Fr. Kampan Chinnam –
Shillong: The second day of the “Trends in Christian Witnessing” symposium held on 8 October 2024 at Oriens Theological College (OTC) exploring the Church’s integral role amidst contemporary societal upheavals. The day commenced with a morning Eucharist presided over by Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, who called on Church leaders to balance the active service of Martha with the contemplative spirit of Mary. This reflective tone laid the groundwork for intensive discussions on evangelization, ecclesial formation, and the pressing social challenges faced by the community.
The literary discussion was anchored by Father Graviour Augustine, began with an invocation to the Holy Spirit, a Bible reading, and prayers led by Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians Sister Elizabeth Mao.
The first presentation of the day was from former Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, moderated by Bishop Paul Mattekat of Diphu. The Archbishop challenged participants with questions regarding the status of evangelization, urging them to move beyond outdated assumptions of it being a “closed chapter.” He pointed to the necessity of addressing societal concerns in an accessible manner, aligning with Pope Francis’s approach.
“Is evangelization a closed chapter?” he asked, emphasizing that blame for conflicts often misplaces on religion itself; in his view, it’s the misuse of faith by individuals and systems that generates discord. This was followed by a dialogue initiated by a Jeusit Father Melvil Pereira , who examined the role of religion in global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. Archbishop Menamparampil urged for self-criticism and highlighted the need for harmony between doctrine and relationship, responding to John Madur’s concerns regarding an overemphasis of the former over the latter.
Father Kuriakose Poovathumkudy then addressed the “Challenges of Formation in the Church,” asserting that formation demands full-time dedication. He urged the gathering to confront the historical inadequacies within priestly formation, emphasizing the necessity of personalized approaches and quality training to combat mediocrity. This reflection sparked a discussion on the Church’s systemic issues, including declining clergy numbers and social challenges facing priesthood. The former Rector of OTC advocated for a paradigm shift in candidate selection processes to consider familial backgrounds and personal struggles.
The session transitioned to an exploration of community dynamics, presented by Father Melvil Pereira, who delved into the complex ethnic relations in Northeast India, examining the historical roots of these tensions exacerbated by colonial legacies. Drawing on recent unrest in Manipur, a lively discussion unfolded about the implications of rigid ethnic identities, echoing Father Robinson Teron’s inquiries into local communities’ sentiments regarding reservations. Father Melvil emphasized the responsibility of the government for addressing injustices, rather than the communities themselves.
The symposium featured a panel discussion moderated by Father Raj Kapoor, which engaged a range of pertinent topics concerning the Church’s contemporary relevance. Bishop Albert Hembrom of Diphu highlighted the dichotomies of clericalism and anti-clericalism, illustrating these contrasting trends through a narrative about a boy drawn to priesthood’s allure. He called for collaboration among laity and clergy, cautioning against the pitfalls of both extremes.
Mother Christine Mynsong, the Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, discussed the significance of integral education in producing emotionally competent future Church leaders. She asserted that education devoid of emotional engagement fails to fully prepare individuals for leadership roles.
Following her remarks, Father G. P. Amalraj, the Deputy Secretary of the Northeast Regional Bishop’s Council, addressed the issue of declining intellectual resources within Church seminaries, advocating for a restructured formation framework that emphasizes practical competencies and remedial education to enhance spiritual and intellectual development for effective ministry.
Sister Esther Kaini, a Provincial Councillor from the Bambino Sisters, emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships in spiritual and personal growth. She underscored the fundamental nature of connections in human identity, illustrating her viewpoint through Biblical examples and advocating for authentic dialogue to repair fractured relationships, while upholding the dignity of every individual.
The panel wrapped up with Father Jose K., SVD, exploring the intersection between faith and politics, where he recognized political engagement as a vocational service towards the common good. He asserted the necessity for Christians to act as benevolent witnesses in their communities, embodying integrity and justice, while empowering marginalized groups.
The dialogue also extended into the realm of gender issues, led by Ursuline Sister Helen Dantis, who addressed the importance of uplifting women’s dignity within the Church and society. She criticized existing stereotypes and called for a shift towards a more equitable understanding of gender roles reflecting the intrinsic value of all individuals.
The day concluded with a presentation by Auxiliary bishop of Tura Jose Chirackal on “Minister and Ministry—God’s Love Becoming Tangible,” wherein he emphasized collaboration and community outreach as essential to effective ministry. He reminded attendees that “priestly ministry is a serving ministry.”
Overall, the second day of the symposium emphasized a collective responsibility towards evolving Church strategies that address the unique challenges of today’s diverse communities, enhancing dialogue and growth among clergy, laity, and society at large.