Archbishop Andrews Thazhath calls bishops to renew synodal commitment
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI, has called on the bishops of India to renew their synodal commitment, strengthen their public witness, and remain firmly rooted in both the Gospel and the Constitution of India.
Delivering the presidential address at the opening of the 37th general body meeting of the Catholic.
The Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) recently welcomed the bishops to the national assembly and said the meeting was not a mere constitutional requirement but a moment of “sacred ecclesial discernment”.
Referring to the present context of the church and the nation, he observed that these were not ordinary times, noting growing challenges to conscience, faith, and public witness.
Thazhath called on the bishops to renew the synodal journey, strengthen formation for public and constitutional engagement, empower laity, youth, and women, build strong advocacy networks, and speak in the public sphere with truth, charity, and courage.
He said the Church in India moves forward not in fear, but in hope — rooted in Christ, faithful to the Constitution, and committed to justice, peace, and service to the nation.
Emphasising synodality as a way of being Church, the CBCI President, in a statement, recalled the legacy of Pope Francis, describing him as a shepherd who led the Church through discernment, mercy, and hope rather than fear or domination.
He also expressed gratitude for Pope Leo XIV at the beginning of his Petrine ministry and recalled his meetings with the Holy Father in May and October 2025, during which he submitted a detailed report on the life and mission of the Church in India and formally invited him to visit the country.
Turning to the Church’s engagement with national life, he recalled meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and noted the participation of national leaders in Church programmes as recognition of the Church’s contribution to social harmony and nation-building.
