Bengaluru: The Catholic Biblical Association of India (CBAI) successfully hosted its Annual General Conference 2025 at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru, from November 7 to 8. The two-day academic gathering brought together approximately 85 leading biblical scholars from across India to reflect on the theme, “Right Governance in the Bible: Reading from Indian Ecclesio-Political Context.”
The conference delved into the theological foundations of governance as portrayed in Sacred Scripture, examining insights from both the Old and New Testaments. Scholars discussed how these biblical principles can inform ethical leadership, justice, and participatory governance within Church institutions and broader socio-political frameworks in contemporary India.
The proceedings featured ten research papers presented by distinguished Indian theologians. The conference opened with a Keynote Address by Most Rev. Joseph Pamplany, Archbishop of Tellicherry, highlighting the timeless relevance of Scripture in shaping moral leadership. This was followed by a Felicitations Address by Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet, who reinforced the importance of integrating biblical wisdom into practical governance. Both prelates emphasized the role of the Bible in guiding justice, ethical decision-making, and accountable leadership in modern society.
The 2025 conference also celebrated the conclusion of two productive terms of leadership by Fr. Joy Philip CMI, who received heartfelt appreciation for his visionary guidance and commitment to advancing biblical scholarship in India. Under his mentorship, numerous emerging scholars have been nurtured, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually robust biblical academic community nationwide.
During the gathering, CBAI elected a new Executive Committee to steer the Association in the coming years. Fr. Vincent Sequeira of the Diocese of Mangalore was chosen as President, with Sr. Johncy Choorathottiyil SMI as Vice President, Fr. Jaya Pradeep as Secretary, and Sr. Smitha Gabriel ASI as Treasurer. Committee members include Fr. Maria Michael Felix, Fr. Antony Madalaimuthu, and Fr. Victor Rodrigues.
The Association extended its congratulations to the new leadership, expressing confidence that under Fr. Vincent Sequeira’s stewardship, the CBAI will continue to promote rigorous biblical research and inspire deeper engagement with the Word of God in the life of the Church and society.
The CBAI Annual Conference 2025 underscored the enduring power of Scripture in guiding ethical governance and fostering faith-based scholarship in India. By bridging theological insights with contemporary ecclesio-political realities, the event reinforced the relevance of biblical principles in shaping both church leadership and societal ethics.