CCBI Gathering Calls for Reimagined Mission and Stronger Synodal Collaboration

September 13, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has called for a renewed approach to its pastoral structures, stronger communication and documentation, and closer collaboration among its commissions and regional bodies.

The call came during the second day of a CCBI gathering on September 13, which began with Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Aind. In his homily, he highlighted forgiveness and reconciliation as essential to the life and mission of the Church.

Archbishop Aind stressed that genuine forgiveness must come from the heart, noting that unresolved hurt and resentment can drain a person’s energy and weaken their capacity to serve others. He encouraged participants to let go of grievances and build relationships marked by reconciliation, openness and communion.

Proposal to restructure CCBI

A major focus of the gathering was a proposal to reimagine and restructure the CCBI in response to the changing pastoral needs of the Church in India.

Fr. Christopher Vimal Raj presented a concept note outlining possible structural and pastoral changes aimed at strengthening the Conference’s mission. The proposal will be revised based on feedback received during the gathering before being circulated among bishops, regional representatives and commission secretaries for wider consultation.

The revised proposal is expected to be presented to the CCBI Plenary Assembly scheduled to take place in Velankanni in January 2027.

The proposed restructuring places greater emphasis on synodality, participation and collaboration, while encouraging the active involvement of clergy, religious and laity in the Church’s mission.

Pastoral reporting as part of Church history

The gathering also stressed the need to strengthen pastoral reporting and documentation across CCBI commissions and regions.

Participants said pastoral reports should be seen not merely as administrative requirements but as part of the historical record of the Church in India. Commission secretaries and regional representatives were encouraged to systematically document activities and prepare reports soon after programmes are completed.

Reports, they said, should be clear, accurate, well-edited and supported by relevant data. While acknowledging the usefulness of artificial intelligence in drafting and editing, participants emphasised that commission secretaries must personally review and approve the final versions.

The gathering also highlighted the importance of visual documentation and professional communication. CCBI commissions and regional bodies were encouraged to take quality photographs and prepare concise accounts of their activities for publication through CCBI communication platforms, social media and Catholic Connect.

Stronger coordination among commissions and regions

Participants further called for improved coordination between CCBI commissions and regional leadership.

Commission secretaries were encouraged to keep regional authorities informed about forthcoming programmes and, wherever possible, invite regional representatives to participate in them.

Greater communication and coordination, participants noted, would strengthen networking, shared responsibility and a deeper sense of ownership of the CCBI’s mission among its commissions, regions and members.

By Catholic Connect Reporter