Itanagar, March 21, 2026: The Diocese of Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh convened its Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC)—the third such council since its erection on 7 December 2005—bringing together clergy, religious, and lay representatives for prayerful reflection and pastoral planning in the light of the Church’s synodal journey and upcoming jubilee milestones.
A key highlight of the gathering was a comprehensive presentation by Fr. Dr. G.P. Amalraj, Deputy Secretary of the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC) and priest of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, who outlined the broader ecclesial vision guiding pastoral planning in Northeast India.
Situating the local Church within the universal and Indian context, Fr. Amalraj explained the diversity of rites and structures while affirming unity in mission. He noted that the Church in India functions through coordinated episcopal bodies such as the CBCI and CCBI, which serve the mission of evangelisation through collaboration and shared responsibility.
Emphasising the missionary call of every Christian, he stated, “The gift of faith cannot be kept to ourselves; it must be shared. This is the responsibility of every baptised person.”
In his address was the call to embrace a synodal way of being Church. Clarifying the nature of the ongoing process, he said, “This is not merely a seminar or a discussion. It is a process—a spiritual exercise of discernment, where we listen to what God is asking of us.”
He reminded participants that the Church in Northeast India is journeying towards significant milestones, particularly the Silver Jubilee of NEIRBC in 2030 and the Great Jubilee of 2033, marking two thousand years of Christ’s redemptive mission. These events, he noted, call for deep spiritual renewal and coordinated pastoral action.
Fr. Amalraj strongly emphasised participation and co-responsibility. “You are not here just as representatives, but as participants in a journey where the Holy Spirit speaks through each one,” he said, adding, “Listening is the first step of synodality. Even those who cannot speak must be heard.”
The presentation highlighted key pastoral priorities emerging from consultations, including strengthening family life, revitalising youth ministry, promoting small Christian communities, and renewing catechetical formation. He also underscored ecological responsibility and the need to form missionary disciples capable of witnessing to the Gospel in contemporary society.
Special emphasis was placed on inclusion and accompaniment. “We must listen to those who feel unheard—those who have drifted away, those facing family difficulties, and those on the margins,” he said, noting that lack of listening often leads people away from the Church.
Addressing internal challenges, Fr. Amalraj pointed to gaps in communication and limited participation in decision-making. “Important decisions are sometimes not communicated clearly. Every voice must be heard, and every group must be part of the process,” he stressed, calling for stronger parish and diocesan councils and greater transparency.
He also reflected on the diversity of the Northeast, including linguistic, cultural, and inter-rite realities, urging unity in diversity. “The Church must become a common home where all feel a sense of belonging,” he affirmed.
Encouraging a forward-looking vision, he cautioned against focusing on past shortcomings. “We are not here to find fault, but to discern what God wants us to be by 2033,” he said, inviting participants to actively contribute to shaping the future of the Church.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council, marked by prayer, dialogue, and shared reflection, forms part of the wider synodal process underway across Northeast India. As the Church in Itanagar prepares for the milestones of 2030 of its own silver jubilee and 2033, the Great Jubilee, the emphasis remains on building a participatory, listening, and missionary Church rooted in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The two-day Diocesan Pastoral Council brought together over two hundred participants, including priests, religious, and lay faithful from across the Diocese of Itanagar. The gathering also witnessed the presence of two Bishops Emeriti, reflecting the continuity and depth of pastoral leadership in the region.
The Diocese of Itanagar, which spans a vast geographical area—nearly three times the size of Kerala—is one of the two dioceses covering the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh. The other is the Diocese of Miao, headed by Bishop George Pallipparambil.
The Diocese of Itanagar is currently shepherded by its second bishop, Most Rev. Benny Varghese Edathattel, a priest originally from the Diocese of Kohima, who succeeded Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil upon his retirement.
At present, the diocese comprises 52 parishes, and four diocesan centres, serving a diverse and widely dispersed faithful.