Kerala: Fight for Knanaya nuptial reform

Kottayam: The Knanaya Catholic Naveekarana Samithi (KCNS) of dissidents demanding an end to the practice of endogamy (marriage of those having the same blood lineage) has decided to go ahead with its agitation given the High Court rejecting the appeal of the Kottayam Archdiocese.

The archdiocese approached the HC in December against Biju Uthup, a former church member who moved the Kottayam Munsif Court in 2015 demanding that the baptism of his daughter should be registered at his parish church in Kizhakke Nattassery.

Mr Biju, who married outside the archdiocese in 1989, had sought its permission but was denied in 1989. He filed a case in the Munsif court and got a favourable verdict.

The HC also rejected the archdiocese's plea and maintained that he has the right to get the letter of permission as its decree does not ban marriage outside. It held that the decision was against the tenets of the Canon law the fundamental rights of a citizen.

The apostolic letter of the Pius 12th also instructs that endogamy should be abolished. “We are planning to intensify the campaign to put an end to the practice," KCNS president T.O. Joseph told DC.

"Over one lakh members married outside have left the church as they have to according to the practice." If a childless couple adopts a child, it will not get legal status. One who marries outside will be readmitted only after the partner dies.