CCBI Conference Opens in Bengaluru to Chart Synodal Path for Mission

Bengaluru, September 12, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) began a three-day conference in Bengaluru on September 12, bringing together key pastoral leaders to review the Church’s mission in India and explore ways to strengthen a synodal approach to communion, participation and mission.

Held at St. John’s, the conference is centred on the theme, “Reimagining and Restructuring of CCBI: Charting a Synodal Path for Communion, Participation and Mission.”

The gathering has brought together 52 participants, including CCBI Executive Secretaries, Directors, Coordinators and Regional Deputy Secretaries, for reflection, evaluation, discernment and strategic planning for the next phase of the CCBI’s pastoral mission.

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Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, presented the next phase of the Pastoral Plan, highlighting the need to move from implementation towards consolidation. He called for a systematic review of achievements, effective initiatives and areas requiring improvement.

He stressed that pastoral initiatives need to be evaluated not merely on the basis of whether they have been implemented, but also on their outcomes and impact. Initiatives that have produced meaningful results, he said, should be strengthened, while those with limited impact need to be reconsidered.

Fr. Stephen Alathara also underlined the importance of continued listening, discernment and collaboration in enabling the CCBI to respond more effectively to the changing pastoral realities and needs of the Church in India.

Fr. Joe Xavier SJ led a recapitulation and review of the transition to the medium-term phase of the pastoral plan. He emphasised the importance of setting clear goals and objectives, along with measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) and activity plans, to ensure effective pastoral planning, implementation and evaluation.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for participants to assess the progress of the pastoral plan, identify emerging priorities and develop strategies for strengthening collaboration and shared responsibility across the CCBI.

By Catholic Connect Reporter