Amid a flurry of social media posts and allegations claiming that the Holy Family Knanaya Catholic Church in Rajapuram was dismantled against the wishes of its congregation, the Church Construction Committee has broken its silence, laying bare the facts behind the project and countering the spread of misinformation.
According to the committee, efforts are being made by a small group to derail a democratically sanctioned project, using baseless claims to block the collective dream of a new church structure—one envisioned and approved by the vast majority of parishioners. Of the 380 families that form the Holy Family Church community, only around 10 have raised objections, the committee pointed out, emphasizing that this dissent stems from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of facts.
The Demolition Debate: What Really Happened?
The church currently in focus was not the original one built in Rajapuram. That initial structure was replaced in 1962 by a new building, prompted by the need for more space and better facilities for the faithful. As time passed, the parish again felt the need to modernize to preserve community unity and sustain its spiritual life for future generations.
The idea of constructing a new church was first formally introduced during the general meeting on May 7, 2017. A special meeting was later convened on April 28, 2019, where it was resolved to register diocesan land under the parish’s name as a precursor to building. On September 15, 2019, the general assembly considered three clear options:
1. Renovate the existing church.
2. Construct a new church while retaining the old one.
3. Demolish the existing structure and build anew on the same site.
To evaluate these possibilities, an 11-member committee was appointed. After extensive consultations with engineers, parishioners, and other stakeholders, the committee submitted its findings on January 5, 2020. Given expert assessments that the current church, lacking pillars and beams, was unsuitable for expansion, the general body voted to construct a new church at the same historic site chosen by their ancestors.
A Transparent, Inclusive Process
A 75-member general body was then established, including senior clergy and representatives from all 14 tent groups and church organizations. On March 1, 2020, this body elected KT Mathew Kuzhikattil as General Convener and GG Kizhakkepurathi as Secretary. A nine-member construction committee and a 25-member finance committee were also formed.
Over the next 18 months, plans were gathered and reviewed. After selecting a proposal submitted by engineer Kunjappan Maliyekkal, the design was shared via WhatsApp with all 14 tent groups for review. Feedback was incorporated and discussed in detail before being formally approved at the general meeting on August 20, 2021. This meeting also authorized submission of the plan to both the diocese and government authorities.
To ensure financial viability, the finance committee explored multiple funding avenues—including contributions from resident and non-resident parishioners and other parish income streams.
Legal Hurdles and the Path Ahead
On October 29, 2023, Auxiliary Bishop Mar Joseph of the Kottayam Archdiocese laid the foundation stone for the new church in Pandarassery. According to prior agreements, demolition of the existing church was to follow immediately to make way for construction. However, a legal setback emerged when two individuals filed a case in the Hosdurg Munsif Court on August 31, 2023, seeking to halt the demolition. This has since delayed further work on the project.
Despite the legal roadblocks and social media campaigns attempting to sway public opinion, the Church Construction Committee insists the initiative has always been rooted in transparency, democratic consensus, and respect for tradition. It remains committed to building a place of worship that reflects the unity and aspirations of the vast majority of its parishioners.