New Delhi: The Third National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting convened on September 11, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi. The gathering brought together around 25 participants, including Archbishops, Bishops, Church Heads, and delegates representing diverse Christian denominations across India. The event was facilitated by the CBCI Office for Dialogue and the Desk for Ecumenism of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), with the dual aim of strengthening fellowship among Church leaders and advancing the ecumenical movement in the country. A central focus of the meeting was an ecumenical dialogue on the Draft Guidelines of the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI).
The meeting commenced with an Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity, based on the 2025 resources jointly prepared by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity of the Roman Catholic Church and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. To commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD), this year’s theme, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26), was adopted. The prayer service was led by Bishop Gerald Mathias of Lucknow, a member of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism.
Following the prayer, participants introduced themselves, after which Fr. Dr. Anthoniraj Thumma, Coordinator of the National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship and Secretary of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism, presented the Minutes of the Second National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting held on September 13, 2024. Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism, delivered the keynote address, detailing the background and the Draft Guidelines of the NFCI.
The draft was subsequently opened for discussion in an interactive ecumenical dialogue. Delegates expressed appreciation for the comprehensive nature of the Guidelines while offering constructive suggestions for refinement and enhancement. The deliberations underscored a shared commitment to unity and collaboration among the Churches.
In his closing remarks, CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath lauded the preparation of the Draft Guidelines and emphasized the urgent need for Christian unity. Highlighting the growing challenges faced by Christian communities from communal forces, he stressed that presenting a united Christian voice has become more crucial than ever. The meeting concluded with prayers and a benediction offered by Rev. Fr. Daniel Thomas, Vicar General of the Delhi Diocese of the Mar Thomas Syrian Church.
Following the meeting, delegates participated in the Prabhu Jesu Mahotsav, the National Ecumenical Jubilee 2025 celebrations, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. These events celebrated the shared faith that unites Christian denominations, affirming Christian unity and fostering a spirit of joy and hope for the Jubilee 2025.