Thought for the day
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
- Matthew 7:7-8
The Church of South India is the result of the union of churches of varying traditions Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed. It was inaugurated in September 1947, after protracted negotiation among the churches concerned. Organized into 24 dioceses, each under the spiritual supervision of a bishop, the church as a whole is governed by a synod, which elects a moderator (presiding bishop) every 2 years. Episcopacy is thus combined with Synodical government, and the church explicitly recognizes that Episcopal, Presbyterian, and congregational elements are all necessary for the church's life. The Scriptures are the ultimate standard of faith and practice. The historic creeds are accepted as interpreting the biblical faith, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are recognized as of binding obligation.
Discussions concerning union had begun at a conference at Tranquebar (now Tarangambadi) in 1919, and in 1947, after India attained independence, the union was completed. The Church of South India has its own service book and communion service, both of which draw from several denominational sources. The union, especially in its reconciliation of the Anglican doctrine of apostolic succession with the views of other denominations, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.
Formation
On 27th September 1947, the General council of Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, General Assembly of South India United Church and South India Provincial Synod of Methodist Church joined together to from the CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA as the largest united national church in India. The continued growth has been further enriched with the joining of the churches of Basel Mission and the Anglican Diocese of Nandyal. A unique church was born out of the blending of the Episcopal and non - Episcopal traditions as a gift of God to the people of India and as a visible sign of the ecclesiastical unity for the universal church.
Commitment Of The Chruch
Being the largest Protestant church in India, the CSI celebrates her life with Indian culture and spirituality and she also raises her voice for the voiceless on matters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. Sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people of India through proclamation of the good news of Jesus; responding to human need through institutional and emergency relief work; through community development projects and skill training programmes for the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the people and programmes for the integrity of creation. Translating this vision and commitment, the Synod of the Church of South India as the apex body of the church endeavors to encourage, equip and empower her dioceses, congregations and institutions through varied ministries.
The Journey Continues
The CSI is a united and uniting church moving forward with a dynamic vision for The Communion of Churches in India. The Church of South India, the Church of North India and the Mar Thoma Church are already members of this commune of Churches and are venturing into wider ecumenical relations to witness to One Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church of South India (CSI) affirms that the purpose of the union is to fulfill the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church "That they all may be one, and that the world may believe that you have sent me". And the Church of South India would become an effective instrument of God's mission so there will be greater peace, closer fellowship and fuller life in the Church and a renewed commitment for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed.
The Church of South India affirms that the Church is the Servant of God to carry on the mission rooted in Jesus Christ based on the Scriptures. The Church through her mission expresses solidarity with the broken communities for a new hope to face the challenges of life. The Cross continuous to be the sign of hope for the witnessing Church, which strives towards Unity, Peace and Reconciliation as a vibrant Channel of God.
The Logo of the Church of South India is an important and significant as the formation of the CSI through the process of unification. The Lotus and the Cross used in the Logo possess a rich cultural history and heritage which will help us in the understanding of the significance of the unification and our call and mission as members of this great and unique church.
The Lotus, a typical Indian flower, in Mythology is supposed to be not only a temple flower but also the seat of the creator. "Pankajam" one of the Indian names given to the Lotus has a very significant meaning that "it is born in mud". The Lotus blooms at sunrise and withers at sunset, in other words it lives as long as it can receive the sunrays hence it is also called 'Thammipuvu' meaning flower of the sun. Whether it means "born in the mud" or "flower of the sun" to the Indian Church, it stands to be interpreted as symbolizing the composition, nature and role of the members of the Church of South India in the bond of the union and in the context of being indigenous and also being dependent on the grace of God.
The petals of the Lotus and the arms of the Cross are beautifully intertwined together with the fiery tongues of the Holy Spirit. This again is an authentic Indian expression of people's communion with God. The colours being red (for life), purple (for piety and ecclesiastical) and the white backdrop (for purity) implicitly communicate the nature of the mystical union, where, an inseparable companionship is established which, again is a typical Indian thought form.
The words THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE, CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA are embossed in a circle round the Lotus and the Cross. The words, as we know, are taken from the high priestly prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ who prayed not only for the 'Church' but also for the whole world. This universality is expressed by placing the words in a form of a circle symbolizing not only the universe but also the inclusive nature of the Church.
That they all may be one; as thou, father, art in me, and I in thee that they also may be one in us......" (John 17:21) is an inclusive affirmation showing explicitly that Christ is the Head and the Church, His body. It also symbolizes the prayer of the Church that not only Churches need to be united but all people of this country which can be interpreted as a meaningful prayer for national integration.
