Thiruvananthapuram, March 10 The Left government in Kerala decided in principle on Tuesday to recognize Pentecostal churches as a separate Christian denomination, a move expected to address long-standing concerns raised by sections of the community.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
According to a CMO release, the move aims to examine and resolve various issues faced by converted Christian groups, including Pentecostal Christians in the state.
To study the matter in detail, the government has constituted a committee of IAS officers.
The panel, comprising Bishwanath Sinha, T V Anupama and Jerome George, will review the concerns of groups, including the Scheduled Caste converted as Christians, and submit recommendations to the government.
Officials said the committee will look into administrative and policy issues affecting these communities before the government takes further steps on formal recognition.
The decision assumes political significance as the state moves closer to Assembly polls.
Pentecostal Christians and other converted Christian communities form an important voter base in some key constituencies in the south and central Kerala.