Latin, Syrian dioceses ink agreement for coexistence
New Delhi: The dioceses of Latin and Syro-Malabar rites in Delhi area have come up with a set of mutually agreed guidelines for peaceful ecclesial coexistence, following the norms established by the Second Vatican Council some five decades ago.
The agreement between Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi (Latin) and Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of Faridabad (Syro-Malabar) was read in all the parishes of the two dioceses Sunday.
The agreement which came up during the Year of Faith, marking the 50th anniversary of second Vatican Council, was signed on Nov. 3.
The agreement also pertains to Agra and Meerut where the Faridabad diocese's territory is extended.
“The agreement will positively guide the relationship between the Syro-Malabar Church and the Latin Church in North India,” the letter issued to the press said.
The initiative for the agreement was taken by retired Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao of Delhi and Archbishop Bharanikulangara under the guidance of the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio with constant reference to the Sacred Congregations for the Oriental Churches and for Evangelization of Peoples, it said.
The initiative was continued by Archbishop Anil Couto after his installation on Jan 20 as the Archbishop of Delhi.
The joint pastoral letter gives certain essential principles and a broad frame work for the priests, religious and the lay faithful of the two dioceses to live in communion.
“It is our ardent hope and prayer that we will always live in a spirit of love, mutual respect and cooperation eschewing from our life all feelings of conflict, competition or rivalry and what is most important to our Christian life is our common witness to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to our unity in the Church,” the two prelates said in the letter.
Source: ucanindia