The Christian community in Kerala, comprising 18% of the state's population of 34.8 million over an area of 15,005 square miles, has significantly contributed to the overall development of the state, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. This has prompted many young people to seek better job opportunities in other parts of India and the world. Today, there is a sizable Syro-Malabar community in the Middle East, the US, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and various African countries. The growth and presence of the Syro-Malabar community in the UK, with a small initial wave of professionals migrating from Kerala during the 1960s and 70s and a more prominent phase of migration starting from 2000, testifies to our shared heritage and the strength of our faith.

The next significant phase of migration for Syro-Malabar communities from Kerala to the UK occurred from 2000 onwards. Many families had also migrated from Middle Eastern countries at this time. The role of Syro-Malabar priests, whether working in Latin parishes or studying at various universities, in forming these communities cannot be overstated. Currently, there are approximately 8000 families in Great Britain, mostly in the age group of 30-40. We are grateful to the local ordinaries and parish priests who welcomed the Syro-Malabar families and provided them with pastoral care and support.

The instruction 'Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi', issued by Holy Father John Paul II on the pastoral care of migrants, notes the increasing number of Eastern Rite Catholics in the Western world and their duty and right to follow their liturgical tradition. The document emphasizes that Eastern Rite Catholic migrants, whose numbers are steadily increasing, deserve particular pastoral attention. It also stresses the juridical obligation of the faithful to observe their rite everywhere as far as possible, with the rite being understood as their liturgical, theological, spiritual, and disciplinary heritage (cf. CCEO Can. 28, §1 and PaG 72).

On July 28, 2016, Pope Francis established the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain for the Syro Malabar Catholics in England, Scotland, and Wales. The eparchy is based in Preston at St Alphonsa Cathedral (formerly St Ignatius Church, Preston). It is the third Syro-Malabar Eparchy outside of India. The Bishops’ Conference of England, Wales, and Scotland supported the establishment, with Bishop Michael G Campbell of Lancaster playing a key role. The eparchy serves nearly 52,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics through 4 parishes, 55 missions, and 31 proposed missions, with 72 priests currently serving in England, Wales, and Scotland. The focus is on facilitating community growth, and efforts are underway to establish key ministries for coordination and resource management.