“Synodality Is a New Way of Being Church,” Says Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur

Raipur, April 7, 2025: “Synodality is a new way of being Church,” said Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Council of Chhattisgarh (CBCC). He was addressing the gathering at the inauguration of a two-day workshop on Synodality held at Bishop Philip Ekka Pastoral Centre in Raipur.

The workshop brought together 170 priests and 300 religious sisters from the Archdiocese of Raipur.

Archbishop Thakur explained that synodality is not merely a process or an event, but a core dimension of the Church’s identity. “It is a way of life and governance,” he said. “It calls us to recognize the unique gifts and charisms of every member of the Church and to empower them to participate fully in the life and mission of the Church.” He urged the clergy and religious to build a more missionary and synodal local Church.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, led the sessions on the theme “Embracing Synodality: The Church in India.” He stressed the importance of shared leadership and communion in the Church.

Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General, introduced participants to the method of spiritual conversation and guided them in preparing a pastoral plan for the Archdiocese and its parishes.

Fr. Sebastian Poomattam, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, welcomed the participants. Rev. Dr. John Ponnore, Regional Deputy Secretary of the CBCC, introduced the resource persons.

The workshop will conclude on April 8, 2025, with the Chrism Holy Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Raipur, at 3:00 PM.

As a follow-up, the Archdiocese of Raipur will establish an Archdiocesan Committee to implement synodality and draft a pastoral plan aligned with the national pastoral vision.

By Canisha Judith