Express News Service By

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 32nd plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) that concluded in Bengaluru the other day resolved to pursue the government to treat Christian Dalits on a par with Hindu Dalits. The meeting has also decided to introduce positive measures to integrate Dalit Christians along with others in the Church through education and employment. It was also decided to show sensitivity to differently-abled by providing facilities that suit their needs, foster gender equity, provide a greater role for women and establish grievance cells to address women’s issues.

It was proposed to introduce formation programmes on inter-religious dialogue in Church’s institutions, seminaries and formation houses, organise training programmes for promoting justice and peace, promote religious harmony and national integration and breaking the divisive walls of religion and caste.

Every diocese and parish should draw up an environment policy. Use of solar energy, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, biogas plants should be encouraged. It was also proposed to shun excessive institutionalisation, clericalism and extravaganza.