A keynote session by Fr. Nigel Barrett at the SINA 2026 sparked wide discussion on Church communication, evangelisation, caste realities, legal challenges, and the role of Catholic media in present-day India.
Fr. Nigel Barrett, Public Relations Officer of the CCBI from the Archdiocese of Bombay, holds a doctorate in Broadcast Journalism and New Age Communication Tools from Trinity College Dublin.
Speaking on the theme of “whispering the Gospel,” Fr. Barrett said Catholic communicators must witness Christ with courage, truth, and hope in an increasingly polarised world.
“The Gospel often reaches people not through noise or aggression, but through quiet credibility, compassion, and consistency,” he said.
He observed that the Church in India today faces scrutiny, misinformation, and repeated accusations, especially on the question of conversion.
“Catholic institutions must respond with facts, dignity, and a stronger public narrative rooted in service,” he said.
Pointing to the Church’s contribution in education, healthcare, and empowerment of the poor, he added that many such stories remain under-communicated.
Fr. Barrett also called for internal renewal.
“Church institutions must improve transparency, legal compliance, professionalism, and public relations,” he said.
He urged communicators to prepare timely responses, build partnerships, and use digital platforms more effectively.
He further encouraged stronger lay involvement in Catholic communication.
According to him, lay professionals often bring expertise and greater freedom in public engagement, while clergy and religious sometimes carry institutional constraints.
Question and Answer Session
The session concluded with an extended and candid question-and-answer interaction. Delegates from different regions raised issues relating to evangelisation, parish outreach, reservation policies, caste identity, discrimination, and collaboration with people of goodwill.
One participant strongly raised the Dalit issue. Referring to Church and media narratives, the delegate asked whether the Church was standing for equality in faith or for reservation based on caste identity.
He further pointed out that when a cardinal was created, he was described in the media as a “Dalit Cardinal,” and when elected CBCI President the same identity was highlighted.
The participant then asked directly: “Is caste an eligibility for becoming Cardinal?”
Responding carefully, Fr. Barrett said "caste remains a painful and lived social reality in India, including among Christians."
“While people are baptised into Christ, many do not leave behind their cultural and social identities,” he said.
He acknowledged that communities affected by discrimination often feel the issue strongly and from different perspectives.
He further said that the media emphasis on Dalit identity was part of a deliberate public narrative meant to show the elevation of historically marginalised communities within the Church. At the same time, he admitted that the matter remains sensitive and unresolved in many places.
Fr. Barrett said the Church in India must address the matter honestly.
“Either Church leadership must take responsibility and speak clearly, or the grassroots must constructively challenge the hierarchy and seek reform,” he said.
He added that both leadership with foresight and lay participation are necessary.
Another participant asked how Catholics can proclaim Christ openly while facing accusations of conversion. In reply, Fr. Barrett said evangelisation remains central to the Church’s mission, but must be carried out prudently, respectfully, and within the law of the land. “We exist to preach the Gospel, but we must do so wisely and responsibly,” he said.
A delegate from Delhi raised concerns that many parishes and institutions remain closed to neighbouring communities and fail to engage people of other faiths.
Responding, Fr. Barrett proposed practical parish templates for outreach, including service activities, hospitality, and inter-religious contact that remain pastorally wise and socially acceptable.
Another participant asked how to collaborate with people of goodwill who are willing to defend truth in public life. Fr. Barrett replied that the Church must encourage Catholics to enter law, civil service, media, judiciary, and public institutions.
“Our schools and colleges must become centres of excellence that form leaders committed to justice and nation-building,” said Fr. Nigel.
Fr. Barrett was later warmly felicitated by Fr. Vijay Lobo. SINA 2026 is being held in Jalandhar from April 13 to 16, 2026.