Syro-Malabar Synod seeks more role for laity

KOCHI: The Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church which concluded on Friday observed that the role of the laity in the Church should be increased. All the 43 bishops of the Church took part in the Synod at Mount St Thomas in Kakkanad, which was held after Mar George Alenchery was elevated to the status of Cardinal.Laity empowerment, training of seminarians, mission year, and golden jubilee of Vatican Synod, were the main topics discussed at the one-week event. The bishops expressed their satisfaction over the laity commission projects to fight cancer.It has been decided to restructure training for seminarians with regard to the modern age.  Prefect of Congregation for Oriental Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, addressed the bishops.  He also inaugurated the new building constructed at Mount St Thomas.