ABSTRACT

This chapter is concerned with the Syro-Malabar and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Churches, both of which originate from the state of Kerala on the southwest coast of India. A brief overview of the origins of these two churches and their relationship to each other will help inform our understanding of their North American immigrant experience. The delight on the part of the Portuguese was short-lived, as they soon came to suspect the Indian Christians of having adopted Nestorian heresies from Mesopotamia. The earliest groups of Indian immigrants came to North America between 18.