NEW DELHI, Jan. 6 -- "Freedom in Liturgical Practices may be given, provided they do not cause any harm to the Gospel values and Pastoral concerns," said the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace in an appeal to the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy in view of the ongoing liturgical crisis in the church.

In a letter signed by Sr. Dorothy Fernandes PBVM, National Convenor, and Fr. Antony F Thekkiniyath OFM CAP, National Secretary, the Forum has urged the Hierarchy to have discernment and dialogue towards a Christian solution for the present crisis. The Forum is a platform of thousands of Religious women and men in the country.

Seeking an immediate solution to the issue, the Forum said the controversy within the Syro-Malabar Church regarding the...