...... Magazine of the Church of South India November 2020 | Whitsuntide-Advent Volume XVIII | Issue 11 | Rs. 150/Annum

“Assuring Future for the Girl Child” www.csi1947.com Disclaimer : The Author of each article published in this magazine owns his or her own words. The opinions, believes and viewpoints expressed by the various 2 November 2020authors on this magazine do not reflect the opinions, belief and view points of the official policies of the CSI SYNOD. | Cover Painting By: Mr. Sacheendran Karadka Girl Children- the Image of God that Urges Us to Protect them EDITOR’S DESK and Assure a Bright Future

ear brothers and sisters, Women and Church It is appreciable that many Greetings in the name of In God’s creation, a woman was among us have already engaged DLord Jesus Christ. made in His very own image and themselves in women and child likeness. She was created as an development and we pray that God I am glad to communicate to you equal partner and helper for man. almighty may reward their efforts. through this letter. Though India God blessed the woman He created continues to report a trend of the and gave her authority. Further, However, it is time to initiate steady decline of active COVID-19 it is also revealed in the roles efforts to bring changes in the cases, still there are many pockets that God had ordained to women attitude of the individuals, where the novel Coronavirus is in accomplishing His eternal families, institutions and society spreading. Let us continue to purposes at pivotal moments. at large to stop violence against uphold all those who are involved The genealogy list that Matthew women and children. The church in the frontline in combating the narrates in the gospel records an as an institution and its people virus. illuminating fact that how women in ordained and lay ministry were used as instruments by God must be prepared to respond Recently we all heard the shocking in the life and ministry of His Son to situations of violence. The news that a 19-year-old Dalit Jesus. Right from introducing the Church should break the silence woman was gang-raped in Uttar genealogy of Lord Jesus Christ till on violence and also provide Pradesh, who after fighting for her the end of His life at the cross, we education for prevention. It is life for two weeks, died in a Delhi can find the prime role which God the commitment of the church to hospital. Even though the woman has ordained for women. ensure care, provide for education in her statement to the Magistrate, and create accountability, pray named four members, as per the In ancient India, we can find a few for healing, wisdom, guidance and victim’s brother claimed that no women who enjoyed equal status the courage to face the issues. Let arrests were made in the first 10 with men in all aspects of life. On us come together to put in place days after the incident took place. the other hand, the majority of and enforce policies and practices After her death, the victim was the women were deprived of their that promote the enabling of cremated by the police without privileges and rights. Though a lot the environment for women and the consent of her family and this of development and progress has children. claim is denied by the police. taken place during this period, still there a long and challenging Let me draw your attention to the Whenever we hear such news, journey for women in the present words of Dr Denis Mukwege, a it haunts our minds and insists age. doctor who treats rape victims and us to take at least some efforts who was awarded the Noble Prize to stop such incidents. We as Violence affects women in many for Peace in the year 2018, “the Christians are expected to look different ways throughout their credibility of the Gospel in the 21st unto our Master and Lord to follow lives. Right from the time of her century, to liberate the grace that His footsteps in dealing with such birth or even before, a girl could we have received by making the incidents. As our Lord honoured, become victim or target and it Church a light that still shines in respected women and resisted continues throughout all phases this world of darkness through our violence, we who are serving the in her lifetime. In all these phases struggles for justice, truth, law, God of Love shall exhibit it by women quietly suffer or even if freedom, in short, the dignity of valuing and respecting each one. raises her voice it is silenced or man and woman”. suppressed. www.csi1947.com November 2020 3 Church and the physically challenged Physically challenged people are affected just as any other average person. They experience, hurt, pain, sorrow, joy, happiness and other emotions. This physically challenged position can limit their ability to actively participate in the worship services at church and it also can affect the person spiritually. These limitations can leave a person with many negative feelings and attitude. Whereas we from our experience can find that such persons rely more upon Christ and His promises for their existence.

Accommodating these special people of God with genuine care and concern should be one of the top priorities of the Church. It is the “moral” obligation of the church to bring God’s message to those with special needs. Through improvements, the disabled people will feel more at home, have enhanced self-esteem and become more involved with the church’s activities. The church leaders can guide their congregation to accept and assist all, especially those with special needs.

The greatest news that God promises to His faithful followers is newness in Him. One day all His people will be changed and created new. “Individuals in this world, who are mentally and physically challenged, will no longer have to deal with their disabilities. The blind and lame will see, hear and run like deer on the new earth. There will be no more sorrow, death or pain.” Revelation 21:4

With these thoughts let me conclude this letter and may God bless and protect each one of us in this perilous time.

C. Fernandas Rathina Raja General Secretary, CSI

www.csi1947.com 4 November 2020 Church Needs to be Open to the Contextual Challenges

the beginning months not. Concurrently, we should of the deadly pandemic remember that evaluations, In COVID 19, there was questions, and criticisms are utter confusion among people blessings for the church to that whether the virus was a advance its understanding of naturally mutated one or a well- ministry and mission. designed human endeavour to resume a bio war surreptitiously. This is not the first time the Fortunately, until this time, church is addressing the issues there is no apparent evidence that emerged in the contexts of that supports the suspicion that plagues or pandemics. There the creation of the virus was a were periods in the history of human endeavour. At the same the church, that explains how time, the impact of the spread of the church had gone through in this tiny virus was beyond the similar contexts. It is necessary imagination of human faculty, to say that these kinds of issues and the current understanding of made a positive and negative medical treatment and scientific impact on the church. Very analysis. It questioned all spheres often, these kinds of problems of life, especially the religious life raise questions and challenges of people. Churches and other against the structure of the religious institutions fully closed church, method of mission and for several months due to the patterns of ministry and serve lockdown. Some people criticized – as an agent to restructure and What is the need for churches and reframe the understanding of the pastors? What is their distinctive church. In his article “Religious role in our lives? We know how Responses to the Black Death,” to live in this world without Joshua Mark described the having the ministry of pastors outbreak of the infamous plague and churches. Some of them in the medieval world from 1347 severely criticized that churches, through 1352. Since the cause of Rev. Dr Prinstone Ben temples and mosques saying the plague was unknown to the is currently serving that they are built exclusively people of the Middle Age, they as the Director of the for the survival of the priests. attributed to supernatural powers, Department of Pastoral Simultaneously, on the other side, particularly to God. Through Concerns of the Church there is a large group of people the lens of different worldviews, of South India (CSI) who are very much interested to Christians and Muslims viewed Synod. He is an ordained enjoy the ministry of the churches the spread of the deadly plague. minister of the South continuously prayed for resuming Christians understood it mainly Kerala Diocese of the worships and ministry of the as punishment from God for the CSI. church. But the above-mentioned sin of human beings and either it criticisms, give us an indication could also be caused by ‘bad air,’ that the church must consider the or witchcraft and sorcery and lack criticisms seriously and evaluate of piety. At the same time, Muslims whether the present church is able believed “the plague as a merciful enough to address the questions gift from God which provided of the people appropriately or martyrdom for the faithful, whose www.csi1947.com November 2020 5 souls were instantly transferred community that prevailed in the are complex ones, the answer to paradise.” Christians believed medieval period challenged and may also be multiple ones, but that the only way to overcome this criticized the church and its role, complement each other to serve deadly plague is to repent their it is interesting to see that such a clear response to the issue. sins and renew their dedication kind of a context eventually guided In contexts of complexities, the to God. With an intention to the people to be part of Protestant church should try its best to end this plague, they practised Reformation and Renaissance. answer the questions through fasting and prayer and some more meditation, discussions, and tied amulets for their safety and Bringing out a previous experience research. At the same time, there even they conducted processions of Church’s incapability to address are questions that deserve no to the church or a shrine of the the questions of the people in immediate answers and some of Virgin Mary. All these descriptions the medieval period is not for the them are above the understanding indicate that dread and confusions present church to escape from of human and it solely under had grown among the people day its role to respond to contextual the authority of God Almighty. by day during those days. issues. Or to say that there is no For instance, when disciples need for the church to involve asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the Joshua Mark writes, “the people’s in crucial issues because it time when you will restore the faith in God gradually declined automatically ends with some kingdom to Israel? He replied, it and they thought God is not positive impact in the life of the is not for you to know the times answering to the prayers and church. But to encourage the or periods that the Father has supplications. The role of the church to say that this is the set by his own authority” (Acts. church and its influence among right time to discuss, debate, and 1: 6,7). Now we are trying to find the people were questioned”. research on the current issue and out answers for the cause of this Moreover, “…the seeming evaluate that whether the present pandemic. Instead of spending ineffectuality of the Christian method of the pastoral ministry of time to find out the root cause of response to the people of the time the church is competent enough the pandemic whether it is divine caused many to question the to face the challenges COVID 19 or demonic, try to help the people vision and message of the Church brings before us. to understand our God one who and seek a different understanding helps us to go ahead in the midst of the Christian message and It does not mean that the of this pandemic. And ensure that walk of faith. This impetus would church is called to answer all a believing community is always eventually contribute to the the questions that the world with us on this difficult journey. Protestant Reformation and the raises before us. At the same Philosophical paradigm which time, it is not fair that if church Jesus said to the Pharisees and epitomizes the Renaissance.” purposely ignores the questions Sadducees, when they approached Though a pandemic affected of the people. If the questions him with a demand of sign, he www.csi1947.com 6 November 2020 criticised them, “You know how and we need to learn that it is divorce religion from reason… A to interpret the appearance of high time to address the issues second response consisted of the the sky; but you cannot interpret contextually and meaningfully. privatization of religion…. A third the signs of the times” (Mt. 16: response was to declare theology 3b). The present church should Once Church was not concerned itself as a science…. A fourth listen to the signs of the time and about the changes that happened response was … to establish its extend mission and ministry to the in the world and thought that hegemony by creating a ‘Christian people according to the context. A we are a chosen community and Society’…. The last response was century ago, the understanding of called to be away from worldly to…embrace the secular society.” the church was that the church things and our theological and (Bosch, Transforming Mission, is called to conqueror the world. ecclesiastical understanding 269, 270). We know that the But, in the middle of the last do not ask us to listen to the Church is called to address the century, the church began to developments in the world. For issues raised by the world and think about how the church can instance, enlightenment raised motivates the church members to have solidarity with the world. several severe questions before the involve in the issues in the world. Now Church learned that without church. David Bosch describes The history of the church reveals listening to the signs of the time, some of them as follows - “How the fact that enlightenment was the church cannot address the can God reign sovereignly if not the end of the world, but a issues of the world meaningfully. people understand themselves new beginning, a beginning of Once church thought that church to be free? Is God still active in a great awakening that caused prepares agenda for Christian a world in which it is believed impulses to the origin of voluntary mission and ministry. But now that people take the initiative to missionary movements. we learned that world prepares create whatever they need? Can agenda for Christian mission God still be the God of providence This is a good time for the pastors and ministry. One of the major and grace? Can he establish an and lay leaders to evaluate how discussions in the Willingen institute–the church—which much influence the church made Missionary Conference was that addresses the human world with in the lives of the believers as well “…if God works in the whole world, divine authority?” The different as neighbours of other religious then it is the world that sets the responses of the church to the traditions. The questions and agenda for the church, and not enlightenment in the different criticisms that we heard from the the church that is the sign and period also showed the church’s church members indicate that instrument of God’s presence in frustration, misunderstanding the church and its ministry did this world.” (Bevans, Constants in and gradual development of new not play a vital role in their lives. Contexts, 290). COVID 19 brings theological and ecclesiastical Instead of considering them as a lot of issues before the church, understanding. David Bosh writes, Pharisees and Sadducees let us especially before pastoral ministry “The first response … was to consider them as friends and www.csi1947.com November 2020 7 co-workers and listen to them and have conversations with them and understand their expectation from the pastoral ministry of the church. We do not know the things that inspired them to raise such severe criticisms. We do not know either the gravity of fear, frustrations, and agonies that our brothers and sisters experienced in the context of COVID 19. But at the same time, a meaningful conversation with the people will help us not only to make necessary changes in the method of pastoral ministry but also to recuperate the critiques and utilize them for the service of the church and society.

