community,” he said, adding that much of this material was incorporated into the final report.

Despite the Commission submitting its findings on 17 May 2023, the report’s release was delayed for more than 1,000 days, prompting protests and sustained pressure from Church bodies and affiliated organisations.

These efforts eventually led to Cabinet approval on 24 February 2026, followed by official publication on 27 February.

While welcoming the report, Father Kokkavayalil expressed measured concern over its implementation. “Only a limited number of recommendations beneficial to the Church have so far been implemented by the Government,” he said.

Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of the document itself: “The availability of an authoritative document highlighting the backwardness of Christians in Kerala is a matter of satisfaction.”

He added that the process had triggered introspection within the Church. “The Commission’s appointment prompted the Church to undertake self-assessment and study,” he said.

In response, the Syro Malabar Church has declared 2026 as the “Year of Community Empowerment,” launching awareness programmes and action plans aimed at addressing the challenges identified in the report.

“It is firmly hoped that the publication of the Commission’s report during this very year will become a catalyst for the strong advancement of the community,” Father Kokkavayalil wrote.