The ongoing synod of the Syro-Malabar Church has permitted the believers to cremate the bodies of the dead if they prefer to do so.
The synod said here on Thursday that permission for cremation could be granted by the respective dioceses. The synod said that cremation should be in accordance with the traditions and belief of the Church. The Bishops said that the tradition of the prayers for the dead should be in keeping with the Church. The synod expressed concern at the problems faced by the agriculture sector.
The fall in the prices of cardamom, rubber and nutmeg affected the farmers.
Earlier in the day, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Geroge Alencherry said that the Church had proof to claim that St. Thomas had arrived in India. He was reacting to some challenges by historians that the Apostle had not visited the country.
