Churches told to follow path of reconciliation

PATHANAMTHITTA: Justice Cyriac Joseph of Supreme Court has called on various church denominations and the clergy heads to follow the path of reconciliation.Inaugurating the public meeting after the episcopal installation ceremony of three episcopas of Mar Thoma Church at SCS ground in Tiruvalla on Saturday, Justice Cyriac Joseph said that churches and their heads should have the mindset to understand the sentiments of the faithful.Facing criticism and learning lessons are needed for healthy functioning of the churches, Justice Cyriac Joseph said.The churches should act as a corrective force for the faithful and lead them on the right path.The churches should lead the faithful in upholding the rich ideals of society and  following high moral standards and ethics.The churches also have the moral responsibility to care the people of other faiths, he said.In a secular society, the people of all faiths should create an atmosphere of co-existence without hatred, Justice Cyriac Joseph said.Supreme Head of  Mar Thoma Church Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan presided over the function.Valiya Metropolitan Philipose Mar Chrysostum delivered the benedictory address.  Zacharias Mar Theophilos Suffragan Metropolitan, Ammanuel B Ghareeb of Kuwait, Joseph Mar Gregorios, John V George and Elizabeth Varghese were among those who offered felicitations.The newly-installed episcopas, Mathews Mar Marcarios, Gregorios Mar Stephanos and Thomas Mar Thethos, delivered the reply speech.