Archbishop Calls Indian Bishops to Renew Commitment to Synodality

Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), has urged Indian bishops to renew their commitment to synodality during the opening of the 37th general body meeting in Bengaluru on February 6, 2023. He emphasized the importance of strengthening public witness while remaining grounded in the Gospel and the Indian Constitution.

In his presidential address, Thazhath welcomed the bishops to this national assembly, highlighting the meeting as a moment of “sacred ecclesial discernment” rather than a mere constitutional obligation. He noted the current challenges confronting both the Church and the nation, stating that these are not ordinary times. He pointed to growing pressures on conscience, faith, and public witness as critical issues that require serious attention.

Thazhath called for a renewed synodal journey, advocating for enhanced formation in public and constitutional engagement. He stressed the need to empower the laity, youth, and women, and to create strong advocacy networks. The archbishop urged bishops to engage publicly with truth, charity, and courage, asserting that the Church in India should advance not with fear, but with hope—rooted in Christ and devoted to justice, peace, and national service.

The theme of the general body meeting, “Rooted in Christ, Faithful to the Constitution,” resonated throughout Thazhath’s address. He described the Indian Constitution as a moral covenant founded on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, values that align closely with the Gospel’s vision of human dignity. He affirmed that a properly understood secularism protects freedom of conscience and prevents the exploitation of religion.

Thazhath acknowledged contemporary challenges faced by the Church, including social polarization, misinformation, regulatory pressures, and intimidation. He urged the Church to practice discernment rather than react impulsively to these issues. Moreover, he pointed out internal challenges such as clericalism, caste and class divisions, inter-ritual tensions, and the marginalization of women and youth. He warned that silence born from fear can undermine Christian witness.

In his remarks about the evolving technological landscape, Thazhath noted both the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and digital systems. He called on the Church to ensure that technology remains human-centered and serves the common good. He highlighted the role of the Network of Indian Catholic Entrepreneurship (NICE) as a platform that integrates faith, ethics, labor, and entrepreneurship, promoting responsible engagement in a rapidly changing world.

Reflecting on his recent meetings with national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thazhath underscored the Church’s contributions to social harmony and nation-building. He characterized Christianity as an integral element of India’s historical, cultural, and moral heritage, emphasizing that service to the poor and vulnerable is both an expression of faith and a responsibility of citizenship.

In a concluding note, Thazhath expressed gratitude for Pope Francis, recognizing his leadership in guiding the Church through discernment, mercy, and hope. He also acknowledged Pope Leo XIV at the start of his Petrine ministry, recalling his meetings with the Holy Father in May and October 2025, during which he submitted a report on the life and mission of the Church in India and extended a formal invitation for a papal visit.

The general body meeting, with its focus on the profound connection between faith and national identity, seeks to inspire a renewed commitment among bishops to engage dynamically with contemporary challenges while remaining true to their spiritual and civic responsibilities.