KOCHI: The continued efforts by the mediators of Kerala Mediation Committee (KMC) to solve the dispute between the Orthodox and Jacobite Churches failed to bear any fruit as the formula put forward by the KMC representatives couldn’t secure the concurrence of both sides. As the mediation talks continue to go off the track, both sides have decided to intensify their protests.It is learnt that both sides were not ready to compromise on their former stances. “Our representatives put forward the suggestion that Holy Mass at chapel of St Peter’s and St Paul’s church on a 4:1 ratio can be implemented. We are also ready to allow funeral facility at the cemetery for faithful in the Jacobites side. But the others have turned down the suggestion,” Orthodox Church PRO E C Alias said.According to the Jacobite Church leaders, they are ready to go for any compromise. “We have had enough. It was after much compromise that the church was opened a few years ago. So, we should get the status quo restored,” said Thampu George Thukalan, secretary, Jacobite Church. “We are ready to compromise all other things except those related to worship. We are not raising any claim over the wealth and administration of the church until a final resolution is evolved. But we can’t surrender our right to offer worship at the church,” he said.The working committee and the legal cell of Jacobite Church to be held on Saturday will decide the further course of action.The faithful belonging to the Orthodox faction across the individual churches under it observed fast on Friday. Faithful in the Kochi Diocese observed fast at High Court junction expressing solidarity with Catholicos Baselious Mar Thoma Pauolse II. Woman representatives from all the parishes in the state arrived at Kolenchery and observed fast at the chapel where the Catholicos is observing fast. Considering the plea by the mediators, Catholicos of Jacobite side Beselious Thomas I on Thursday shifted the venue of prayer programme to St Peter’s and St Paul’s chapel.
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