The present church should understand that there would be drastic changes in the theological and ecclesiastical understanding due to the contextual issues raised by COVID 19. Simultaneously, it gives us the motivation to evaluate the strength and weakness of the pastoral ministry. It is true that contexts enforce us to learn new things through engaging with their challenges and criticisms. When the church goes through severe questions, criticisms, and challenges, we must understand that there would be signs of advancement in thinking, vision, and ministry. The history of the church reveals that fact that crucial questions, challenges, and severe criticisms against church created doubts and confusions for a short period, but its aftermath would be times of renewal, strength, and abundant grace. We hope that the challenges that the COVID 19 brings before the church will remove all doubts and confusions immediately and help the church to do an effective ministry that addresses the contextual needs of the people.

www.csi1947.com 8 November 2020 Stewardship of Child Rearing

ntroduction: worse. The world’s most important Millions of families are in resource and the backbone of almost complete despair in this every society and the church on ICOVID 19 pandemic. the earth today are our children. Parents have to understand the The ignorance of basic spiritual God-given responsibility to give knowledge and giving less their children the right foundation. importance to Christian values It is necessary to produce lives full make us entirely lost to misguided of achievement, productivity and thinking and false values. The success. leaders of present generations have miserably failed in their Facing the Challenge responsibility to improve the Reflecting all kinds of influences world, to make it better for the which our children are exposed generations. New problems of and rearing children in present every kind are appearing with violent, morally permissive, older ones and are growing worse abusing and puzzling context are a seemingly every day. great challenge for the parents and also the leaders. The government leaders are proving themselves as utter This situation could be likened failures in leading the world out to a ship entering what the area of problems. The business leaders of the sea where the force of the have not been able to stabilize the wind and size of the waves beating world’s economy, but indulging on the parental ships and face a in their own greed without any wreck in the violent storm. ethics. Armies fail to bring peace in the world through military This nationwide lockdown has interventions. The researchers marked that our children spend and scientists have failed to help more time on social media and the world that struggle with food television. Virtually, we all are Rev. Christopher shortages, pollutions, global now exposed to the age of instant Dharmaraj, has been warming. The doctors and medical gratification through mass media. serving as the Director scientists have been unable to Television has spoon-fed awful diet of the Department of check the spread of deadly viruses to children. Television culture has Christian Education and bacteria and the diseases taught children to solve problems of the Church of South and other plagues that come through violence and force. India (CSI) Synod. He is from them. The church leaders Children no longer read beyond an ordained Presbyter have failed in bringing happiness, what is required by their schools. from the Coimbatore contentment and true purpose to Children have grown up not Diocese of the CSI. the lives of the people. even having been taught to think because they have not trained to They all are looking to the next read much. Television does not generation to bring final solutions require thinking or effort. There is to the world’s greatest problems. also evidence suggesting that early Yet, if the present depiction looks exposure to television can perhaps bad, then the future will be much ‘rewire’ a child’s developing brain www.csi1947.com November 2020 9 patterns, changing the child’s give the parents the tools they job tomorrow. When the parent thinking for the rest of life. needed to rear their children into completes their stewardship then With commercials interrupting becoming responsible, productive God will take over their children’s programming approximately adults in the present virtual world. lives. every seven minutes, it has been Children are no longer taught right demonstrated to produce a seven- from wrong, because so many of God designed children to be like minute attention span in children. their parents no longer seem to sponges, they were created to Odds Bodkin, a professional know the difference, even on the learn. They are like clay. Parents storyteller, says that children basics. How can the parents have can literally mould them. Proverb began to be restless after about the confidence to effectively rear 22: 6 says train up a child in the seven minutes, in anticipation a child in such a morally and way he should go, and when he is of a commercial break. This new spiritually upside-down world? old, he will not depart from it. phenomenon has been labelled as ‘Attention Deficit Disorder’ Parenting Our children Our future: Most of the parents assessed child- Let us request God to rear our Generation without values rearing is a matter of personal children as the daughter of In the present context, our opinions and made up with their Pharaoh requested Moses’ mother children live in a very different own rules, repeated methods (though she was the real mother of world than all previous used by parents the way in which the baby) to rear the little baby for generations. Today children are they listen to the confused, her. Let us appeal to the church cynical, emotionally drained disagreements with experts. So, to nurture our children. As Jurgen and carrying a kind of world- the parents disciplined their Moltmann points out that ‘the weary mentality. Many of them children sometimes too much, church is committed to answer seem tough and talk tough on other times too little or not at all. for the hope” (I Peter 3: 15). The the outside, but most of them When parents failed to nurture in hope enables us to recognize the are morally weak and spiritually good values, they essentially had dawning of the future. vacant inside. They have become a their children over to the worst generation of emotionally stunted possible ways. We have to train our children in children. As a result, they lack God’s way so that a child become empathy, they cannot feel for Rearing the family in the Christian a successful, productive, obedient, others, and they could barely way is that allowing God to happy and emotionally, physically, feel for themselves. They lack the rear our family. Childrearing spiritually mature adult. There is moral fibre or backbone to do the is stewardship and children hope. right thing. are gifts of stewardship. The efforts of parents’ stewardship Even the religions have failed to of childrearing will make God’s www.csi1947.com 10 November 2020 Girl Child: The Fragile Life

