Amravati Diocese Identifies Priorities for Synodal Church

AMRAVATI, October 23, 2026: Strengthening collaboration among clergy, religious and laity, improving transparency in Church decision-making and expanding outreach to marginalised communities were among the priorities identified at a synodality evaluation workshop organised by the Diocese of Amravati on October 18.

The workshop, organised by the diocesan Synod Committee under the leadership of Bishop Malcolm Sequeira and the guidance of committee convenor Fr Arokiasamy, reviewed the implementation of the Synod on Synodality and explored ways to build a more participatory and missionary Church.

The central question guiding the discussions was: “What concrete form of a missionary synodal Church, and what new paths of synodality are emerging in our Diocese?”

Participants from five zones—Amravati, Akola, Washim, Melghat and Paratwada—engaged in discussions using the Conversation in the Spirit methodology. The process involved three rounds of reflection on relationships, ecclesial processes and bonds within the Church.

The discussions examined collaboration between priests, religious and laypeople, the participation of the laity in pastoral decisions, and the functioning of Parish Pastoral Councils. Participants also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in Church structures and processes.

Missionary outreach and the Church’s engagement with people on the peripheries featured prominently in the deliberations. Participants also reflected on inter-Christian and interreligious relations and the Church’s role in promoting peace, justice and the common good.

Each of the five zones identified three priorities and reached a consensus for presentation during the common sharing session, bringing together perspectives from across the diocese.

Bishop Malcolm Sequeira delivered the concluding address after the participants discussed the findings and recommendations emerging from the zonal reflections.

The workshop sought to move beyond discussion towards practical implementation, encouraging a Church in which clergy, religious and laity listen to one another, participate in discernment and share responsibility for the Church’s mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter