National Synodal Assembly Calls for Greater Inclusion of the Marginalized

Bengaluru, May 1, 2026 — The urgent need to build a more inclusive Church and society took center stage at the National Synodal Assembly as delegates reflected on the assembly's second major theme, "Inclusion of the Excluded."

Delivering the keynote address, noted sociologist Virginius Xaxa challenged participants to confront the many forms of exclusion that persist in Indian society. He described exclusion as a denial of fundamental rights, including citizenship, equality, economic opportunity, decision-making power, and human dignity.

"The Indian Constitution guarantees equality, freedom, and social justice to all," Xaxa observed. "Yet these rights remain unevenly distributed across social groups."

He pointed to entrenched inequalities based on caste, class, race, and religion, noting that Dalits and Adivasi communities continue to experience systemic marginalization. He also raised a searching question for the Church: "Are our institutions truly inclusive?"

The reflection was followed by an experiential sharing from Father Roy Lazar, who emphasized that genuine synodality must begin with listening attentively to those on the margins.

"Authentic synodality starts with attentive listening to the excluded," he said, urging the Church first to acknowledge the realities of injustice and exclusion.

Father Lazar called for an "authentic metanoia"—a deep conversion that transforms relationships into bonds of fraternity, solidarity, and mutual communion. He outlined several concrete priorities for the Church's synodal journey, including a preferential option for the excluded, active accompaniment of marginalized communities, structural reforms, and greater representation of excluded groups in leadership and decision-making bodies.

He also stressed the importance of reparative justice and the need to create more humane and inclusive digital spaces.

Looking toward the Jubilee Year 2033, Father Lazar expressed hope that the Church in India would become "a Church of synodal proximity"—one that walks closely with the poor, the vulnerable, and all those who find themselves on the peripheries.

The session invited delegates to examine both society and Church structures, renewing their commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in the Church's mission and ministry.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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