Indian Latin Catholic bishops urge telling story of Jesus in local context

Bishops say faith witness must shape education, healthcare and social uplift, while defending human dignity, peace and care for the vulnerable, according to Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News)— Latin Catholic bishops in India encouraged Catholics to tell the story of Jesus within the Indian context, witnessing to the love of Christ and contributing to nation-building through education, healthcare and social uplift, while standing firm on Church teaching and care for the vulnerable.

The message was issued at the 34th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), held from Jan. 24-30 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru, under the theme, “Telling the Story of Jesus in our Context: The Synodal Way”.

In their statement, the bishops said the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel in words and deeds, recalling Christ’s command: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). They said the Church in India has sought to be faithful in bearing witness to God’s love “in our beloved Motherland.”

Faith lived in families and parishes

The bishops stressed that the story of Jesus is first shared in families and nourished in parishes, with the Eucharist at the centre of Church life. The statement said the Eucharist is where the community is transformed into the body of Christ, where, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

They also highlighted the role of Basic Ecclesial Communities, saying Gospel sharing in these small communities strengthens bonds of communion and leads members to bear witness in society.

The message emphasised that millions have been drawn to Jesus across centuries, quoting Scripture: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35).

Contribution to nation-building

“Witnessing to the love of Christ, the Church in India has substantially contributed to nation-building, especially through her engagement in the fields of education, healthcare and social uplift,” the bishops said.

They added that, “Standing firm on the teachings of Christ, the Church has always upheld the dignity of the human person, stood for a just society, promoted peace and harmony and cared for the weak, the suffering and the deprived sections of society.”

The statement also recognised the service of ordained ministers, religious and catechists, and said participatory bodies and lay associations foster communion and involvement in the Church’s mission.

Challenges and call for courage

The bishops outlined a range of challenges facing families and communities, including social media pressures, addictions, poverty, displacement, consumerism and what they described as misuse of anti-conversion laws.

They said, “Misuse of anti-conversion laws in some States and false propaganda about ‘forced conversions’ are discouraging and hindering the life and service of the Christian community.” They also expressed concern over “the growing culture of intolerance, hatred and even violent attacks on Christians in some quarters.”

In response, the bishops called for renewed courage in proclaiming the Gospel, citing Scripture: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

They urged Catholics to accompany youth and families, promote Basic Ecclesial Communities, stand in solidarity with those facing persecution and displacement, protect the environment and uphold constitutional values.

The message was issued on Jan. 30, 2023, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi, and was signed by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the CCBI, Archbishop George Antonysamy, vice president, and Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, secretary general, according to the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.