CBAI Annual General Conference 2025 Highlights Biblical Insights on Governance

Bengaluru, November 8, 2025: The Catholic Biblical Association of India (CBAI) held its Annual General Conference 2025 at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru, from 7 to 8 November. The two-day event brought together around 85 eminent biblical scholars from across the country to deliberate on the theme, “Right Governance in the Bible: Reading from Indian Ecclesio-Political Context.”

The conference explored the theological foundations of governance as reflected in Sacred Scripture, tracing their development across the Old and New Testaments and applying them to the challenges of contemporary society. It sought to establish biblically inspired principles for assessing governance within both Church structures and wider socio-political contexts.

The academic sessions featured ten scholarly papers presented by distinguished Indian theologians. Proceedings opened with a Keynote Address by Most Rev. Joseph Pamplany, Archbishop of Tellicherry, followed by a Felicitations Address from Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet. Both prelates emphasised the enduring relevance of Scripture in shaping moral leadership, justice, and participatory governance in the modern world.

This year’s conference also marked the completion of two successful terms of leadership by Fr. Joy Philip CMI. He was warmly appreciated for his visionary guidance and tireless efforts in promoting biblical scholarship in India. Through his mentorship of emerging scholars, Fr. Joy Philip has helped build a dynamic and theologically robust academic community across the country.

During the gathering, the Association elected a new Executive Committee to lead CBAI in the coming years. Fr. Vincent Sequeira, a priest of the Diocese of Mangalore, was elected President, with Sr. Johncy Choorathottiyil SMI as Vice President, Fr. Jaya Pradeep as Secretary, and Sr. Smitha Gabriel ASI as Treasurer. Committee members include Fr. Maria Michael Felix, Fr. Antony Madalaimuthu, and Fr. Victor Rodrigues.

The Association extended its heartfelt congratulations to the new leadership team, expressing confidence that under the stewardship of Rev. Fr. Vincent Sequeira, the CBAI will continue to strengthen biblical research and inspire deeper engagement with the Word of God in the life of the Church and society.

The CBAI Annual Conference 2025 stood as a testament to the power of Scripture in guiding ethical governance and nurturing faith-based scholarship in India.

By Fr. Jaya Pradeep,

Secretary

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download