CBCI General Body Meets in Bengaluru to Reflect on Faith, Constitution and Nation-Building

Bengaluru, February 3, 2026: Catholic bishops and senior Church leaders from across India will gather in Bengaluru for the 37th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), to be held from February 4 to 10 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences. The week-long assembly will focus on the Church’s mission in contemporary India and its engagement with the nation’s democratic and constitutional ideals.

The meeting will be held under the theme, “Faith and the Nation: The Church’s Witness to India’s Constitutional Vision,” highlighting the Church’s commitment to constitutional values and its role in the socio-political life of the country. Deliberations will explore how faith communities can contribute constructively to nation-building amid present-day challenges.

Proceedings will commence on Wednesday, February 4, with an inaugural Holy Eucharist. His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, will grace the occasion as Chief Guest.

In line with the central theme, the General Body Meeting will feature special sessions examining the current socio-political landscape and the relevance of constitutional principles in public life. Eminent legal and academic figures, including former Supreme Court judge Justice K. M. Joseph and noted scholar Prof. D. Dominic, will offer expert inputs and reflections.

The agenda also includes presentations of reports from various CBCI offices and commissions, two thematic workshops addressing pressing pastoral and institutional challenges, and discussions on proposed responses. Elections to key leadership positions, including chairpersons of CBCI offices and office bearers, will also be held during the assembly.

A public function on February 9 will honour select Christian individuals for their outstanding contributions to society and to the life of the Church in India.

The 37th General Body Meeting will conclude on February 10 with a valedictory session followed by a press briefing, during which the Final Statement of the assembly will be released.

By Catholic Connect Reporter