Social Impact of Synod of Diamper on Kerala Christians and Society

Abstract

The important value of the Synod is that its decrees served as a historical account that brought to light many of the ancient practices of the Thomas Christians, and it served as the source of the later discipline of the church in India.  At the same time the strict measures taken by Archbishop Menezes to burn and destroy ancient Syriac books and missals led to the destruction of documents about the history, customs, tradition and canonical discipline of the Thomas Christians.  There were social as well as religious abuses in Malabar and the Synod took firm steps to correct them.  In this sense the good intention of Archbishop Menezes was to be appreciated.  The decisions of the Synod to evangelize the low castes and to uplift their social status were praiseworthy.

Some influences of the Synod still exist. The Synod of Diamper caused the beginning of the administration of the diocese and parishes by the Bishop and the hierarchy was established.  The Decrees of the Synod influenced the emergence of the present Christian culture of Kerala. In the social field, the Synod of Diamper created a new awareness.  The Synod touched all areas of social degradation.  It gave a separate identity to the Thomas Christians among the Hindus.  They were taught equality of men before God.  In short the acts and decrees of the Synod revolutionized the Kerala society of the 17^th century, especially the social situation of the St.Thomas Christians.