Fr Kampan Chinnam –
Guwahati: The 37th Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India (CLSI) commenced on Monday at the North East Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS) in Guwahati, focusing on the vital theme of “Penal Sanctions in the Church.” This four-day conference, which runs until October 18, has attracted over 130 canon lawyers, including priests and religious sisters across the country. This is the first time the conference is being held in the Northeast region, as noted by CLSI President Rev. Dr. T. Lourdusamy.
The event began with Father Selvaraj of the Bongaigaon Diocese invoking divine assistance for attendees and praying for them to deepen their understanding and administration of God’s righteousness. Most Rev. Dr. Albert Hemrom, Chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Northeast Bishops’ Council of India (NEIRBC), welcomed all members of the CLSI and honored bishops with traditional ethnic shawls. All participants were also presented with Garo bags and Assamese gamosas as tokens of hospitality.
Rev. Dr. Lourdusamy remarked, “It has taken 36 years since the inception of the CLSI, founded on October 18, 1987, in Madras, for the conference to reach the Northeast after voyaging through various regions of India.”
A video message from Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Founder President of CLSI, was screened. He expressed regrets for missing the conference due to his attendance at the Bishops Synod on Synodality in Rome. “It is essential for canonists to be updated on the changes and revisions within the Church’s penal law to apply them effectively with compassion,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the topic of penal sanctions.
Cardinal Gracias invited members to consider what changes might be needed to make the Church more synodal and how participatory structures can be improved to meet contemporary challenges. He concluded his message by expressing his eagerness to learn about the outcomes of the meeting.
In his keynote address, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati reflected on the early Church as a community of love and service. He noted, “When members of the Church err, punitive actions may be necessary for the good of the individual and the integrity of the community.” The Archbishop acknowledged that punishment should not be the last resort, stating, “Pastoral exhortations, kind admonitions, fraternal corrections, earnest entreaties, and firm rebukes should precede penalties.”
He discussed Pope Francis’ modifications to Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, emphasizing that these changes aim at three key objectives within the ecclesiastical community: restoration of justice, amendment of the offender, and reparation for scandals. He added that issues of obedience often lead clergy and laity to seek recourse in civil courts. “Canonists need to have the correct understanding of the canons to assist dioceses and major superiors,” the Archbishop highlighted.
The first session following the inaugural address featured Archbishop Linus Nelli of Imphal. In a light-hearted remark, he noted, “My presentation might repeat what Archbishop Moolachira said; wise people think alike.” He discussed the evolution of penal sanctions within the Church, noting a gradual reduction in penalties since the revision of Church Penal Law in 1917.
Archbishop Nelli emphasized the need for the Church to adapt to contemporary realities. He remarked, “The new penal norms are aimed at reparative and salvific ends,” and explored the pastoral dimensions of the penal system. Furthermore, he cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to “eradicate the mentality and symbols of slavery” to create a “new confident India,” which prioritizes justice and fairness over punishment alone.
The discussions also touched on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) of 2012, which is relevant to canon law in its aim to protect human dignity. “We must take civil laws seriously while also adhering to the canonical spirit,” he asserted, highlighting that when civil law has adequately punished an offender, canon law may consider mitigation.
As the conference unfolds, further sessions will address various aspects of penal sanctions, including “Penalties & Other Punishments in General in Book VI of CIC 1983” by Rev. Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, “Particular Offences and Punishments” by Rev. Dr. T. Lourdusamy, and “Penal Procedures: Judicial and Extra-Judicial Procedures” by Rev. Dr. John Diraviam, along with discussions on the dismissal of clerics and the region-wise canonists meeting.
The day concluded with a fellowship meal, followed by the screening of the film “Face of the Faceless,” providing an opportunity for participants to reflect and connect.
This conference is designed to equip canon lawyers with key insights and collaborative strategies, reinforcing the importance of understanding penal sanctions in maintaining the integrity of Church communities.