he decade to overcome and educate an optimistic violence against women has atmosphere for a girl child to Tbeen an ongoing movement survive. Three main concerns to educate and reeducate society. of the Girl Child have to be So there is an alarming need to highlighted to ensure protection: educate girls and very importantly the violent society who has Education: UN Secretary-General forgotten, ‘Girls have life and Ban Ki-Moon said, ‘The terrorist Girls are human being’. To bring showed what frightens them most: awareness and channelize the a girl with a book’. ‘The pen is challenges girls are facing there sharper than a sword’ is the old is a need to provide space. This saying and it has proved from becomes a platform to address time immemorial that education the vilest abuses and blames that is the only tool that uplifts the girls have been facing from the vulnerable to be empowered. In closed womb until covered tomb. the story of the healing of Naman, The United Nations has declared we see the little girl informing her October 11 as the International mistress in 2 Kings 5: 1ff. She Day of Girl Child for addressing says, “if only my Lord were with the issues and encourage the the prophet who is in Samaria, he world to work for the upliftment of would cure him of his leprosy. This girls, empowerment of them, and clearly shows, even though she to fulfil their human rights. was just a slave girl, she was used as an instrument of God in the The imbalance of sex ratio from unknown land to bring salvation to 0 to 15 years of age between girls the people. and boys is a clear indication that we are losing female population Slave girl being educated about her on the basis on social, cultural surrounding enabled healing of the and religious beliefs and customs. commander of the Syrian army. In 2008, the Ministry of Women Educate a girl and the nation will and Child Development decided become a resourceful land. Hansa to celebrate National Girl Child Mehta was the President of All Day (NGCD) on January 24th. The India Women’s Conference, who Ms Grace Juanita D., is a objectives of NGCD are as follows: encouraged gender equality and member of the Karnataka was the champion of education for Central Diocese of the Highlight the inequalities faced by all, and she made sure to print it Church of South India. She girls in the country in the constitution of India. Hansa is a ninth standard student Mehta ensured that the Article 1 at St. Claret School in Promote awareness about the of Universal Declaration of Human Bangalore. Grace is a rights of a girl child Rights was made inclusive and budding writer who is the phrase, ‘All men are born free also a violinist and a good Generate awareness on the and equal’ was changed into, ‘All singer. importance of girl education, human beings are born free and health and nutrition. equal’.

