"In 25 years of work, the Canon Law Society of India (CLSI) has been consistently pastoral and practical, and always aware that it has an impact on the Church in India. When I look back now, I can say with joy and satisfaction, the Canon Law Society of India has taken strong roots, grown in stature and strength, it has produced abundant fruits” says Card. Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai, president of the Bishops 'Conference of India and the newly elected Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) to mark the silver jubilee of the CLSI, in an interview with AsiaNews.Founded in 1986 in Mumbai, the Canon Law Society of India (CLSI) is an association of Catholic cannon lawyers of the Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites. Its purpose is to promote a reflection on the canonical disciplines and provide a platform where lawyers canonical Indians can keep up with new canonical trends. On October 26 a seven-day conference, organized to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the association ended.
How does the CLSI respond to the changes in society for example the attacks on the family, the breakdown of marriage and other such challenges?
The CLSI has ensures proper understanding and application of Canon Law . Canonists update themselves and reflect on how to make Canon Law even more relevant for our times.
Has the CLSI been at the service of the Church in India?
Each year, one at the CLSI’s Annual Conference, we are blessed with scholarly presentations, serious discussions and fruitful interactions. By and large, we have succeeded in publishing the proceedings each year in “Canonical Studies”, which has often turned out to be a good reference volume. Law is at the service of the society. As an association of those specialized in law, especially in Canon Law, we have a greater role to play in the Church and society. The CLSI has been at the service of the canonist and certainly at the service of the Church in India.
In what way have the canonists equipped themselves to face the challenges of mixed marriages and inter faith marriages, that is on the increase in Indian Society?
The CLSI has serious discussions on how the law could be applied; we’ve had discussions on concrete cases. Like other professional, the Canon Law Society of India’ is one of the professional organizations in the Church in India that is close to my heart and periodically matters updated on new canonical trends, inter disciplinary matters . Theology, Sociology, Psychology are seriously studied and updated to contemporary situation.