Vol. 20 (2024): Eastern Legal Thought
Articles

Particular Law on Parish Assembly and The Palliyogam Procedure Rules of The Syro-Malabar Church Twenty-Five Years After

Published 18.09.2025

How to Cite

Particular Law on Parish Assembly and The Palliyogam Procedure Rules of The Syro-Malabar Church Twenty-Five Years After. (2025). Eastern Legal Thought, 20. https://journals.pvpkottayam.in/index.php/ELT/article/view/54

Abstract

While the Palliyogam-Procedure Rules apply to  the entire Syro-Malabar Church, a provision allows for  adaptation to specific situations within an eparchy. For instance, Rule 73 grants the eparchial bishop the authority  to make necessary adaptations to these rules “on account of  the special features, customs, or practice of his eparchy.”  Such adapted rules are binding within that eparchy. Rule 74  further permits an eparchial bishop to make provisions in his  eparchy to resolve difficulties or doubts “not inconsistent with the purpose of these rules.” However, as stated in Rule  78, any parish custom or practice inconsistent with these  rules is superseded upon the rules’ enforcement. The details outlining the constitution and functions  of Palliyogam illustrate how various Christian faithful in  a parish are represented in significant bodies involved in decision-making on essential aspects of parish life. The parish priest’s role is that of a coordinator or facilitator in  the decision-making process. Nevertheless, criticisms often  arise, claiming that current norms do not adequately reflect the ancient tradition of the Syro-Malabar Church, with  laypeople not given sufficient roles and decisions primarily made by pastors. Some argue that Church properties  should be handled exclusively by the laity without clergy  intervention. While the Palliyogam-Procedure Rules grant a  significant role to the laity in parish decision-making, criticisms emerge due to pastors disregarding lay opinions  and attempting to monopolise the decision-making process.  Adequate training and conscientisation for laypeople are  crucial for active participation in yogams and influencing the decision-making process. Pastors also need training to  recognise and respect the proper roles of lay functionaries  without unnecessary interference. The Palliyogam-Procedure Rules are enacted by the  Synod of Bishops, the highest legislative authority in the  Syro-Malabar Church. While civil authorities generally  accept the Church’s legislative authority regarding internal  discipline, the stipulation preventing legal proceedings  against matters related to these rules, except through  recourse to ecclesiastical authorities,71 may pose challenges  if legally challenged, as it limits an individual’s civil rights.