Narbi Gets Involved in National Issues

Conference of Religious India Bulletin
June 7, 2012

http://www.religiousindia.org/religious-india/narbi-gets-involved-in-national-issues

The Church in the west is undergoing a trauma due to the abuse of children by the clergy. Child abuse is prevalent all over the world and even in India, though it is still dormant. It is shrouded in secrecy because of shame attached to it.

The Seminar organized on Child rights was meant to create awareness among the Brothers who are in the field of Education as it is about time that they recognize this and take remedial measures. They are to become aware of the emerging trend, vulnerability of the children, and how to enable them to safeguard themselves.

As a follow up of the Brothers National Convention held in 2011, the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF RELIGIOUS BROTHERS INDIA (NARBI) began to organise a series of Seminars on Child abuse and child rights at the regional level.

The First Seminar was held for the Brothers of Maharashtra Unit under the leadership of Br. Chandi SG, on Child abuse and child rights in February at the monastery of Franciscan brothers, Mount poinsor, Borivili, Mumbai, India.

22 delegates from different congregation of brothers : Society of St Paul, Marianist, Franciscan brothers, Montfort brothers, Jesuit brothers, Mother Theresa Brothers and Brothers of the poor took part in the seminar. Br. Paul Augustine, the former President of NARBI and Br. Jesudass, the Executive Secretary were the resource persons of the seminar.

The second Seminar was held in Trivandrum for the KERALA REGION during May. The NARBI President Br. Giles presided over the seminar. It was well attended with 28 brothers from the region. A professional a lawyer was called in to explain the legality of the problem and how the to educate the defenceless to defend oneself. The main resource person of the seminar was Fr Joseph SJ a renowned psychologist.

The third seminar on the same theme of Child right was held in Boothapadi, Tamil Nadu for the Tamil Nadu cum Andhra Region. There were over 30 brothers including some junior brothers of Sacred Heart took part in the seminar. The next seminar two are in the offing: Delhi region and North East Region, they will be held before August, 2012.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF RELIGIOUS BROTHERS INDIA (NARBI) is an official forum of all religious brothers, India. Considering the vastness of our country and at the same time the need to facilitate the fellowship of brothers, the NARBI formed different regions: Kerala Region, Tamil Nadu Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region and North East Region.

Source: CRI, Br. Jesudass. ssp