The three-day initiative brought together 53 religious men and women engaged in Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) ministries across India. Participants included JPIC coordinators, formators, communicators, pastors, and mission animators, representing VIVAT member congregations—SSpS, SVD, JMJ, and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart—as well as networking congregations such as the Society of Jesus (SJ) and the St. Gabriel Brothers.

Uniting Voices, Advancing Justice
The workshop was held under the theme:

“Uniting Voices, Advancing Justice: Enhancing Advocacy and JPIC Engagement in VIVAT India.”

The theme captured the spirit of the gathering—strengthening collaboration, deepening advocacy efforts, and responding prophetically to the signs of the times.

The workshop pursued four key objectives:

1. To strengthen advocacy skills among stakeholders involved in JPIC ministry.
2. To promote a cohesive and proactive inter-congregational approach to JPIC.
3. To align advocacy initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national, and international levels.
4. To foster collaboration among VIVAT member congregations in the India Subzone.

Deepening Vision and Strategic Engagement
Sessions provided renewed insight into the vision, mission, objectives, and organizational structure of VIVAT International, with particular focus on the role and contributions of VIVAT India within the Indian socio-political context.

Participants reflected on the significance of advocacy in light of recent congregational chapters and assemblies, reaffirming their shared commitment to global solidarity through collaboration with civil society organizations, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations.

Contemporary social realities in India were critically examined, with special attention to strategic advocacy at local, national, and international levels. The importance of networking among religious advocacy groups was strongly emphasized, recognizing that collective action amplifies marginalized voices and strengthens impact.

Through group discussions and plenary sessions, participants shared experiences, challenges, and best practices from their respective ministries. These exchanges fostered mutual enrichment and reinforced the urgency of coordinated action.

Priority Areas for 2026–2029
After a process of discernment and collaborative reflection, the participants identified the following priority areas for the triennium 2026–2029:

• Migration
• Ecology and Environment – Care for Creation
• Child Rights and Empowerment of Domestic Workers
• Social Harmony

These focus areas respond to pressing socio-political challenges in India and reflect the commitment of VIVAT India to promote justice, dignity, and sustainable development.

A Concrete Roadmap for the Future
The workshop concluded with the formulation of a common statement, a three-year action plan, and clearly defined key performance outcomes. These provide a concrete roadmap for strengthening advocacy, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring measurable impact.

The gathering marked a significant step forward for VIVAT India—renewing commitment, uniting voices, and advancing justice in service of a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Through strengthened partnerships and prophetic engagement, VIVAT India continues to embody its mission of promoting human rights, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation at every level of society.