The standoff between the Jacobite faction and Father Thomas Paul Ramban of the Orthodox faction over the latter’s entry into the Marthoman Cheriapally at Kothamangalam eased on Friday after the police moved the monk to hospital citing his deteriorating health. Paul turned up armed with a High Court order allowing his entry into the church to offer the holy mass. He agreed to follow the medical instructions only after seeing the order around 5 p.m.“Despite having a court order I have been forced to remain out while those violating the court order are having a free run inside. Either the police should facilitate my entry into the church as per the court order or they should give me in writing to return. “There will be no change in our stance even if the Ramban is to return later as this remains our church,” a Jacobite faction office-bearer said.

Source: The Hindu December 21, 2018 18:11 UTC