By Verghese V Joseph –
The gathering of archbishops and bishops during the ongoing 36th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in Bengaluru not only instills great hope but also provides an opportunity to articulate the collective stance on various issues impacting the Catholic community.
The crucial gathering holds the potential to shape the trajectory of the Catholic Church’s role in India. As the nation grapples with multifaceted challenges, the CBCI has a pivotal responsibility to engage in meaningful discussions on issues that resonate with the socio-political fabric of the country. It should critically explore the opportunities that should take center stage during their meeting, with a particular focus on the complex dynamics in Manipur, escalating attacks against Christians, pressing socio-political issues, and the impending elections.
Here are several issues that, in my perspective, merit careful consideration by the CBCI. While I anticipate that the CBCI will likely address some of these matters, I’ve included additional ones based on my assessment of their urgency.
Challenges in Manipur: A Call for Urgent Attention
Manipur, nestled in the northeastern part of India, has been witnessing a complex interplay of socio-political and religious challenges. The CBCI must address the escalating tensions in the region, with a focus on fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding the historical context, and promoting peace-building initiatives. The displacement of communities, issues of identity, and the impact of conflict on religious minorities demand careful consideration and proactive intervention from the CBCI.
Rising Attacks Against Christians: A Threat to Religious Freedom
The alarming surge in attacks against Christians across the country demands the immediate attention of the CBCI. As an institution committed to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities, the Conference must delve into the root causes of these attacks, engage with local authorities, and devise strategies to ensure the protection of Christians and their places of worship. Advocacy for religious freedom and a robust response to incidents of violence should be at the forefront of the CBCI’s agenda.
Socio-Political Issues: Navigating the Intersection of Faith and Society
The intersection of faith and socio-political issues poses significant challenges for the Catholic Church in India. The CBCI should engage in nuanced discussions on topics such as caste discrimination, social justice, and the role of the Church in addressing these systemic issues. The Church’s stance on social and economic inequalities, access to education, and healthcare must be articulated with a keen awareness of its role in fostering an inclusive and just society.
Elections and Political Engagement: Balancing Faith and Civic Responsibility
With elections on the horizon, the CBCI must deliberate on the ethical and responsible engagement of the Church in the political sphere. This includes discussions on endorsing candidates, addressing communalism, and emphasizing the importance of secular values. The CBCI should also explore avenues for encouraging voter education and participation without compromising the autonomy and neutrality of the Church.
Safeguarding the Church in the Digital Era
Instead of plain a vanilla Artificial Intelligence (AI) discussion, the CBCI should ideally address the vulnerabilities of the Church to cyber-attacks by incorporating discussions on IT threats, Blockchain and crypto, Machine Learning, etc. Deliberations on securing digital infrastructure, protecting sensitive data, and formulating guidelines for the ethical use of AI in religious activities should be central to the conversation.
A forward-looking approach involves exploring the Church’s role in the age of rapid technological advancements. How can the Church harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence for humanitarian endeavours? What role can technology play in connecting a globally dispersed congregation? Addressing these questions and envisioning the future of the Church in a tech-driven world should be an integral part of the CBCI’s agenda.
India’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
India is no stranger to the effects of climate change, witnessing rising temperatures, changing monsoon patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. How is climate change manifesting in India, and what are the specific challenges faced by vulnerable communities?
Examining the official stance of the CBCI on climate change provides insights into the Church’s recognition of the urgency and moral imperative to address environmental issues. How does the CBCI’s perspective align with global efforts to combat climate change, and what specific initiatives has it undertaken in response to the environmental crisis?
Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’, holds particular significance for India, given its emphasis on interconnectedness and care for the environment. How can the principles outlined in Laudato Si’ be applied to the Indian context, and what guidance does it provide to the CBCI in its mission to address climate change?
The CBCI, with its moral authority and vast network, is well-positioned to influence policy discussions on climate change at a national level. What steps should the CBCI take to advocate for environmentally responsible policies, and how can it further contribute to shaping India’s climate change agenda?
The challenges facing the Catholic Church in India are multifaceted and complex. By addressing the issues in Manipur, responding to attacks against Christians, engaging with socio-political challenges, and navigating the ethical dimensions of political involvement, the CBCI has an opportunity to underscore its commitment to the principles of justice, peace, and religious freedom. A critical examination of these topics should aim to highlight the urgency of addressing these pressing issues and contributing to the positive transformation of Indian society.
Navigation skills require a rudder. The CBCI is more often than not rudderless!
Also after the PM made Luncheon Meat (pun intended) of our hierarchy on Christmas Day what can you expect of these so-called luminaries ?
As for climate change (politically correct) please start with a blanket ban on disposables and packaged drinking water at all church functions. Wonder what water these prelates are drinking. We don’t want resolutions; we need resolve that entails sacrificing conveniences. Please lead by example.
It’s really a very clinical article covering several crucial areas of socio-political concern.
Since as per assertions of Catholic leaders in various forums, the Catholic Church owns 25% of educational institutions and hospitals in India, it would be in the Church’s interest the powers-that-be in the hierarchy take a serious look at the potential of AI in the fields of Education and Health, instead of dismissing or ignoring it as an illusion.