The imposing central position of the cross in the Logo conveys the idea that the indefatigable, self less supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the basis of the Church and its faith. The cross runs through the Lotus depicting its cleansing act working in the hearts of the members of the Church and restoring them to the pristine purity of heaven.
The four ends of the cross made of equal size symbolizes the equality and also the contextual peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. The Church of South India gratefully acknowledges the initiative taken by the Officers and the Executive Committee Members coinciding with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the CSI in 1972.
Bishop's House, LMS Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram- 695 033, Kerala.
# 2-8-95, Bishop’s Office, CVRN Road,
Karimnagar District-505 001, Telangana.
CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road
Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014
Plot No.127, Road No.3, Dhanalaxmi Colony, Mahendra Hills, Maredpalli, Secunderabad - 500 026.
Ph: (O) 044 - 2852 1566 / 4166, (W) 044-25390062OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD :
The Most Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam
Moderator, CSI & Bishop in South Kerala
The Rt. Rev. Dr K. Reuben Mark
Deputy Moderator, CSI & Bishop in Karimnagar
Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja
General Secretary, CSI
Prof. Dr B. Vimal Sukumar
Hon. Treasurer, CSI
MEMBERS :
REGIONAL WOMEN :
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
2020-2022
Officers of the Synod :
Members :
Cochin :Substitutes
Rt. Rev. B. N. Fenn
Rev. Praise Thaiparambil
Prof. Dr. Sanilraj
Mrs. Suja Roy
Substitutes:
Rev. V. Reuban
Mr. Abraham Simon
Mrs. Betsy Sunil
Coimbatore :
Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravinder
Substitutes:
Dornakal :
Rev. B. D. P. Ravindra
Mr. K. J. S. Ashirvadam
Miss G. Sumalatha
Substitutes:
Rev. A. Ramesh
Mr. V. J. Benjamin
Mrs. M. Lily Prasad
East Kerala :
Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis
Rev. Joseph Mathew
Dr. Josemon George
Mrs. Rachel Samuel
Substitutes:
Rev. K. D. Devasia
Mr. T. Joykumar
Mrs. Beena John
Jaffna :
Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah
Rev. Dr. D. S. Solomon
Dr. Mrs. Thayalini ThiagarajahJeyaseelan
Mr. Edward Arunthavaseelan
Substitutes:
Rev. V. Pathmathayalan
Ms. Princy Dileesha
Mr. S. Ragunathan
Kanyakumari :
Rt. Rev. Dr. A. R. Chelliah
Rev. Dr. Muthuswamy Christhudhas
Er. S. Biju Nizeth Paaul
Mrs. Premila A. Devadhas
Substitutes:
Rev. S. Christopher Yesumony
Adv. B. S. Ajay Anand
Dr. Mrs. Shamina Sagar
Karimnagar :
Rev. B. Christopher
Mr. J. Samuel
Mrs. T. Malathi
Substitutes:
Rev. P. Amrutha Rao
Mr. J. Joshua Nadar
Mrs. Ch. Roja
Karnataka Central :
Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar Samuel
Rev. J. Sampath Kumar
Mr. Vinod Dasan
Mrs. Keren Samuel
Substitutes:
Rev. Naveen Kumar
Mr. Aldrien
Mrs. Sunitha David
Karnataka Northern :
Rt. Rev. Ravikumar J. Niranjan
Rev. Suresh Naikar
Mr. Vijayakumar V. Dandin
Mrs. Nivedita Martin
Substitutes:
Mr. Sadguna Paul
Rev. Samuel Calvin
Karnataka Southern :
Karnataka Southern
Rev. Elish Kumar
Mr. Vincent Palanna
Dr. Suguna Shanthi
Substitutes:
Rev. Edward Karkada
Mr. William Carey
Ms. Christabel Soans
Krishna-Godavari :
Rt. Rev. George Cornelious
Substitutes:
Kollam-Kottarakara :
Rt. Rev. Dr. Oommen George
Rev. Rajesh J. Charles
Mr. Nibu Jacob Varkey
Dr. P. Susykutty
Substitutes:
Rev. I. Baby
Er. P. D. Benedict Raja
Madhya Kerala :
Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen
Rev. Viju Varkey George
Prof. C. A. Abraham
Adv. Sheeba Tharakan
Substitutes:
Rev. Dr. Sabu K. Cherian
Mr. Glady Kurien
Mrs. Asha Binu
Madras :
Rt. Rev. Dr. J. George Stephen
Rev. Dr. Manuel S. Titus
Prof. Dr. G. K. Francis
Mrs. A. Clara Immanuel
Substitutes:
Prof. Dr. J. Samuel Cornelius
Rev. D. Paul William
Mrs. Priscilla Jasmine
Madurai-Ramnad :
Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph
Rev. Dr. A. Yakkobu
Er. T. John Mahendran
Dr. Mrs. P. Leela Manohari
Substitutes:
Rev. A. David Jebaraj
Mr. K. Pitchai
Mrs. V. Jesutha Vasanthi
Malabar :
Rt. Rev. Dr. Royce Manoj Victor
Rev. Dr. T. I. James
Mr. Kennet Lazar. V.
