Kerala recognises Pentecostal churches as “Christian denomination”

The measure was made official on 9 March, a few days after a delegation met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The memorandum was also presented to opposition leader VD Satheesan. Now they will be able to enjoy benefits and concessions in line with those of other Christian groups. Local Catholic source of AsiaNews: a positive move, even if there are still some critical issues in these communities.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - A significant step towards religious freedom and worship in the southern Indian state of Kerala, one of the most tolerant in terms of worship with a significant Christian (and Muslim) presence, capable of coexisting with the Hindu majority. A note from the Chief Minister's office points out that the local government, with a measure made official on 9 March, has granted maximum recognition to Pentecostal churches as part of the Church and as a Christian denomination.

The decision comes a few days after a delegation of Pentecostal Church leaders met with Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram to present their request. In addition, the leaders of the Pentecostal community also delivered the same memorandum to opposition leader VD Satheesan.

At the same time, the Kerala government cabinet decided to form a three-member committee of senior officials to examine the various issues faced by the communities. Among the urgent issues under consideration are members of the Pentecostal Church and converts to Christianity from registered castes (SCCC). Recommendations and guidelines will be presented on how best to manage the issue in the future.

Although they are Christians in faith and prayer, various Pentecostal groups in Kerala, such as the Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC), the Church of God, the Church of God of New India and the Bethely Assembly, are not officially recognised as official Christian denominations. Pentecostal groups differ from Catholics and other Protestant movements in doctrine, style of worship and authority. Catholics, for example, consider the Pope in the Vatican to be the highest authority, while Pentecostals refer primarily to the Bible.

There are also differences in matters of faith, particularly in the areas of salvation, rebirth and baptism.

Pentecostal communities represent about 4% of the Christian population of Kerala. The main Christian denominations in the state are the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church (about 40%), the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church (7%), the Malankara Orthodox Church (8%) and the Jacobite Syriac Church (8%).

With formal recognition as a Christian denomination, members of the Pentecostal Church will be able to enjoy benefits and privileges in line with those of other Christian groups. These include eligibility for programmes sponsored by the state and central government; approval of educational institutions and jobs in educational and health institutions; social security pensions for catechism teachers; and representation on minority commissions. In this regard, one of the key demands of the Pentecostal churches in the memorandum presented to the prime minister was the reservation for Dalit Christians.

The three-member expert committee is expected to submit its recommendation to the state government. However, a local Catholic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, explains to AsiaNews: ‘Although this is a positive move, many Pentecostal churches are criticised for promoting the prosperity gospel, which teaches that faith and donations bring wealth and health, which some say misrepresents the Bible and can exploit poor believers.’ Other critical issues include the lack of ‘a structured hierarchy, with independent and loosely organised congregations and “ephemeral” ministries, and some pastors becoming very wealthy thanks to church funds, raising questions about their accountability’. However, he concludes, ‘being recognised and united with traditional churches in India is important, as it strengthens the Christian community and provides greater protection against anti-conversion laws and social persecution.’