Kerala, India, Sep 5, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Syro-Malabar Church has decided to open an office in Rome to improve communication between the Eastern Catholic Church and Vatican offices, reported UCA News.

The decision was made by all 35 bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church (SMC) at the bishops' synod. The synod was held in Kochi, a major city in Kerala state, and it ended Sept. 3.

The decision to set up an office in Rome and to appoint a representative to coordinate activities there followed the suggestion for such an office by a recent global meeting of SMC delegates, Aug. 18-20. The delegates had highlighted the need for improved relations between the SMC and the Vatican.

SMC spokesperson Fr. Paul Thelakat told UCA News that the office is a means of "effective coordination and faster communication between the Church and the Vatican."

The SMC is one of two Eastern Catholic rites based in India. Both follow Syrian Church traditions and trace their origins to St. Thomas, the Apostle. They and the Latin-rite comprise the Catholic Church in India.

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