Jaipur: The seventh National Convention of the National Priests Religious Forum of Lawyers concluded in Jaipur with a strong call to safeguard constitutional values, champion minority rights and deepen legal support for vulnerable communities across India. More than a hundred participants including priest-lawyers, religious advocates, legal activists and lay professionals took part in the three-day gathering, which blended legal training with a mission-driven commitment to justice inspired by Gospel values.
The convention opened with reflections from bishops, retired judges and leading legal thinkers on the urgent challenges confronting Christian communities and minority institutions. Archbishop Raphy Manjaly urged participants to stand united against unjust laws and coordinated pressures that undermine constitutional freedoms. He emphasized the need for a proactive legal response rooted in collaboration and clarity of purpose.
Justice Sunil Ambwani (Retd.) underscored the importance of upholding constitutional morality, safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring procedural fairness. He noted that legal professionals have a critical responsibility to defend democratic principles at a time when these values face growing strain.
Expert-led sessions throughout the convention addressed key areas such as the POSH Act, the strategic use of Public Interest Litigation, and the empowerment possibilities offered by the Right to Information Act. Delegates discussed discrimination-related challenges, the shrinking civic space for minorities, and evolving mechanisms to strengthen collective legal advocacy.
Elections held during the gathering brought in a new National Executive committed to broad-based leadership and shared responsibility. Sr. Julie George SSpS was chosen as President, while Fr. Benjamin D’Souza will serve as Vice President. Sr. Sheeba Paul SHSP has been appointed Secretary, and Sr. Helen Tresa CHF as Treasurer. Fr. Sebastian and Sr. Jyoti Mary will serve as Joint Treasurer and Joint Secretary, respectively.
Testimonies from veteran legal missionaries such as Fr. P. D. Mathew SJ and Fr. K. M. Joseph SJ highlighted the Forum’s longstanding contributions to defending the oppressed, challenging bonded labour practices and correcting harmful legal narratives. Their experiences served as a reminder of the transformative role Christian legal action has played in India’s human rights landscape.
Looking ahead, the Forum resolved to expand its work in northern states, establish Rapid Response and Media Committees, and complete state-level elections by February 20, 2026. The delegates also announced Punjab as the host for the next National Convention.
The meet concluded with a collective reaffirmation of faith in the Indian Constitution and a renewed commitment to service. Participants pledged to remain “legal missionaries” who combine professional competence with compassion, working tirelessly to uphold justice, dignity and equality for all citizens.