This year 2020 NGCD was Health: Holistic health focuses observed across the country on the body and mind healing; to mobilize awareness on the complete care and protection declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) for the welfare of the girl child. www.csi1947.com November 2020 11 The physical, psychological, that girl children are deprived of abuse. Violence in any form intellectual, and economic basic nutrition. A healthy child is has a very deep impact on the empowerment give holistic health capable of forming into a matured overall development of the child. to a girl child. The creativity of the adult to become a constructive Child abuse results in actual girl child is often confined behind asset to society. In the New or potential harm to the child’s walls and she is never considered Testament, we see, Jesus, raising health, survival, development to be of sound mind, which denies the daughter of Jairus from the and dignity. 53% of the children her self-worth. In Acts 12: 13ff, death bed. (Mark 5: 21ff) Even in India face some form of child Peter knocks the door and we see though we do not know the exact sexual abuse. The cases of rape Rhoda hears his voice. When she reason for this death, we may and murder of children increase informs those who have gathered presume if good nutritious food every year. Children’s exposure in the room, they said to her, “You would have been given, she would to sexual abuse continues to be are out of mind’’ (Acts 12: 15). But, have more resistant in her health. under-recognized and under- she insisted that it is Peter who The former Prime Minister of India, detected. It is detected only when a is standing at the door. Here, we Dr Manmohan Singh admitted child discloses to another person. see Rhoda recognizes Peter’s voice that malnutrition was a ‘national It is important to consider the and had the mind to discern. We shame’ where India produces child’s context and the risk of must recognize the sound mindful enough foods but unable to feed recurrence when determining presence of our girls who have her children. October 16th since treatment needs. The National enormous ability to save others 1945 the UN had declared World Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) from danger and equip her to face Food Day, a reminder for every one report says that there is no such a dangerous situation. of us to take measure to ensure safety for women and girls in that no one sleeps hungry. We also India. One rape happens every 16 Nutrition: In many parts of have statistics on how many of minutes in India and every four India, the birth of a girl child is them starve without one meal for minutes women experience cruelty not welcomed. Right from her days/weeks. How do we respond at the hands of her in-laws. In the arrival, she faces discrimination, to this crisis? year 2019, every day the country humiliation and oppression at was recorded with 88 rape cases; every stage of life. This indicates Another grave danger of all this is only those who have voiced that a girl child is neglected even times a girl child faces; she is themselves and have registered. from healthy food. Every growing abused physically, sexually and There are many more unregistered child needs a balanced diet mentally. It can be in the form cases and people still continue to irrespective of being a girl or a of injury, neglect or negligent blame girls for being raped. With boy. It is sad to know the reality treatment, blaming, and sexual the increased use of technology www.csi1947.com 12 November 2020 and internet child pornography, be changed. Parents make sure Bibliography: kidnapping, and tariffing are to do everything in their ability Varghese, Jaimon, Women another area where girls are and power to ensure that their Empowerment Through Literacy misused and abused. daughter is healthy, safe and Campaign: Role of Social Work, feels secure. Teaching daughters Concept Publishing Company, Girl child from every stage of her safety measures and unsafe touch 2012, India. life has to face threat to her life right from a very young age is and dignity in society and even mandatory. Equipping girls to https://vikaspedia.in/ the family. Girls have the right be strong and also reeducating social-welfare/women-and- to be safe, educated and lead families the value of girl child child-development/child- a healthy life, not only during helps the society to treat her as development-1/girl-child-welfare/ these critical formative years human. At a very young age, national-girl-child-day but throughout their lifetime. boys must be taught to treat girls Healthcare, education and equally. In Matthew 19: 14, Jesus https://www.shethepeople.tv/ growth opportunities, most of says, ‘’Let the little children come sepia-stories.india-women-draft- the girls are neglected because to me and do not hinder them, for constitution/? of being born as a girl. Various to such belongs the kingdom of measures and action plans are heaven”. The invitation of Jesus is https://indianexpress.com.article/ being implemented to provide clear; Jesus did not discriminate cities a safe environment for girl the Kingdom of heaven. children. Charity begins at home so does all the value of life and mentality towards girls has to

www.csi1947.com November 2020 13 Being the Best Version of Yourself

hen a girl wakes up in Encouragement from immediate the morning and looks family members is something every Wat herself in the mirror, girl wants. Encouragement could what does she feel about herself? be in the form of appreciation, Does she feel nice, does she feel a kind word, a boost of morale she is beautiful, does she feel or anything that pumps positive happy or sad especially when she energy. The exact opposite of this is all dressed and ready to step could be judgement! The impact out of her house only to realize that is seen when a girl is judged that there are so many eyeballs by her family is far more than that ready to judge her, regardless of we can understand. It may lead what she wears, how she looks, to momentary sadness, gloomy how she walks, how she talks and days and even a deeper scar. The so on. What others think seems to highest impact is to lead the girl take away so many of our joyous to form low esteem about herself. moments. We should all know that In today’s age, girls are still judged we are the best judge for ourselves, in many ways. These judgments we know ourselves better than may not see an immediate impact anyone else. In fact, we are with but gradually and slowly through ourselves everywhere we go but small thoughts and everyday did we ever try to reward ourselves decisions like altering the way for the very life that we live as they dress or speaking their heart humans?! The best gift anyone can out openly. Especially during give themselves is by being The adolescence, most girls hide their best version of themselves. While true self because they are scared this is true for all, everyone needs of criticism and rejection. They to see the best in them and be the let go of their real personality best they can be. Scientific reports so much that this makes them prove that the rate of depression depressed and irritated. is higher in teen girls than that of teen boys. Being a teenager Secondly, Equal opportunities for Ms D. Carol Elizabeth myself, I, therefore, feel it becomes girls in the society so that they Suma is a member of the extremely necessary for the are given the fortune to prove St. Paul’s Church in the parents, elders and the society to themselves in various aspects can Medak Diocese of the help us, youth, especially the girls help them become independent Church of South India. so that we become independent individuals. It affects both the She is a ninth standard and a more confident generation. genders, statistically, it is the student at St. Andrew’s girls who are most disadvantaged. School in Hyderabad. Building confidence “you” starts Girls also drop out of schools from wherever you are right now. at a very early age. In India What do you think helps build girls and boys experience their up a girl’s confidence? These adolescence differently. Boys tend could be small things that bear to experience greater freedom. no extra cost, extra price to pay While girls face a lot of limitations or extra time to give but will on making decisions affecting definitely make a growing girl their work, marriages and social into a strong woman. First of all, interactions. Some Indian women www.csi1947.com 14 November 2020 are global icons and powerful ‘Cry spells ‘ may also be a cause of • Beauty Bias – We voices in various fields, but most neurological injuries. unconsciously judge of the young girls do not enjoy people’s appearances and most of their rights due to deeply It also happens that we stereotype relate it to their personality. entrenched norms and traditions. people unknowingly. This is called Appearances are important in unconscious bias. According a workplace setting, as they Stereotyping girls is also a form of to www.diversity.uscf.edu, reflect professionalism and judging. It is a way in which girls unconscious biases are social self-awareness. Many judge are not given equal opportunities stereotypes about certain groups people too harshly based on like that of boys. From a very of people that an individual forms their physical appearances. young age, children are forced to outside their conscious awareness. Therefore one of the reasons learn what a male should behave Everyone holds unconscious why girls use makeup is to like and what a female should beliefs about various social groups, cover up blemishes on their behave like from their friends, and biases stem from one’s skins. family including schools. These tendency to organize social groups stereotypes have an adverse effect by categorizing. Judging women • Gender bias – Gender bias is on both the genders, and it is the based on their driving skills is an simply the preference of one teens who find it difficult to cope example of unconscious bias. Did gender over the other. It often

