Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - Amidst an environment that is still fairly marked by discrimination, abuses, and lack of equal opportunity, there are indubitable signs of hope for an increased recognition of women’s role in the Church and in the society in India. This is what the Indian Bishops have affirmed at the close of their 28th General Body Meeting, held February 13-20 in Jamshedpur, in the state of Jharkhand (northern India).
The central theme for the assembly was, “Empowerment of Women in the Church and Society.” Among the participants were 54 delegates from religious communities and among the laity, of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and lay groups of the diocese. The delegate expressed their positive view for what they see as “the change,” definitive for the Church in India. In fact, this is the first time that the Bishops of India invite women to participate in their biannual encounter, to discuss the feminine role in society and the Church.
According to Sr. Lilly Francis, secretary of the CBCI’s Committee for Women, the experience should be taken as an example by other Episcopal Conferences. All the delegates have appreciated “the Bishops’ great openness in listening” and have declared that the encounter offered an occasion “for constructive participation,” demonstrating that the dignity of the woman is important to the Church.
This consideration was underlined in the final document issued by the Episcopal Conference, enumerating the faults and the steps remaining towards an authentic recognition of the role of women in India. At the same time, the statement affirms the growth in recent years, of the contribution and role of women in the education field, in social assistance, in culture, and in the Church.
The Bishops’ text indicates some priorities of action: reinforce education programs for families, support the Church movements that work in formation of couples in order to create a culture of equal rights, promote Biblical and theological studies to increase reflection on the role of women, provide scholarships and part-time courses for women, as well as courses in theology for women, reserve at least 35% representation among Church office-bearers for women, work for the social-cultural development of women in tribal areas, and foster the presence and commitment of women in social and political life.
The Bishops closed the event and their message recalling that, as is stated in the Apostolic Letter “Mulieris dignitatem,” whose 20th anniversary is being celebrated this year, the model of every woman is the Virgin Mary. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/2/2008; righe 34, parole 411)
