By Matters India Reporter

Bengaluru, Feb 1, 2024: The second day of the General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on February 1 saw the participants the review the outcome of the Rome Synod on Synodality, Manipur crisis and situation of Christians across the country.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who played a pivotal role in the Synod in Rome in October 2023, presented the theme, “The Fruits of the Synod on Synodality.” The cardinal, who is the archbishop of Bombay, described the synod as a renewed call of the Vatican I1, stressing the role and responsibility of God’s people in the Church.

He said that, on one of the synod’s innovations was “conversation in the Spirit,” a process that involved time to internalize discussions, fostering mature discernment and consensus.

Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, who addressed the present status of Manipur, expressed immense gratitude for the spiritual and humanitarian assistance provided by bishops and NGOs to his strife-torn people.

He highlighted the demographic, historic, and ethnic aspects of Manipur, shedding light on the relief and rehabilitation efforts by the Catholic Church. He explained the devastating destruction of approximately 300 churches, and thousands of homes, the closure of numerous educational institutions, and the displacement of thousands of people.

He said peace process is gradual and it will take time.

Robin Christopher, deputy director of Strategic Litigation, ADF India, discussed the “All India Situation of Christians,” shedding light on the challenges Christians face, including violence and false cases of conversion.

In other significant activities, Father Aloysius Ephrem Raju Alex, secretary of the Catholic Council of India (CCI), presented a comprehensive report on the council’s historical development, financial matters, and strategic planning.

Sister Shimy Varghese, a member of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary and secretary of the newly formed CBCI Office for Environment and Climate Change, reported on the National Conference on ecology held at Dharmaram, Bengaluru.