Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 6: The annual conference of the Catholic Biblical Association of India (CBAI) commenced on November 6, at the Jyothi Nivas Hall, Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre, Bajodi, Mangaluru. The two-day national conference, focused on the theme 'Biblical Subsidiarity: A Vision for the Synodal Church in India', brings together Scripture scholars, theologians, and religious leaders to reflect on decentralised participation and shared authority within the Church.

The conference was formally inaugurated by Dr Peter Abir, bishop of Sultanpet, who also presided over a book release during the opening session. The inaugural programme began with a prayer service conducted by LTh students from Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, followed by the presidential address delivered by Dr Vincent Sequeira, president of CBAI and diocesan secretary of the Bible Commission, Mangaluru. Fr Santosh Rodrigues, director of Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre, welcomed the assembly and coordinated logistical details, while Sr Preema AC extended the vote of thanks. Dr Jayapradeep, secretary of CBAI, coordinated the conference.

Delivering the keynote address titled 'Biblical Subsidiarity: The Divine Design of Communion', Dr Assisi Saldanha CSsR, director of St Alphonsus Institute, Bengaluru, highlighted that subsidiarity is an intrinsic scriptural principle rather than a concept adapted from modern sociology. Tracing its theological framework from Genesis to Revelation, Dr Saldanha emphasized that true biblical subsidiarity safeguards human dignity, fosters solidarity, and distinguishes itself from simple administrative decentralization to offer practical paths for the Indian Church.

The academic deliberations commenced with a presentation by Dr Thomas Karimundackal, professor and dean of theology at Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa, Pune, on the creation narrative in Genesis 1–2. Moderated by Dr Salvador Fernandes, the session explored imago Dei as the foundation for shared agency, relational responsibility, and ecological stewardship.

The first day's proceedings also feature a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Dr Peter Abir, followed by research paper presentations on Old Testament leadership models by Dr Alex Ancheles, prophetic call narratives by Dr Mary Leena CSSA, and sapiential literature on the family unit (oikos) by Dr Antony Sijan Manuveliparambil. Over the course of the two-day event, nine scholarly papers will be presented to help draft a vision statement for the synodal Church in India.