Karnataka Catholic Think Tank holds Annual General Meeting in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, September 23, 2026: The Karnataka Regional Catholic Think Tank (KRCTT) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday at Subhodhana, Regional Pastoral Centre (KROSS), Bengaluru, bringing together bishops, diocesan representatives and Church leaders from across Karnataka.

All 13 diocesan bishops and two auxiliary bishops participated in the meeting, along with delegates representing all 13 dioceses. The discussions focused on strengthening reflection, dialogue, cooperation and coordinated responses to issues affecting the Catholic community and wider society.

Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru and mentor of KRCTT, delivered the keynote address. He underlined the importance of collective reflection, responsible engagement and collaboration in addressing challenges before the Church and society.

Representatives from the dioceses presented reports on developments, experiences, concerns and priorities in their respective regions. The reports provided an overview of issues requiring greater coordination and follow-up.

KRCTT President Roy Castelino outlined the vision and objectives of Catholic Think Tanks at the diocesan level. He said Think Tanks had been established in several dioceses, while the remaining dioceses were in the process of identifying representatives to complete the network.

Castelino also reviewed the diocesan reports and stressed the need for systematic documentation, preparedness, effective communication and coordinated responses to emerging situations. He called for stronger networking and collaboration among diocesan Think Tanks.

Lucas Antony Kedari, chairman of the Minority Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCCI), Pune, addressed the gathering on networking, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and enterprise development within the community.

Dr. M. C. Rajan, National Secretary for Justice, Peace and Development of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), emphasised the importance of establishing Legal Cells in all dioceses. He said such cells could facilitate timely assistance and appropriate intervention when legal support is required, particularly during crises.

The bishops also discussed concerns affecting minorities in their respective dioceses, sharing ground-level experiences and identifying areas requiring greater attention, coordination and action.

The concluding session focused on strengthening dialogue, networking, documentation and collaboration among the dioceses. Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of Thomas Chandy, a former member of the KRCTT Governing Body, and others associated with the regional think tank who had died.

The meeting concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a networking and fellowship lunch.

By Catholic Connect Reporter