Karnataka Church Leaders Meet to Discuss the Inclusion of Differently Abled in Parish Life

Bangalore, June 21, 2025: Diocesan Secretaries of Commissions for the Differently Abled from across Karnataka met on June 20, 2025, at Subodhana, the Regional Pastoral Centre in Bangalore, to evaluate the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for the Differently Abled in Karnataka and chart the way forward for a more inclusive Church in the state. Organised by the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops' Council (KRCBC), the meeting brought together Church leaders, pastoral workers and disability rights advocates to discuss actionable strategies, share best practices, and reinforce the Church’s commitment to the social and spiritual inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Welcoming the delegates, Ms. Estelle D'Souza outlined the Commission’s progress and introduced the Action Plan Matrix—an operational guide aimed at helping dioceses implement the Pastoral Plan effectively at the grassroots level.

Fr. Anil Prasad, Regional Coordinator of the Karnataka Regional Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee (KRPPIC), elaborated on the vision and structure of the KRCBC Pastoral Plan, emphasising its holistic approach to inclusion. 

A significant session was led by Mr. Vijay Kant, a noted disability rights advocate, who briefed participants on government schemes, disability rights laws, and welfare provisions available to persons with disabilities. He urged Church leaders to engage more actively with public systems and policies to serve the needs of the differently abled.

The meeting also featured a sharing session, during which a representative of each diocese presented their current initiatives, challenges, and success stories. This exchange fostered a spirit of collaboration and offered a platform for mutual learning and encouragement. 

The highlight of the meeting was the concluding address by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, who outlined key areas in which the Church in Karnataka must work to enhance the welfare of people with disabilities (PwDs). 

In his address, Archbishop Machado emphasised five core focus areas: 

1. Improving pastoral and spiritual care of people with disabilities (PwDs) through accessible parishes, transportation for them to churches and actively involving them in liturgical and community life.

2. Promoting inclusive education for PwDs in Church-run institutions and facilitating employment opportunities for them based on skill and dignity.

3. Supporting parents, guardians, and catechists of PwDs through retreats and support sessions.

4. Ensuring active participation of PwDs in social and Church life, with the help of the youth of each parish.

5. Fostering collaboration with other Church commissions and civil society organisations to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensuring the welfare of PwDs. 

The day-long session concluded with a renewed pledge by all the participants to build a church community that does not merely accommodate but truly includes and empowers the differently abled, echoing the inclusive love of Christ in every aspect of ecclesial life.

By Estelle D'Souza