CCBI Moves to Reimagine Pastoral Structures, Strengthen Synodal Collaboration

September 13, 2026: The Catholic Conference Bishops of India (CCBI) is considering a renewed pastoral structure aimed at responding more effectively to the changing needs of the Church in India, while strengthening synodal participation, communication and collaboration among its commissions and regional bodies.

The proposal was a key focus of the second day of a CCBI gathering on September 13. The day began with Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Aind, who called for forgiveness and reconciliation as essential elements of Christian life and mission.

In his homily, Archbishop Aind said genuine forgiveness must come from the heart. Unresolved hurt and resentment, he noted, can drain a person’s energy and affect their ability to serve others. He urged participants to overcome grievances and nurture relationships marked by reconciliation, openness and communion.

Proposal for restructuring CCBI

Fr. Christopher Vimal Raj presented a concept note outlining possible structural and pastoral changes to strengthen the CCBI’s mission. The proposal will be revised in the light of feedback from 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 be held in Velankanni in January 2027.

The proposed changes place greater emphasis on synodality, participation and collaboration, with a call for the active involvement of clergy, religious and laity in the Church’s mission.

Pastoral reports as part of Church history

The gathering also stressed the importance of systematic pastoral reporting and documentation by CCBI commissions and regional bodies.

Participants said such reports should be regarded not simply as administrative records but as part of the historical documentation of the Church’s journey in India. Commission secretaries and regional representatives were encouraged to document programmes systematically and prepare reports soon after activities are completed.

Reports should be clear, accurate, well-edited and supported by relevant data, participants said. While acknowledging the usefulness of artificial intelligence tools for drafting and editing, they stressed that commission secretaries must personally verify and approve the final reports.

The gathering also called for improved visual documentation and professional communication. Commissions and regional bodies were encouraged to take quality photographs and prepare concise accounts of their activities for dissemination through CCBI communication platforms, social media and Catholic Connect.

Strengthening collaboration

The meeting further emphasised closer coordination between CCBI commissions and regional leadership.

Commission secretaries were encouraged to keep regional authorities informed about forthcoming programmes and, wherever possible, involve regional representatives in such initiatives.

Participants noted that better communication and coordination would strengthen networking and shared responsibility, while fostering a deeper sense of ownership of the CCBI’s mission among its commissions, regions and members.

By Catholic Connect Reporter