Symposium on Synodality Discusses ‘Respectful’ Conversion in Mumbai

Mumbai, November 2, 2025:

Catholic Church leaders gathered in Mumbai to deliberate on building a more inclusive and missionary Synodal Church in India. The discussions focused on listening to marginalised voices, fostering interfaith dialogue, and tackling issues such as clericalism, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. Key proposals included introducing a monthly ‘Power Hour’ of prayer and enhancing support for youth and women’s ministries.

The national symposium, titled Creating a Synodal Church in India in the Light of the Synod in Rome, was held from October 24 to 26 at St Pius X College, Goregaon. It was organised by the CCBI Commission for Theology and Doctrine in collaboration with Communio India, the CCBI Commission for Canon Law, and the CCBI Commission for the Laity.

The main speakers were Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay; Bishop John Rodrigues; and Bishop Gerald John Mathias, chairman of the CCBI Commission for Theology and Doctrine. Dr. Merlin Ambrose, Secretary of Canon Law Commission gave a talk on Participatory structures in diocese and parish. Bishop Allwyn D’Silva outlined strategies for developing a truly Synodal Church in India.

Fr Gilbert De Lima, rector of St Pius Seminary, explained that the symposium brought together bishops, theologians, pastoral leaders, formators, and collaborators who share a passion for renewing the Church. Thirty-three dioceses were represented by seven bishops, several priests, sisters, deacons, and seminarians. Around 70% of the participants were from Mumbai, with others coming from 15 states across India.

“This symposium comes at an opportune time,” said Fr De Lima. “The Synod on Synodality in Rome has invited us to rediscover what it means to walk together as people of God—listening to the Holy Spirit and actively participating in the mission of Christ.” He echoed Pope Francis’ reminder that “the Synodal Church is one that listens to God and to one another, especially those at the margins.”

The symposium emphasised that a Synodal Church should be inclusive and missionary—attentive to the cries of the poor, the aspirations of the youth, the wisdom of tribal and subaltern communities, and the hopes of women and men seeking greater involvement in Church life.

Among the topics discussed were the 14 characteristics of a Synodal Church (Bishop Gerald John Mathias), exploring the essence of Synodality (Archbishop John Rodrigues), reconciliation (Joaquim Reis), interreligious dialogue (Fr Gilbert De Lima), and addressing discrimination and inequality (Sr Mary Sujita). Other sessions focused on reconciliation in the context of abuse (Rev Konrad Noronha), conversations in the spirit (Bishop Allwyn D’Silva), and insights from the global Synod (Cardinal Oswald Gracias).

Participants suggested a nationwide Power Hour, inviting Catholics across India to pray together for one hour each month. They also called for reconciliation among faiths, zero tolerance for caste discrimination, greater responsiveness to complaints, and prioritisation of compliance in abuse-related matters. Strengthening youth and women’s ministries was also highlighted as a major priority.

The gathering underscored Pope Francis’ words: “It is not by proselytising that the Church grows, but by attraction,” and “Every man and woman is a mission.” As Pope Leo XIII famously said, “The purpose of synodality is to help the Church fulfil its missionary role—to proclaim the Gospel, bear witness to Jesus Christ, and reach every part of the world.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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