Dr. Mary Mathew Koshy
Substitutes:
Rev. P. P. Reginold
Mr. Joseph Daniel
Mrs. Saji Mathew
Medak :
Rt. Rev. A. C. Solomon Raj
Rev. Dr. T. Bhasker
Mr. D. David Dolakala
Mrs. A. Mary Dorcus Bennet
Substitutes:
Rev. K. A. Charles Wesley
Mr. Samson Felix
Mrs. Prabhavathy Charles
Nandyal :
Rt. Rev. Dr. E. Pushpalalitha
Rev. Dr. P. A. Varaprasada Rao
Mr. M. S. Stephen
Smt. M. Ashapual
Substitutes:
Rev. D. Samuel Rathnaraju
Mr. P. Solomon
Mrs. B. Steffi Filomina
Rayalaseema :
Rev. Dr. M. Jacob
Mr. CBJ Russel Kiran
Mrs. U. F. G. Rachel
Substitutes:
Mr. S. Yesurathnam
Rev. P. Isaac Varaprasad
South Kerala :
Rev. Dr. R. Gnanadas
Dr. P. K. Rose Bist
Dr. C. Jayakumari
Substitutes:
Rev. D. N. Calvin Kisto
Dr. Ranjith R. P.
Mrs. S. J. Vijaya Vincent
Thoothukudi-Nazareth :
Rt. Rev. Dr. SEC Devasahayam
Rev. P. Moses Jebaraj
Mr. S. D. K. Rajan
Dr. Mrs. Kamali Jeyaseelan
Substitutes:
Rev. Davidraj
Mr. Jefferson
Mrs. Joyce
Trichy-Tanjore :
Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Chandrasekaran
Rev. S. Sudharsan
Mr. S. Rajendran
Mrs. K. Rosalind
Substitutes:
Rev. C. Arulsingh
Dr. James Relton
Dr. Mrs. Premalatha Sharon Rose
Tirunelveli :
Substitutes:
Vellore :
Rt. Rev. H. Sharma Nithiyanandham
Rev. Dr. Nancy Isaac
Mr. Mathews Deva Pandian
Mrs. Thabithal Booshnam
Substitutes:
Rev. Barnabas Absalom
Mr. Sridhar
Mrs. Mythili John
NOMINATED MEMBERS :
Women’s Fellowship :
INVITEES :
Directors of Synodical Departments
Church of South India Trust Association
Church of South India Trust Association was constituted as a legal holding body of the movable and immovable properties of the Church of South India. The CSI-TA was registered in September, 1947 under Section 26 of the Indian Companies Act 1913 (now Section 25 of the Indian Companies Act 1956) as a Religious and Charitable Company which has no business character and with no profit motive. The properties of the Churches in Union have been transferred to CSI-TA.
The main objectives of the Trust are:
To act as Trustees for the CSI and accordingly to acquire and hold immovable and movable properties for the purpose of the Trust within the territory of India.
To aid and further the work of CSI and in particular to assist pecuniarily and otherwise all or any of the Societies, Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Institutions and other Charities which exist in connection with the said Church.
To act as Trustees for the maintenance of the Church, Bishops, and other workers of the Church.
The Jurisdiction of the CSI-TA covers the 23 Dioceses and other Units under their control spread over the four Southern States of Andra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu and Union Territory of Pondicherry.
CSI Centre, No.5, Whites Road
Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014
Plot No.127, Road No.3, Dhanalaxmi Colony, Mahendra Hills, Maredpalli, Secunderabad - 500 026.
Ph: (O) 044 - 2852 1566 / 4166, (W) 044-25390062