Kanjirapally: In a significant event for the ecclesiastical legal community in India, the Oriental Canon Law Society of India (OCLSI) elected its new set of office bearers during the Society’s 35th Annual Conference, held at Amal Jyothi College, Kanjirapally.
Rev. Dr. George Thekkekkara was unanimously elected as the President, while Rev. Dr. Sebastian Payyappally CMI took over as Secretary. The post of Vice President was entrusted to Dr. Sister Delna MSMI, and Fr. Varghese Chamakalaiyil was appointed as Treasurer, forming the core leadership team for the upcoming term.
Supporting them on the executive committee are Alec Velacheril, Rev. Dr. James Pampara CMI, and Sister Rosmin SH, all well-respected figures in the field of canon law and theology. Their election reflects a blend of scholarly experience and pastoral dedication, aiming to deepen the Society’s impact within the Church and beyond.
The gathering witnessed the participation of notable Church dignitaries including Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurakkal, Kanjirapally Bishop Mar Jose Pulikkal, and Pathanamthitta Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios, who offered their blessings and insights during the event. Rev. Dr. Roy Pazhayaparampil, Director of Amal Jyothi College, also addressed the assembly, highlighting the importance of canon law in upholding ecclesial justice and order.
The conference served not only as a platform for administrative transition but also for the exchange of canonical knowledge, legal reflections, and pastoral concerns. With the new leadership in place, the Society is expected to focus more actively on addressing emerging legal challenges within the Oriental Churches in India, strengthening canonical education, and fostering deeper dialogue between ecclesial law and contemporary social realities.