CBAI Conference Explores Biblical Foundations of Synodal Governance in India

MANGALURU, November 7, 2026: The need for greater participation, shared responsibility and decentralised decision-making in the Church formed the focus of the Catholic Biblical Association of India’s (CBAI) two-day National Biblical Conference, which opened at Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre, Bajjodi, Mangaluru, on November 6.

Held under the theme “Biblical Subsidiarity: A Vision for the Synodal Church in India”, the conference brings together Scripture scholars, theologians and Church leaders to explore the biblical foundations of subsidiarity and its implications for synodal governance in India.

Bishop Peter Abir of Sultanpet inaugurated the conference and presided over the release of a book during the opening session. The programme began with a prayer service led by theology students from Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram.

In his presidential address, Fr Vincent Sequeira, CBAI president and diocesan secretary of the Bible Commission in Mangaluru, highlighted the significance of biblical reflection in shaping the Church's synodal journey.

Delivering the keynote address, titled “Biblical Subsidiarity: The Divine Design of Communion”, Dr Assisi Saldanha CSsR, Director of St Alphonsus Institute, Bengaluru, described subsidiarity as a principle rooted in Scripture rather than merely an administrative or sociological concept.

Tracing its theological foundations from Genesis to Revelation, he explained how subsidiarity upholds human dignity, promotes solidarity and encourages shared responsibility. He also outlined practical ways in which the principle could inform the life and governance of the Indian Church.

The academic sessions began with a presentation by Dr Thomas Karimundackal, Professor and Dean of Theology at Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa, Pune, on the creation narratives in Genesis 1–2. Moderated by Dr Salvador Fernandes, the session examined the concept of imago Dei (image of God) as the basis for shared agency, relational responsibility and ecological stewardship.

The first day's programme also included a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Abir and research presentations on Old Testament models of leadership by Dr Alex Ancheles, prophetic call narratives by Dr Mary Leena CSSA, and the family as an oikos (household) in wisdom literature by Dr Antony Sijan Manuveliparambil.

Nine scholarly papers are scheduled for presentation during the conference. The deliberations are expected to contribute to the formulation of a vision statement outlining the principles of a synodal Church in India.

Fr Santosh Rodrigues, Director of Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre, welcomed the participants and coordinated the arrangements, while Sr Preema AC proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Jayapradeep, CBAI secretary, coordinated the conference.

By Fr. Anil Fernandes