The goals of CRI are to be achieved more specifically through the following objectives and corresponding functions.
1. To focus the attention of the religious constantly on their common mission within the Church, according to their own charism and context of the complex Indian reality:
a. By helping its members bear witness to the unique role of the contemplation of the Father in the mission of Christ; and by supporting the emergence of new forms of religious life in harmony with the Indian spiritual reality;
b. By fostering in the religious, both a sense of belonging to the local Church and a genuine concern for and openness to the needs of the universal Church;
c. By developing among the religious, both a sense of belonging to the local Church and a genuine concern for and openness to the needs of the universal Church;
d. Urging them to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, leading people to an explicit acceptance of Christ in the Church if the Spirit so calls them;
e. Bearing witness to Christ’s preferential love for the poor and the marginalized in the choice of their apostolic work and target groups;
f. Calling for a sense of urgency to share their Christ experience with those of other faiths, in a spirit of mutual dialogue, and with non-believers, in a search for common basic values;
g. Involving the process of inculturation in all aspects of life and work: liturgy, spirituality, theology, value systems, lifestyle, etc.
h. Demanding that the religious keep abreast of the Indian situation and assume their duties as citizens of a country beset with many problems, among which stands out the need for national integration; and
i. Furthering research into those spiritual and cultural values, a deeper understanding and assimilation of which is imperative for religious to be more authentic and relevant Christian witnesses in the local context.
2. To pool resources and coordinate efforts:
a. By Enabling its members through regular meetings and timely communications to share common concerns and to set and review goals;
b. By encouraging inter-institutional collaboration in those aspects of the Church’s activities, which call for coordinated efforts.
3. To provide opportunities for consultation and dialogue:
a. With the laity in a spirit of openness and trust, so that common problems can be resolved in a sense of mutual interdependence;
b. With its own members and other groups, including government authorities when needed.
4. To offer service:
a. By Helping the religious to grow in all aspects of religious life and particularly in the convictions that their commitment requires of them: a deep life of prayer and the spirit of contemplation;
b. By assisting its members in their task of formation and in the renewal of religious life;
c. By providing opportunities for major superiors to develop their role as animators and leaders;
d. By fostering the study of those trends and developments within the Church which affect the role of religious and by encouraging the formulation of guidelines for action related to them.
5. To Promote relationship:
a. CRI does not interfere with the legitimate autonomy of each Institute and the responsibility of the respective superiors; however, being a forum for communion among the religious, it can have an inspirational role and be a dynamic element for religious life in India.
b. Relations with bishops: CRI acknowledges the authority of individual bishops as per the provisions of Canon Law and of the various episcopal bodies of India and other episcopal bodies, and works in collaboration with them in matters of common concern for the Church in India.
c. At the level of the universal Church, CRI loyally accepts the unique role of the successor of Peter and readily follows the directives of the Apostolic See.