- 02 November, 2025
Trivandrum, Kerala, November 1, 2025—
The 35th Annual Meeting and Conference of the Association of Moral Theologians of India (AMTI) took place from 17–19 October 2025 at the SPARC Pastoral Centre, Vizhinjam, Trivandrum. Centred on the theme “Blessed are the Peacemakers…” (Mt 5:9): Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, the gathering invited moral theologians to explore the Christian vocation to peace in a world marked by division and violence.
Scholarly Exchange and Theological Reflection
More than sixty moral theologians from across India participated in the three-day event, engaging in the presentation and discussion of sixteen scholarly papers. The sessions offered wide-ranging perspectives rooted in Scripture, Church tradition, and contemporary realities.
Key topics included Biblical Perspectives on Peace, Peace in the Moral Theological Tradition, Just War Theory: Classical Exposition and Evolution, Pacem in Terris, Peace and Development in Populorum Progressio, Disarmament and Peacebuilding, and Gandhian Principles of Peace and Non-Violence. Other presentations examined pressing global issues such as the refugee crisis, democratic leadership, international peace efforts, and peacebuilding during persecution. The conference also showcased new doctoral research by recently graduated scholars.
Inaugural Session and Distinguished Guests
His Eminence Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, inaugurated the conference. In his keynote address, he emphasised peace as both a divine gift and a human responsibility, urging theologians to translate theological reflection into transformative social action.
The gathering was attended by several prominent prelates representing India’s three Catholic rites, including His Grace Thomas J. Netto, Archbishop of the Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum; His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius, Bishop of the Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Parassala; and Mar Thomas Tharayil, the newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Changanassery. Their presence reflected the unity and collaboration of the Catholic tradition in India.
Dr. Shaji George Kochuthara CMI, President of AMTI, delivered the welcome address, outlining the objectives of the gathering. Dr Jancy James, former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, offered profound scholarly reflections, while Mar Thomas Tharayil encouraged theologians to act as genuine agents of reconciliation and peace.
Dialogue and Renewal
Across the sessions, participants engaged in deep dialogue on the Church’s mission of reconciliation, non-violence, and social harmony. Although the conference concluded without a formal declaration, attendees left spiritually enriched, reaffirming the enduring relevance of Catholic moral tradition in confronting issues of war, dialogue, and peacebuilding.
The discussions also highlighted the courageous efforts of individuals and organisations engaged in peace initiatives, often at personal risk. Speakers underscored that authentic peacebuilding demands not only diplomacy and policy but also spiritual transformation, solidarity, and ethical conviction.
Election of New Office-Bearers
At the closing session, the General Body Meeting elected the new AMTI executive committee for 2025–2029:
The new team pledged to continue fostering moral-theological reflection and ethical dialogue on contemporary challenges.
Concluding in a spirit of gratitude and renewed commitment, the conference reaffirmed that the call to peace—rooted in Christ’s Beatitudes—remains at the heart of the Church’s moral and pastoral mission today.
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