I think this article to be both fascinating and mysterious. The Catholic Church really is universal.
In my totally ignorant opinion, endogamy is basically weird, but at the same time just leave these people alone. As the bishop said, if the young people don't want it, they'll leave for their sister Catholic community. I think we should leave wide latitude for local communities to make their own rules - especially if they have ancient roots that other people simply can't fully understand.
How poignant that the final word on the community is if the young people will continue the faith tradition. The world over, we all face the same issue.
Entirely fascinating. I knew that (one of) the Knanaya parishes is near my house, but in looking to see just how far it is (about 15 minutes) I realized I've been as close to a block from the church (an old Latin church, I think) without realizing.
While I knew that it was nearby, I had no better understanding than that it was part of the Church with an ancient lineage in India.
So thanks for the primer, though I still don't understand why the Indian courts have any say in the matter.
This looks more like an exercise in power rather than reason. I don't see anyone harmed by this centuries-old practice. It seems to have sustained the identity of the community and that should be a good thing.
I respect their traditions and am all for them to retaining their unique position within the Church.
What I find ironic is that when I view pictures, photos, etc. of Knanaya members, they all look pretty much Indian from India. I see no trace of middle-eastern blood (looks) whatsoever in them. Remember their origins are entirely from the Middle-East and mostly of Hebrew-Christians, specifically from the tribe of Judah. So it would seem that there was enough intermarriage in the past with the local Indian population that they look like the Indian population and no longer look Middle-Eastern, at all!
Yes, I agree - fascinating: I realize the focus here was on the legal arguments but I would have welcomed a paragraph or two on the distinctive attributes of Knanayan spirituality and devotions; or, put another way, what does it feel like be, say, a 35 year old Knanayan Catholic in 2023?
Another fantastic article about a topic I have not followed prior to being introduced to The Pillar. I remain confused why the Indian government cares about the internal rules of this community
Fascinating! I learn so much from The Pillar :)
I think this article to be both fascinating and mysterious. The Catholic Church really is universal.
In my totally ignorant opinion, endogamy is basically weird, but at the same time just leave these people alone. As the bishop said, if the young people don't want it, they'll leave for their sister Catholic community. I think we should leave wide latitude for local communities to make their own rules - especially if they have ancient roots that other people simply can't fully understand.
I know it's arch-eparchy, but I heard someone pronounce it archy-parchy one time and I just can't unsee it.
was that someone Ed? He uses that pronunciation often!
Beautiful read. Thank you.
How poignant that the final word on the community is if the young people will continue the faith tradition. The world over, we all face the same issue.
Entirely fascinating. I knew that (one of) the Knanaya parishes is near my house, but in looking to see just how far it is (about 15 minutes) I realized I've been as close to a block from the church (an old Latin church, I think) without realizing.
While I knew that it was nearby, I had no better understanding than that it was part of the Church with an ancient lineage in India.
So thanks for the primer, though I still don't understand why the Indian courts have any say in the matter.
This looks more like an exercise in power rather than reason. I don't see anyone harmed by this centuries-old practice. It seems to have sustained the identity of the community and that should be a good thing.
I respect their traditions and am all for them to retaining their unique position within the Church.
What I find ironic is that when I view pictures, photos, etc. of Knanaya members, they all look pretty much Indian from India. I see no trace of middle-eastern blood (looks) whatsoever in them. Remember their origins are entirely from the Middle-East and mostly of Hebrew-Christians, specifically from the tribe of Judah. So it would seem that there was enough intermarriage in the past with the local Indian population that they look like the Indian population and no longer look Middle-Eastern, at all!
Yes, I agree - fascinating: I realize the focus here was on the legal arguments but I would have welcomed a paragraph or two on the distinctive attributes of Knanayan spirituality and devotions; or, put another way, what does it feel like be, say, a 35 year old Knanayan Catholic in 2023?
Another fantastic article about a topic I have not followed prior to being introduced to The Pillar. I remain confused why the Indian government cares about the internal rules of this community