We, the members and well-wishers of the Mar Thoma Church in Australia and New Zealand, are deeply concerned about the current governance under the current diocesan bishop

Our Church’s values of democracy, accountability, and transparency are being eroded:

• Trust is broken: Many believers no longer have confidence in the bishop’s leadership due to repeated misuse of power and disregard for democratic processes.
• Local voices are silenced: Elected leaders are removed or restricted through unilateral episcopal actions.
• The Zonal Assembly is undemocratic: Filled with nominated members, financial transparency is weak, oversight is minimal, and too much power is concentrated in the bishop’s hands.
• Financial accountability is at risk: Despite constitutional promises, there are no independent safeguards to ensure parish and zonal funds are protected.

 
What We Ask
We respectfully call on the Metropolitan and Synod to:

• Replace the diocesan bishop with a leader who respects constitutional provisions, democratic governance, and transparency.
• Strengthen financial accountability with independent audits and open reporting to members.
• Protect parish and zonal autonomy from episcopal overreach.
• Create space for believers to raise concerns without fear.

 Why It Matters
If these issues are ignored, our Church in Australia & NZ risks losing credibility, unity, and the next generation. We must safeguard a Church that is transparent, democratic, and faithful to Christ’s mission — not one divided by mistrust and centralisation of power.

✍️ Sign this petition to restore trust, protect democracy, and ensure we have a bishop who leads with integrity and accountability.