Church leaders to work for vibrant India

(November 26, 2011) Indian Church leaders vowed to work for a more progressive and vibrant India at the 11th general body meeting of the Catholic Council of India (CCI) which began its four-day meeting on Thursday, at Kochi, Kerala. The theme of the four-day meeting was Church’s Role for a Better India. The CCI members shared their experiences, reflections and suggestions on vital issues concerning the Church and the country so that all in the Church may engage themselves in common action to carry out Christ’s mission ever more relevantly in India. “We have to work toward lifting up the downtrodden [dalits, tribals and the poor] for the nation’s development,” Cardinal Oswald Gracias had said in his opening address. The biennial meeting is held before the General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), which has also the same theme for reflection. The church’s contribution to the Indian society in the past, the church’s witnessing in the present age to Christ and his gospel and church’s role in bringing about a better India will be the focal points of reflection and discussion. CBCI and CCI President Cardinal Oswald Gracias. Major Archbishop George Alenchery head of Syro Malabar Church, Major Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis head of Syro Malankara took part in the meeting. Also present was Archbishop Francis Kallarackal, representative of the Latin Hierarchy in Kerala. CCI is the official representative body of the Church in India, established by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).