Kochi : A one-day theological conference organized by the Theology Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) is set to take place on August 5 at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Kakkanad. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and aims to critically reflect on the growing influence of rationalist and atheist ideologies in Kerala society.
The conference will be inaugurated by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, President of the KCBC, and will be presided over by Bishop Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Vice President of the KCBC. Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, will deliver a message of support, while Bishop Dr. Tony Neelankavil, Chairman of the Theology Commission, will offer the official welcome.
Key presentations will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Jolly Karimpil, a distinguished professor of theology, and Rev. Dr. Augustin Pamplany, Director of the CST Research Centre. Their talks will explore theological responses to the growing secularism and rationalist critique of religion that has gained momentum in recent years across the state.
The event will also feature a panel discussion led by prominent theologians, including Aleen Kevin and representatives from the Stars Palakkad team. Scholars, seminary rectors, and theology professors from across Kerala are expected to participate and contribute to the dialogue.
The KCBC has taken a strong interest in addressing contemporary ideological challenges, particularly those that seek to undermine religious faith and moral values. The theological conference comes at a time when church leaders have also voiced concern over recent cases of religious persecution, including the controversial arrest of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh on allegations of forced religious conversion.
This conference serves as a platform for critical theological engagement and pastoral reflection, reaffirming the Church's commitment to safeguarding faith, human dignity, and constitutional values in a rapidly changing society. Further statements and recommendations are expected following the event’s conclusion.