- 19 July, 2025
Mumbai, July 19, 2025— The Social Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Bombay held a pivotal consultation meeting titled “Faith in Action” on July 12, 2025, at St. Paul’s Media Institute, Bandra, Mumbai. The event brought together representatives from the Centre for Social Action, the Justice and Peace Commission, the Labour and Prison Ministries, and several other commissions that form part of the Archdiocese’s social apostolate. The meeting was held to collectively reflect, assess, and envision a renewed direction for faith-based social transformation within the archdiocese.
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by Bernadine and Rochelle from the Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese. The event was inaugurated by Fr. Jervis D’Souza, Coordinator of the Social Apostolate.
In his address, Fr. Jervis called for deeper engagement and collaboration within the Church's outreach efforts. He acknowledged the 25-year-long legacy of the Federation of Community Centre Organisations (FCCO). He also emphasised the importance of assessing, adapting, and responding appropriately to the evolving realities of modern-day society
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop John Rodrigues presented a compelling theological and ethical framework for the Church’s social mission. Drawing from Luke 4 and the principles of the Jubilee Year, he urged all the delegates to engage in spiritual, economic, and ecological renewal.
Bishop John emphasised that social action is not peripheral to faith but is its natural expression, anchored in the Church’s mission to defend human dignity and foster the common good. He highlighted core principles such as responsible stewardship, the universal destination of goods, and solidarity with the marginalised, while warning that global inequalities continue to widen and raising concerns about the ethical challenges that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence present.
Human rights expert Dr. Meenal Pimple delivered a powerful critique of India’s development paradox, highlighting growing inequality and the erosion of democratic freedoms.
Drawing from her own experiences of state repression, Dr. Pimple underscored the importance of prophetic courage in social ministry and called on the Church to embrace “spiritually grounded activism".
She highlighted grassroots movements—such as environmental defenders and women-led protests—as vital sources of hope and resilience. Her key recommendations for the Church included beginning gatherings with the Preamble of the Indian Constitution alongside prayer to affirm democratic values, promoting the leadership of women and youth, and engaging actively in civic life while maintaining a non-partisan stance.
Gender and development scholar Dr. Jean D’Cunha, currently serving as an advisor to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Environment and Climate Change and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences on COP30, delivered a compelling presentation on the deep-rooted inequalities faced by women in India.
In her presentation, Dr. Jean highlighted how systemic issues—such as environmental degradation, corporate control, and the rise of majoritarianism—disproportionately impact women, particularly those from Dalit, Adivasi, religious minority, and economically marginalised communities.
She called on the Church to integrate gender justice across all its ministries, uplift women’s voices in liturgical spaces, and actively engage with global human rights frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
A grassroots panel discussion moderated by Fr. Joshua D’Souza brought together key voices, including Fr. Luke Rodrigues SJ, Sr. Christel, Ms. Mishal Dabre, and Ms. Ruth D’Souza. The panel addressed pressing issues such as youth migration, AI-driven job insecurity, ecological sustainability, and gender-based violence. While numerous success stories were highlighted—particularly in youth engagement and green initiatives—panellists also acknowledged persistent challenges, including administrative transitions and declining participation at some community centres.
Bishop Allwyn D’Silva concluded the consultation by highlighting the urgency of collaboration, the importance of synergy between ministries, and the need for clear communication and resource-sharing. He emphasised that social ministry must remain dynamic, responsive, and deeply rooted in faith.
The Faith in Action consultation reaffirmed the Archdiocese of Bombay’s prophetic vocation—to boldly stand with the oppressed, amplify unheard voices, and embody the Gospel through the pursuit of justice. In a country grappling with inequality, exclusion, and ecological crisis, this commitment remains both timely and transformative.
By Fr. Joshan Rodrigues
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