CBCI Convenes ‘Shanthi Sabha’ in New Delhi, Uniting Faith Leaders in a Prayerful Call for Peace

New Delhi, April 15, 2026: At a time when global tensions and conflicts continue to unsettle communities worldwide, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India brought together representatives of diverse religious traditions for a multi-faith prayer gathering titled “Shanthi Sabha” in the national capital on April 14.

Organised by the CBCI’s Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism, the event was held at the CBCI Centre and drew around 30 prominent faith leaders, reflecting a shared spiritual commitment to peace, harmony, and mutual understanding.

Among those present were senior Church leaders, including Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of CBCI; Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos; Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt; Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto; and Fr. Dr. Mathew Koyickal.

Opening the programme, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto set a reflective tone, inviting participants into a space of prayer and solidarity. The gathering commenced with a traditional bhajan and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the shared quest for peace across religious traditions.

A moment of contemplation followed through a Shanti Meditation session led by Brahma Kumari Husain Bandi Imam, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection that prepared the assembly for the interreligious prayers.

A central feature of the evening was the offering of prayers by leaders from various faiths, underscoring unity amid diversity. These included Dr. A.K. Merchant (Baha’i), Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok (Buddhist), Cardinal Anthony Poola (Christian), Swami Sarvalokananda (Hindu), Dr. Waris Hussaian (Islamic), Acharya Lokesh Muni (Jain), and Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla (Zoroastrian).

The programme also included an open session for spontaneous prayers, followed by the recitation of the well-known peace prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of peace,” before concluding with a unifying bhajan.

Proposing the vote of thanks, Fr. Anthoniraj Thumma, Secretary of the CBCI Office for Dialogue acknowledged the presence and contributions of all participants, emphasising the significance of such interfaith initiatives.

In a world often marked by division and discord, the Shanthi Sabha emerged as a quiet yet profound witness to the power of prayer and dialogue. The CBCI’s initiative reaffirmed the Church’s ongoing commitment to fostering interreligious harmony and mobilising spiritual resources in the service of global peace.

Courtesy: Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)