Commission for Canon Law in CCBI Launches Diploma in Canon Law for Synodal Church

India, 8 June, 2025 - The Commission for Canon Law and other Legislative Texts in the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) formally inaugurated a one-year “Diploma Course in Canon Law for a Synodal Church" on 7 June. This initiative, strategically designed by Prof. Merlin Ambrose under the guidance of Antonysamy, Chairperson of the same commission, aims to foster a more synodal and missionary Church, aligning with contemporary ecclesial priorities.

The programme has garnered substantial international participation, with a total of 264 participants comprising priests, religious, and lay faithful. These participants hail from 14 countries, including Malaysia, the United States of America, Australia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, Kuwait, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, and India—reflecting a broad global engagement with the course’s objectives. The diploma course is structured to run for a full academic year, commencing in June 2025 and concluding in May 2026.

The inaugural ceremony featured addresses from several distinguished personalities in the Church. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, delivered the inaugural address. His Eminence explicated the pivotal role of the laity within the Church, specifically highlighting their participation in the tria munera Christi—namely, the teaching, sanctifying, and governing offices.

Following this, Jose Chirackel, a member bishop of the Commission, presented the presidential address. Subsequently, Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary-General of the CCBI, delivered a felicitation address, highlighting the significant contribution of the Canon Law Commission's activities to the advancement and growth of the Church in India. The keynote address was delivered by Elias Frank, Bishop of Asansol, an internationally recognised canonist. Bishop Frank emphasised the imperative of engaging with Canon Law as a means to enhance the active participation of the laity and to foster a deeper internalisation of the Church's teachings.

The comprehensive inaugural ceremony was organised by Prof. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, who serves as both the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Canon Law and a Professor of Canon Law at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute. He will be the coordinator for this entire annual formative programme, ensuring its consistent execution and academic rigour throughout the year with practical application. The faculty for this Diploma Course comprises a distinguished panel of bishops, officials from various Dicasteries in the Vatican, esteemed professors of Canon Law, and prominent canonists.

By Dr. Sebastian Kundukulam

National Council Member, Canon Law Commission, CCBI