Youth leaders commend Indian bishops conference for plenary assembly priorities

Catholic youth leaders in India expressed approval of the ten priorities stipulated in the working document for the 36th plenary assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The priority of the assembly, which is Faith Formation and Synodal Way of Life, was equally weighed by young leaders to bear the most significance for the church in this world’s largest state by population.

“This is crucial for the Church in India as the CCBI seeks to implement a synodal way of life through its Pastoral Plan,” said Rag Bag, a youth leader from West Bengal and President of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM).

The youth leaders also saw the relevance of the gathering of bishops around the third priority, which would revolve around issues concerning youth, digital technology, and social media.

“With half of the Catholic faithful in India being youth, the Church must focus more on youth apostolate,” Supriya Varghese, a professor from Karnataka and secretary at ICYM. She was keen on the results of the assembly.

The youth leaders also lauded the conference’s sixth priority, which aims at helping equip the economically challenged with abilities to transition from dependence to self-reliance. 

“The Church needs to shift its focus from charity to development,” said Apoorva Xess, a stock market professional and state leader from Chhattisgarh,l. “Empowering the poor through developmental policies and centers is the way forward.”

Young Indian Catholic leaders praised the conference’s gathering around issues affecting migrants, refugees, indigenous people, and Dalits.

“The Church must foster inclusivity and address the concerns of marginalized communities,” said Anushka Sneha Minz, an aviation professional from Jharkhand. She was also keen on the outcomes of the assembly.

Dalits represent the lowest margin in the Indian caste system.

The ten priorities of the conference are: 

1. Formation and Synodal Way of Life

2. Children and Family

3. Youth, Digital Technology and Social Media

4. The Laity and Public Engagement

5. Basic Ecclesial Communities

6. Poverty and Equitable Economy

7. Ecology and Climate Stewardship and Justice

8. Migrants, Refugees, Indigenous Peoples and Dalits

9. Women and Gender Justice

10.Ecumenism, Inter-religious Dialogue and Peace Building

Young leaders across India are optimistic that the CCBI Plenary Assembly, which is scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 4, 2025, in.

The bishops were set to convene the plenary around the theme “Discerning the Synodal Pathways for Mission” in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Eastern India on January 28-February 4.