IKCC – Topics Discussed

Dear IKCC members of Greater New York:

As instructed by the annual general body meeting held on November 17,2012, please be informed that the below listed additional topics were taken for discussion during the GB meeting under other items category.

1:  Mission membership as defined by Mar Moolakattu and not yet confirmed by Mar Angadiath will destroy the unique nature, heritage and identity of the Knanaya Community. To date the Mission authorities have not announced the ownership and legal rights of the paying community members in the buildings, Assets or financial accounts under the mission. Therefore, we cannot recommend to support or pay for the purchase of Buildings or Assets, that are for, by and under the control of non-endogomous Knanaya Missions including the purchase made by Brooklyn Queens Long Island Mission.

2: The Knanaya Spiritual Director must provide services to all Knanaya Community members. We expect that they work with and for the community in a peaceful and unifying manner instead of causing deep division and problems in the community. They must not focus most of their energy to force community members in wealth creation and Assets acquisitions for Missions that majority of the community did not approve.

3: As part of our growth in our adopted homeland in North America, for us to experience the Spiritual Nourishment as a family, it is a necessity that English Latin Mass should be a part of our Community. We request that Mar Moolakattu to do what is needed so that our Spiritual Directors who provide the same service in local Latin Parish would provide the same service to our families.

4: We authorize IKCC to request again to KCCNA that they immediately look into the matter and provide clarifications to the community on the following issues:

                i: Since we cannot accept mixed Knanaya Missions, is it legal or permissible under the practices and rules of the Latin Dioceses in North America for Spiritual Directors to demand money in return for permitting some wedding rituals that are part of the Knanaya Culture, Heritage and traditions.

                ii: That they investigate and then work with Knanaya Region Directors to formulate and then announce the formal process and time frame for getting “koori” for weddings.

                iii: The harassment and threats issues to youngsters and their parents who approach the Spiritual Directors during the time of their wedding is discouraging, demeaning and insulting to our young adults. The Spiritual Directors should be provided formal directives and the process and formalities should be communicated to the community.

Please note that the above topics will be presented again for discussion in the 2013 semi annual General Body meeting.

Starling Pachikara

IKCC Secretary