The controversy following the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church’s refusal to bury Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra’s grandmother continues to play out in Kerala.
Responding to Metropolitan Thomas Mor Thimotheos’ remarks terming the Church’s actions as “denial of justice, inhuman and against Church values”, the managing committee of the church on Saturday, said that it was “hurt over his remarks”.
Reiterating the church’s stance that the deceased was not a member of the parish, Vicar Fr Simon Manuel was quoted by The Times of India as saying, “While making such decisions, fame or wealth of individuals are not considered.” The vicar said its decision was in line with the church's policy of delivering “equal justice to all.”
On June 5, the church in Kumarakom denied permission to bury Mary John Akhouri stating that she had married a non-Christian and hence was not entitled to be buried at the church as she had failed to renew her membership.
According to TOI, the committee members went on to say that the Metropolitan neither contacted them nor issued an order permitting the conduct of funeral at the church.