Alappuzha: The priests of the Thrissur Archdiocese and the Irinjalakuda Diocese have protested against the circular issued by the Malabar Church Synod, which stated that priests from the Ernakulam and Angamaly Archdioceses who do not follow the unified Holy Mass would be dismissed. Their protests followed immediately after the priests of the Mananthavady Diocese expressed their solidarity with the priests of Ernakulam.

It is the office bearers of Holy Mass protection committee of Thrissur Archdiocese who have sent their letter of protest against the decision to expel the priests who would not comply with the unified holy mass. On Thursday, priests of Irinjalakuda diocese also have sent a letter signed by 87 priests to Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil regarding the same issue expressing their solidarity with the priests of Ernakulam. 

Though the church has decided to switch to the unified holy mass system, the priests of Thrissur and Irinjalkuda support the earlier system, right from the beginning of the controversy. 

In their letter, the priests have asked the Synod to conduct an opinion survey in the 34 dioceses under the church in connection with this issue.