Sun May 18 15:55:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
An international conference of the Catholic Congress was held in Palakkad, India, emphasizing the unity and political relevance of the Christian community. Church leaders urged Christians to present a united front and warned political parties to take note. The conference included delegates from several countries and concluded with a large rally addressing various social and political issues.
**News Article:**
**Catholic Congress Conference Warns Political Parties, Highlights Christian Unity**
**Palakkad, India – May 18, 2025:** An international conference hosted by the Catholic Congress concluded in Palakkad on Sunday, with Church leaders issuing a strong message of unity and political relevance to political parties in India. The conference, drawing delegates from across the country and from nations including France, Australia, the UK, Ireland, the USA, and Italy, served as a reminder of the Christian community’s collective power.
“Christians in Kerala will present a united front on key issues,” stated Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany during his inaugural address. He emphasized the significant gathering as proof of the community’s strong support for Church leadership.
Catholic Congress global president Rajiv Kochuparambil reinforced this sentiment, stating, “The politics of the Church is the politics of survival. Issues of a diocese will be considered as issues of the entire Christian community.”
Palakkad Bishop Mar Peter Kochupurackal highlighted the Christian community’s historical independence and discernment, while Mar Jacob Manathodath acknowledged the Catholic Congress’s continued journey.
The conference culminated in a massive rally from Fort Maidan, where thousands of participants voiced concerns on topics ranging from the J.B. Koshi Commission report and farmer welfare to the rise in wild animal attacks and drug abuse. The rally was flagged off by Fr. Kaviyil and Fr. Anjilimootil.
The next Catholic Congress conference will be hosted by the Thalassery Archdiocese. The event underscores the Christian community’s growing assertiveness in the Indian political landscape.
First Piper 