Guwahati: A meeting of the diocesan secretaries of ecumenism from various catholic dioceses of North East India was held on 22nd July 2022 at Guwahati.
The meeting is held annually to plan ecumenical activities of the North East regional Bishops’ council and the 15 Catholic dioceses.
Fr. K. J Jose SVD, the North East India Bishops Regional Council (NEIRBC) regional secretary for dialogue welcomed the participants. In his welcome address he stressed the need for greater efforts for dialogue and ecumenism, ‘Christians must reassert their common identity as Christians and find ways of working together in the light of the message of Jesus.
Most Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil the NEIRBC chairman for the commission of dialogue and ecumenism in his keynote address dealt with the structures in North East India for promoting ecumenism. Common witness in North East India is felt through the association like (UCFNEI) which represents a genuine form of visible unity, grounded in a common baptism and devoutness to triune God. An essential characteristic of ecumenism is to support efforts to move toward common witness through dialogues and common action that promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Bishop Thomas concluded, ‘In the field of social concerns, our Churches are involved in cooperative efforts. Here too we must admit that more can be done.
An important deliberation during the meeting was the study of the document “The Bishops and Christian Unity: An Ecumenical Vademecum”. It was opined that the gestures of Pope Francis to increase the effort of dialogue and friendship need to be amplified in the region.
Prominent speakers of the meeting were Fr. G. P. Amalraj, the deputy secretary of NEIRBC, Fr.Joy Pallikunnel, Fr.Lyndoh T.Sangma, Fr.Amos Narzary and Fr.Boniface Dhanwar.
