Thrissur: The Archdiocese of Thrissur under the Syro Malabar Church has issued a strong statement criticizing the Kerala government for what it describes as discrimination and neglect toward the Christian community. In its latest editorial published in the church’s official monthly magazine Catholicasabha, the archdiocese said the time has come for a struggle similar to the historic liberation movement to defend the community’s rights.

The statement raised several concerns about the functioning of key government departments, including Education, Minority Affairs, and Forests. It said the Christian community is not receiving the political consideration it deserves and that appointments in key posts, such as the State Minority Commission, have repeatedly ignored Christian representation. The archdiocese also criticized the government’s handling of issues related to school management and the recent school uniform controversy in Palloorruthi, calling the government’s approach communal and biased.

The church also expressed its disappointment over the government’s attitude toward forest land issues, saying that several decisions have gone against the interests of Christian farmers and institutions. It warned that continuous neglect of the community’s concerns could lead to organized resistance.

In a broader context, the church’s leadership hinted that it may take a stronger political stance in the near future. A major public gathering, described as a “Mahasangham,” is planned to be held in Thrissur on November 9, where the church is expected to clarify its position on upcoming local elections.

This is not the first time the Syro Malabar Church has publicly criticized the government. In previous years, the church raised its voice over environmental and minority rights issues, questioning what it called selective policies and unequal treatment. The Thrissur archdiocese, one of the largest and most influential in Kerala, has often played a key role in shaping public opinion within the Christian community.

The statement from the archdiocese has stirred political interest, with observers noting that the church’s move could influence local body elections and prompt political parties to rethink their engagement with the Christian community in the state.