Indian Canonists Converge to Address Church Penal Sanctions

Guwahati, October 15, 2024: The 37th Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India (CLSI) commenced on October 14 at the North East Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS) in Guwahati, focusing on the critical theme of “Penal Sanctions in the Church.” Running until October 18, this four-day event has attracted over 130 canon lawyers including priests and religious sisters from across the country, marking the first time the conference is held in the Northeast region, as highlighted by CLSI President Rev. Dr. T. Lourdusamy.

Fr. Albert Hemrom, Chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Northeast Bishops’ Council of India (NEIRBC), welcomed participants and honoured bishops with traditional ethnic shawls. Each attendee received Garo bags and Assamese gamosas as tokens of hospitality.

Fr. Lourdusamy noted the significance of the conference, stating, “It has taken 36 years since the inception of the CLSI for the conference to reach the Northeast after voyaging through various regions of India.”

A video message from Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Founder President of CLSI, emphasized the need for canonists to stay updated on changes in the Church’s penal law. In his keynote address, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati discussed the need for punitive actions in the Church, stressing that these should not be the last resort.

The first session featured Archbishop Linus Nelli of Imphal, who discussed the evolution of penal sanctions within the Church and the gradual reduction of penalties since the revision of Church Penal Law in 1917. Emphasizing the need for the Church to adapt to contemporary realities, he stated that “the new penal norms are aimed at reparative and salvific ends” and referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of prioritizing justice and fairness over punishment alone.

The conference will also feature sessions on various aspects of penal sanctions, including “Penalties & Other Punishments in General” and “Particular Offences and Punishments.” Discussions will focus on the relevance of civil laws and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) of 2012 to canon law.

The day concluded with the screening of the film “Face of the Faceless,” providing participants an opportunity to reflect and connect. 

The conference is designed to equip canon lawyers with key insights and collaborative strategies, reinforcing the importance of understanding penal sanctions in maintaining the integrity of Church communities.

By Kampan Chinnam