Indian Catholic Forum envisions deep reforms

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) The Indian Catholic Forum (ICF) has urged immediate structural changes within the Church following a discernment meet held in Kochi.

Deliberations on A Synodal Church and Secular Society, held October 11-12 at the Cardinal Parecattil Renewal Centre, Kochi, Kerala, highlighted that despite meetings over five years, “nothing has changed on the ground” due to an entrenched clericalism.

Delegates proposed a consensus vision statement following presentations and subsequent deliberations at the meeting.

Synodality and parish governance

Participants emphasized that synodality must begin at the primary level of the parish to overcome hierarchical inertia. The ICF called for the “empowerment and proper functioning of Parish Councils in both letter and spirit” alongside activated Finance Committees.

Furthermore, the establishment of grievance cells at the diocesan level is deemed necessary “to avoid unnecessary litigation or scandals erupting in the public domain.”

Lay leadership and youth engagement

Participants stressed that true lay leadership belongs in the secular field rather than being restricted to ecclesiastical bodies.

Believers are encouraged to assume roles in business, politics, and human rights “thereby becoming a counter veiling force in both Church and Society.”

Meanwhile, addressing youth disengagement, the forum noted that younger generations often become “enslaved to organizations controlled by the clergy.”

To counter this distress, the forum recommends targeting the 30 to 40 age demographic to cultivate the next wave of independent leadership.

Transparency and Catholic associations

Opaqueness within the hierarchy has reportedly fostered suspicion, distrust, and unnecessary gossip among believers. To counter this, advocates stressed that “transparency is the need of the hour” alongside a functional Right to Information.

The forum also criticized the suspension and derecognition of local Catholic Associations, noting that “derecognition is not the solution” and only deepens dissatisfaction.

Marriage laws and ecumenism

The forum targeted outdated canonical provisions, such as presuming marriage awareness after puberty, suggesting they should be “either repealed in its entirety, or suitably amended.”

Additionally, the requirement for prior episcopal permission in mixed marriages was questioned for creating double standards. In broader relations, speakers urged abandoning the term denominations in favour of “Sister Churches” to foster genuine cooperation.

Rethinking foreign aid dependencies

The deliberations also evaluated the heavy reliance on foreign funding via the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, noting that being recipients of disproportionate global funds creates “a disdain for local collaboration.”

Participants urged viewing strict regulatory threats as an opportunity “to evolve local sources of funding and mutual respect.”

Furthermore, regarding ecumenical outreach, speakers insisted that the community must work together in secular affairs and extend hospitality by admitting students from other churches into educational institutions.

Foreign funds and anti-conversion realities

Addressing fiscal realities, the forum noted that foreign funding dependencies can create a “disdain for local collaboration.”

Regarding state anti-conversion laws, participants asserted that fighting expensive court battles is futile and advised countering propaganda with static demographic facts.

Instead of aggressive evangelization, the community must respect all faiths and lean into localized funding opportunities.

Celibacy and women’s ordination

Challenging traditional structures, the forum argued that priestly celibacy is a manmade rule and that the Latin Rite “should jettison its stubborn refusal to ordain married persons.”

The most contentious debate centred on female ordination, where speakers defended women’s capabilities by highlighting historical roles.

Advocating for progress, theologians were urged to “courageously address the issue of ordaining women to the ministerial priesthood.”

Mary’s apostolic precedence

Highlighting the theological backing for female ordination, speakers pointed to the unique scriptural role of Mother Mary as the true Queen of the Apostles.

Describing her as a living sacrifice who experienced the Resurrection firsthand, participants emphasized that “if Mary is not a priest then none of us are.”

The forum concluded with a reminder that while the Indian Catholic Forum is a negligible quantity, it is called to be “the leaven in the dough and salt of the earth” with far-reaching impacts.

Excerpt: The Indian Catholic Forum calls for sweeping ecclesiastical reforms, transparent governance, married clergy, and the ordination of women.

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