The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has released the Working Document for its upcoming Plenary Assembly, signaling a major step towards fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the Church in India.
The assembly, scheduled from January 28 to February 4 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, will revolve around the theme, “Discerning the Synodal Pathways for Mission.”
The document is the culmination of an extensive consultation process. Dioceses, religious congregations, and lay faithful across India were engaged through a Preparatory Document, a detailed questionnaire, and an online survey.
The unprecedented effort aimed to gather diverse voices, reflecting the Church’s commitment to listening and shared decision-making.
“This marks the first time such an inclusive consultation process has been undertaken, underscoring the Church’s commitment to shared responsibility and collaboration in its mission,” said CCBI Secretariat in a statement.
The responses, gathered from Catholics nationwide, were analyzed by experts to draft the Working Document.
The assembly’s 180 participating bishops will deliberate on the priorities identified, utilizing the “Conversation in the Spirit” method.
This process integrates personal prayer, group reflection, and dialogue to guide the Church’s mission-oriented discernment under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.
Representing 132 dioceses, the CCBI is the largest episcopal conference in Asia and ranks as the fourth largest globally.
With its focus on synodality, the 2025 Plenary Assembly aims to chart a collective vision for a more united and mission-driven Church, according to CCBI Secretariat.
The discussions and outcomes of the assembly are expected to set a transformative direction for the Church’s engagement with society and its pastoral mission.
