Bangalore November 11, 2023 (CCBI) The CCBI Bioethics Forum marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its first national colloquium at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore. The event brought together 52 Catholic health professionals from diverse regions across India.
The overarching theme of the colloquium, “Current Issues in Health and Healthcare: Challenges for Catholic Bioethics,” provided a comprehensive platform for in-depth discussions and insightful exchanges. This gathering facilitated a rich exploration of pertinent topics, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the participants. The event underscored the commitment of the CCBI Bioethics Forum to addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare through the lens of Catholic bioethics, contributing to the ongoing discourse in the field.
The colloquium began with a prayer led by Bishop Udumala Bala of Warangal. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, welcomed the delegates. Dr. Olinda Tims introduced the theme. Dr. Mario Vaz, Dr. Nicholas Ferrão, Dr. Evita Fernandez, Dr. Susan Sodder, Dr. Sanjiv Lewin, Dr. Monica Hen, Dr. Sanjiv Lewin, Dr. Thelma Narayan, and Dr. Regina, Dr. Judita Syiemlieh, Dr. GD Ravindran, Dr. Beena, UMI, Rev. Dr. Stephen Fernandez, Rev. Dr. Mathew Abraham, Rev. Dr. Charles Davis and Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj addressed the participants of the colloquium on various topics.
The establishment of the CCBI Bioethics Forum in 2021 signifies a pivotal initiative aimed at providing essential guidance to the Church in India on matters of bioethics. This platform serves as a beacon, offering valuable direction to Catholic health professionals and institutions across the country.
Notably, the scientific papers produced by the CCBI Bioethics Forum, particularly those addressing the topics of Covid Vaccine and Same-Sex Marriages, have garnered international acclaim. The forum’s contributions have resonated globally, underscoring its commitment to addressing contemporary ethical challenges and facilitating meaningful dialogue on crucial issues within the broader healthcare and social contexts.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj
Director, CCBI Bioethics Forum