Country's first Catholic Laity Synod to be held

The All India Catholic Union (AICU) is organizing the first Laity Synod (a meeting of the non-clergy followers of the Church) in India later this year.

“The synod will be a momentous event. We have not had such a meeting in the past, at least in Asia. This will be the first time that the laity, who number possibly more than 17 million in this country, will introspect on their role in the Church in the light of the Second Vatican Council, and also make projections for growth in faith and in its role in the secular world,” AICU representative John Dayal announced here.

The meet will review the status of Catholics in India, how well they have been able to avail of the empowerment from the Vatican documents, their relationship with the church hierarchy and avenues of collaboration for the enrichment of faith, said Dayal.

Experts in theology and social teachings, human rights and secular and canon law would discuss these issues.

Dayal regrets

Dayal said AICU was deeply concerned at the lack of government action to control increasing intolerance and persecution in Orissa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

“In Karnataka, incidents of persecution have become a daily affair with the state government looking on,” he said.

AICU said it wants the enactment of the Law Against Communal and Targeted Violence which has been drafted by the National Advisory Council. AICU had sent its suggestions to the NAC drafting panel.