These words I am writing in response to the article written by Dr. Salvin. In the headline he has asked a question the consistory is mere receptive audience or consultative body. In His article he writes ‘ the pope can, if he wills, extend this God-given authority to the college of bishops. Summoning a general council is such an activity that is an extraordinary measure, in which bishops share temporally in the pope’s supreme authority at human level. According to a liberal interpretation the subject of supreme authority is the college of bishops in union with the head, the pope. Pope is bound to consult bishops before making any important decision”. Since Church is people of God each and every one has responsibilities according to their status of life to give witness, and proclaim the Gospel. It is not only an individual responsibility but it is also a communitarian responsibility. Any leader is expected to respect it according to the nature of the responsibility. A participatory pastoral approach is necessary form the parish level to the consistory.

• By Varghese Thomas