Inter-religious marriage should not be opposed: Mar Chrysostom

Kottayam: Philipose Mar Chrysostom, senior Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church, Wednesday has said the inter-religious marriage should not be opposed as it has already been declared legal in the country.

“The Christian religious leaders have the right to express their views on the mixed marriage in the community. But they should be cautious while making any remarks on it in the public if it hurts someone,” Mar Chrysostom said in an interview to Media One TV.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Sabha in Kerala has come out in support of Idukki Bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil, who drew a controversy over his remarks on the inter-religious marriage.

Archbishop (emeritus) Joseph Powathil has said the Catholic Sabha opposes the inter-religious marriage as part of its beliefs.

“The Catholic Sabha can’t recognise the inter-religious marriage,” he said.

On Monday, Idukki Bishop Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil had apologised for his controversial comments on the inter-religious marriage.

“I didn’t have any bad intention while making the remarks. I tender my apology if it had hurt anyone,” said Anikuzhikattil.

Addressing a pastoral convention at nearby Kanjirapally in Kottayam, the Bishop had said Christian girls were being targeted by boys of other religions.

"Mixed marriages are against Christian beliefs. It will destroy our values and beliefs," he said, adding, “the faithful should resist such trends and not fall prey to it.”