The Catholic bishops of India have called on the faithful to embrace the synodal way of life, reaffirming their commitment to a Church rooted in Communion, Participation, and Mission.
At a meeting in Bhubaneswar for the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the prelates issued a pastoral letter outlining their vision for the future of the Church in India.
The letter, drawing from key Church documents such as the CCBI’s National Synthesis (2022), the FABC Bangkok 50 Document (2023), and the Pastoral Plan – Mission 2033 (2024), identifies faith formation, youth and family, social justice, gender equality, digital evangelization, ecological responsibility, and interfaith dialogue as top priorities.
To strengthen the synodal process, the bishops pledged to ensure “a synodal approach at all levels of decision-making”, particularly in parish and diocesan councils, emphasizing “prayerful listening and discernment” as essential components of Church governance.
Looking ahead to the Jubilee Year 2025, the bishops urged Catholics to adopt “Synodality as a way of life, journeying together as Pilgrims of Hope.”
They expressed gratitude for the “active participation of the faithful” and encouraged further engagement in shaping the Church’s mission.
The letter concluded with a prayerful appeal for the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, seeking divine guidance on this journey.
