By Matters India Reporter
AJMER, September 26, 2026: A seminar on ecumenism and dialogue brought together bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders from nine dioceses of the Agra Ecclesiastical Region, underscoring the urgency of Christian unity and interreligious cooperation in India.
The one-day program, held at the Naveenta Diocesan Pastoral and Communication Centre in Madar-Ajmer, was jointly organized by the Agra Ecclesiastical Regional Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) Commission for Ecumenism.
About 30 participants attended from Agra, Ajmer, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Jaipur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Meerut and Allahabad.
Father Elias Niranjan, regional secretary for ecumenism and dialogue, welcomed the gathering and urged participants to use the seminar as a space for reflection and sharing.
Bishop John Carvalho of Ajmer and chairman of the regional commission, delivered the keynote address.
He emphasized that dialogue is indispensable in India’s diverse religious landscape. “Dialogue is not an option but a way of life,” Carvalho said, encouraging participants to foster unity among Christians and build bridges with people of other faiths.
Father Norbert Herman, a national council member of the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism, served as the resource person. He highlighted the relevance of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue in today’s context, drawing on Church teaching and pastoral experience.
He urged participants to take an active role in promoting unity, calling it central to the mission of Christ and the Church.
Father Anthaiah, executive secretary of the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism, presented the CCBI Pastoral Plan for Ecumenism. He stressed the importance of implementing the plan at regional and diocesan levels, adapting it to local contexts.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in group discussions and an open session. They shared experiences, raised questions and proposed practical steps for applying the pastoral plan. Several constructive interventions focused on concrete ways to strengthen ecumenical relationships and foster dialogue.
The seminar concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Carvalho. In his homily, he exhorted participants to continue Christ’s mission of unity and dialogue, making it integral to pastoral ministry.
The gathering ended with a renewed commitment to promoting Christian unity, strengthening ecumenical ties and advancing interreligious dialogue across the Agra region.
The seminar reflected a growing recognition among Church leaders that ecumenism and dialogue are not peripheral but essential to living the Gospel in India’s pluralistic society.