Kollam, India - A new church in Kollam district in Kerala has adopted the motifs and religious practices of other faiths during its various ceremonies.
It is an attempt on part of the Latin Catholic church to promote inter-faith dialogue and understanding, but it is has been received with caution.
Fr Romance Antony conducts Sunday Mass at the Jagat Jyoti Mandir in Neendakara Panchayat.
Both the priest and his congregation sit cross-legged on the floor listening to bhajans. The pulpit and pews are missing. There isn't even a crucifix behind what should have been the altar.
Christ is represented as seated in padmasana like the Buddha under the Bodhi tree.
"There is a paradigm shift from a closed community to a community which is able to accept other values and symbols," said Fr Antony.
Confluence of religious symbolism
Inside the Church, there are reflections of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and even Zoroastrianism. Even the Last Supper as portrayed by Da Vinci reflects a strong indigenisation.
Christ and his disciples are shown seated eating from banana leaves.
And atop the Church is a huge "Om" where there's normally a crucifix. Father Antony insists there's a method to this confluence of religious symbolism.
"Most of the Rig Veda symbols are neutral. They do not pertain to any religion, not even to Hinduism. Say "Om" or the kirtans in Rig Veda - they go beyond religion and Gods. They are part of a universal religious search and can be practiced by all religions," he added.
Public opinion is divided in this small fishing hamlet. While some see it as an attempt to convert people to Christianity, others view it as a dilution of the Christian ethos.
"Initially, Christians were opposed to it. Now they are slowly accepting it," said Francis, Devotee.
"Without any discrimination on the basis of caste or religion and seeing everyone as equals, it is a good thing," added Joseph, Devotee.
It is yet another feather in India's secular cap. The Jagat Jyoti Mandir at Neendakara Panchayat is one of a kind - a church that assimilates the best of all religions - an example that others could well emulate.