By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, June 13, 2026: Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta, met a six‑member delegation of the Bongiyo Christiyo Parisheba (BCP – Bengal Christian Council) at the Archbishop’s House on June 12.
The meeting, which lasted nearly ninety minutes, was described as “fruitful” and marked a significant step toward building a united Christian voice in West Bengal.
The delegation included Herod Mullick, Sanjit Shani, Ashim Campoo, Ashoke Dolui, Swarup Biswas, and Advocate Aditya Tewary.
Welcoming the group warmly, Archbishop Frank praised BCP’s vision and ongoing activities.
“The Christian community needs a consolidated and united voice,” he said, stressing the importance of joint authorization by bishops and church leaders.
He assured the delegation that he would personally facilitate signatures from all eight Catholic bishops on a declaration during their upcoming Kolkata visit on July 1.
Delegation member Sanjit Shani reported his recent discussions with Church of North India (CNI) Moderator and Bishop Paritosh Canning of Kolkata, and pledged to coordinate signatures from CNI bishops.
BCP’s State Working President, Subir Sircar, meanwhile, undertook responsibility to secure endorsements from Baptist, Methodist, Assemblies of God, Eastern Evangelical, Believers Church of India, and Mizoram Synod leaders.
The archbishop strongly endorsed convening a joint meeting of bishops and church heads across denominations to foster visible unity. He also urged BCP to resume its membership campaign across West Bengal.
“Every believer must be given the opportunity to join, so that unity becomes institutional,” he emphasized.
National alliances were also discussed. BCP will collaborate with the Delhi‑based United Forum of Christians. Its president, Dr. Michael Williams, assured “full cooperation in building a united Christian voice across East India.”
Archbishop Frank further conveyed his wholehearted support for the proposed BCP Mega Prayer Rally, scheduled for January 29, 2027, with a target of 100,000 participants.
“I will personally be present and play an active role,” he assured, pledging to stand firmly with BCP in prayer, solidarity, and community welfare.
The delegation expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s guidance and encouragement, calling the meeting a milestone in Catholic–BCP cooperation.
“This encounter gives us fresh inspiration and a clear roadmap for expansion,” one leader said, noting that new national alliances will strengthen both organizational growth and legal frameworks.
(Photo supplied)