Indian prelate calls for the promotion of social cohesion in society

An Indian prelate reminded activists, human rights defenders, and church workers to promote social cohesion in society.

Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur stressed the imperative to build a harmonious society by fostering human relationships, understanding, and fraternity among people, irrespective of their migration status.

Recognizing the diverse skills, cultures, and perspectives migrants bring, he urged the embrace of inclusivity and equal opportunities to enrich communities.

“By doing so, we can contribute to creating a more compassionate and empathetic world where every individual is valued and treated with dignity,” Thakur said.

He was speaking at the two-day residential training program (December 14–15) organized by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh state in central India. 

The workshop covered various models and experiences created by Church members to encourage safe migration and address emergency needs.

Quoting Matthew 25:35 ("I was a stranger, and you welcomed me"), Archbishop Thakur highlighted the moral obligation to extend a warm welcome to migrants seeking a better life.

He emphasized that addressing the complex reality of migration requires a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses the challenges migrants face but also fosters understanding and social cohesion among all members of society.

Drawing parallels between migrants and messengers of hope, Thakur urged governments, church bodies, organizations, and individuals to collaborate in developing inclusive policies and programs prioritizing the well-being and integration of migrants.

Embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of acceptance, he noted, can lead to stronger communities that benefit from the valuable contributions and talents of migrants.

Discussions also encompassed the constitutional rights of migrants and how to ensure their fulfillment while away from their native place.

Father Jaison Vadassery, secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, led a discussion in response to the strategic planning process that the CCBI had started at the national level to give insight into the revolutionary changes the church envisions by 2033.

“This holistic approach aims to create a society where the inherent worth of every individual, migrant or not, is recognized and celebrated,” he said.