ASIA/INDIA - Dignity, presence, and role of women in the Church and in society: central theme for the Bishops’ Assembly in India

Jamshedpur (Agenzia Fides) - For the first time, a group over 50 women, religious and laity among them, are taking active part in the 28th General Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of India (CBCI), that will take place February 13-20 in Jamshedpur in the state of Jharkhand (northeastern India). The delegates will take part in the Bishops’ commissions for an in-depth examination of the meeting’s central theme: “Strengthening the presence of the woman in the Church and in society.” The theme was chosen because of its important relevance for India today and, as well, for the 20th anniversary of “Mulieris dignitatem,” the Apostolic Letter written by Pope John Paul II on the dignity and vocation of women.
Included among the participants are 3 Cardinals, 142 Bishops, and 73 delegates. The opening Mass was celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, who insisted on the need for the Church to make an effort in fighting particular evils in the Indian society such as: “general widespread inequality, discriminations, violence against women, trafficking of women, domestic violence, and exploitation.” The Nuncio asked that the Bishops reflect on the meaning of “the feminine genius,” that does not only mean accepting and appreciating women, but also allowing that their charism and their unique contribution “be expressed more in life and in the society as a whole, as well as in the life of the Church.” He asked them to, “increase the possibilities in order to allow for a wider possibility of participation by women in the life and mission of the Church in India.”
The inaugural session of the Assembly immediately followed the Mass. In his opening speech, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, pointed out the “important and irreplaceable” role of women in the Church.
The CBCI’s President, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, asked that the Bishops consider the urgency of “recognising and promoting the equality and dignity of women on all levels,” reminding them of the Church’s contribution to India for improving the feminine condition through education and social development.”
The inaugural session closed with a presentation of a publication by the Secretariate of the CBCI, in light of the discussions foreseen for the coming days, presented by Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandez, Secretary of the Conference. The publication has been possible thanks to the contributions from the diocese, commissions, and Church associations that in recent months have also drawn up their own reflections on the theme. (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2008; righe 30, parole 406)