Date:04/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/04/stories/2007020410190400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Orthodox Church drops stir plan Agitation plan dropped

Special Correspondent

Talks held with Orthodox Church representatives

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Government will try to amicably settle the differences between the Malankara Orthodox and Jacobite Churches, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said.

Mr. Balakrishnan, who held discussions with representatives of the Orthodox Church who met him here on Saturday, said the Government was keen on averting conflicts between the two factions and finding a solution. The Cabinet would discuss the issue on February 7, he said.

Alexander Karakkal, Jacob Thomas, A.O. Thomas and M.J .Job, members of the Orthodox Church managing committee, held discussions with the Minister about the dispute between the two Churches at the Thrikunnathu Seminary at Aluva. The representatives said that they had decided to give up the protest rally and dharna planned before the Secretariat on February 13, but would organise a convention here as scheduled.