A two-day workshop on “Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenical Ministry in the Present Context of India” was held at the National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengalore, on 4–5 March 2026. Organized in collaboration with the CBCI Office for Dialogue & Desk for Ecumenism and the KRCBC Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism, the programme brought together around 75 participants, including bishops, priests, religious, theologians, and pastoral workers from across India.

The workshop began with an inaugural session featuring a welcome address by Rev. Dr. Nysson Luka and a keynote by Most Rev. Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, who highlighted the importance of dialogue, peace-building, and a synodal approach in fostering unity and collaboration among religions. Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal offered felicitations, while Rev. Fr. Vinay Kumar outlined the objectives and structure of the workshop.

The first day focused on interreligious dialogue, with insightful sessions on synodality and interfaith engagement, along with practical approaches to promoting communal harmony. Group discussions and a panel on dialogue as a “Pilgrimage of Peace” enriched participants’ understanding through shared experiences and grassroots perspectives.

The second day centered on ecumenical ministry, exploring ways to strengthen Christian unity in the Indian context. Sessions addressed theological foundations, contemporary challenges, and opportunities for collaboration among Christian communities. Interactive discussions and panel presentations emphasized practical strategies for fostering unity and joint witness.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to promote dialogue, peace, and collaboration. It reaffirmed the Church’s mission to build bridges of understanding and unity in India’s diverse and multi-religious society.