Catholic bishops voice concern for India while pledging service to vulnerable

Church leaders call for justice, peace, ecological responsibility and protection of minorities in final statement from Bengaluru assembly

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has voiced deep concern over growing inequalities, violence, and social polarisation in the country, while pledging to continue serving the most vulnerable and defending constitutional values.

In their final statement released after the XXXVI biennial general body meeting held 31 January to 7 February 2024 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru, the 170 bishops said they were “responding to the signs of the time” as they reviewed the current situation.

“India has made tremendous advances in the scientific, technological, economic and other fields – the country has been acknowledged as an emerging economic power in the world. The Christian community feels proud of our country’s progress. However, we do find grave reasons for concern,” the statement said.

Among the issues raised were unemployment, migration, ecological damage, divisive politics, and attacks on Christians. “Economic development in our country seems to have benefitted only a small percentage. The rate of unemployment has vastly increased. Large-scale migration has caused untold misery to many,” the bishops wrote in their final statement signed by Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi, secretary general of the CBCI.

They also warned of “an apprehension that divisive attitudes, hate speeches and fundamentalist movements are eroding the pluralistic, secular ethos which has always characterised our country and its Constitution.”

Attacks on Christians were described as a pressing concern. “Destruction of homes and churches, harassment of personnel serving in orphanages, hostels, educational and healthcare institutions on false allegations of conversion have become common,” the bishops said, noting that they were “appalled by prolonged violence in Manipur resulting in the huge loss of life and livelihood.”

The bishops responded by calling for prayer, civic participation, and renewed social commitment. They announced a nationwide day of prayer and fasting for peace and harmony on 22 March 2024. “As Christians, our first response is prayer, ‘for with God all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26),” they wrote.

They further pledged to “renew the Church’s commitment to serve the weaker sections of society irrespective of caste, creed and gender so as to ensure that the benefits of development reach the least and the last.”

The statement urged citizens to vote responsibly, appealing for leaders “committed to constitutional values and to the uplift of the poor.” It also reiterated demands for Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and protections for tribal communities.

Ecological issues also featured prominently, with bishops urging parish and diocesan commissions to highlight dangers such as “overusing non-renewable resources of the earth, pollution of water and air, and wastage of food.”

In conclusion, the bishops affirmed their role as citizens committed to India’s common good. “As loyal citizens of India, we will continue serving our country whatever be the cost,” they declared, citing the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: “He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor … to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

Source: Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of India (CBCI) XXXVI Biennial General Body Meeting Final Statement.