Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council Announces New Leadership

Kochi, Jan 10, 2026: Announcing its new leadership, the Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRLCBC) has named Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakkal as its President for another term. He is the Archbishop of the Calicut Archdiocese and also serves as the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).

Bishop Sebastian Thekkethcheril, Bishop of the Vijayapuram Diocese, has been elected as Vice President, while Bishop R. Christudas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese, has been elected as General Secretary. The elections took place during the Bishops’ Council meeting convened on January 9 at the Varapuzha Archdiocesan Curia.

The council demanded that the government publish the report submitted by the Justice J. B. Koshy Commission, which studied the backwardness of Christians and proposed remedial measures, and that the recommendations be implemented in order of priority.

A review of the elections to local self-government institutions was also held, along with discussions on the community’s stance regarding the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections.

The council further urged the government to implement its stated position on resolving obstacles in teacher appointments that have been stalled in the name of disability reservation.

By Catholic Connect Reporter