up with these stereotypes, as you know that there are different stems from our deep-seated this is the age they are exposed types of unconscious biases that beliefs about gender roles and to all of these situations. It is girls usually face unknowingly? stereotypes. a very common thing that girls They are: are stereotyped as a ‘cry baby’. Adolescence is marked by an But did you know that crying • Attribution Bias – Attribution internal struggle of being one’s is a natural stress reliever? In bias refers to how you perceive true self and a false projection of scientific terms, the increased your actions and those of self, says Mary Pipher. Girls face level of pseudobulbar effect is a others. It stems from our a lot of social pressures than that condition that is characterized by brain’s ability to assess the of boys. These pressures can be episodes of sudden uncontrollable reasons for certain behaviours. in different forms for different laughing or crying. This might be a Hence, it is important for us girls. The most common societal cause of depression or just a mood girls to know that if we do not pressures that almost every girl swing in teens due to the changes want to be judged, then we faces are appearance-related during the age of adolescence. shouldn’t judge others as well. pressures. It plays a major role in www.csi1947.com November 2020 15 building a negative body image. ones can become our confidant. Girls also face peer pressures Hence communication becomes especially those with higher Body important. Mass Index (BMI). It actually happens when parents force the Expressing what you feel in a girls to maintain a certain weight certain situation or any time that and shape. you might have felt embarrassed makes you feel better and might It is a fact that goes unnoticed make you feel that you are loved. that the most sensitive issues It is also important that we love in the society are spoken in the ourselves and keep reminding form of comedy. It might be in the ourselves that we are unique form of teasing by a friend or as individuals. We girls are gifted with complicated as bullying by school kindness. Did you know that being mates to stand-up comedy on king also benefits you? Research TV. Since it starts from the basic links kindness as a state of mental level in school by their friend, and emotional well-being. Studies some girls may start feeling that show that when people are kind, it is absolutely ok to be teased or they have lower levels of stress bullied and start thinking that it hormones and fight response is their fault. This might become calms down. Since fight response complicated because she will not calms down we girls have a better be able to recognize herself as a sense of anger management. Anger unique individual. management helps us recognize frustrations early and resolve them Going through all this, girls forget in a way that allows us to express being themselves. This might be what we need and helps us to because they want to impress be calm and controlled. Hence, somebody or because they want we also have better self- control. to mingle with a group or trying to Giving ourselves small joys makes live up to expectations. Changing us feel satisfied. We as girls should for the better is always good. But remember to adore and admire when you start feeling unsatisfied ourselves, only then will we reward or disconnected, that is when ourselves by being the best version you are trying to suppress your of ourselves. true self. Hence, it is important for girls to spend quality time with ourselves to know our own self better. Always remember that when we try to bring about a change in our bad habits we never feel depressed. It might be hard, but not suffocating. When you start being one per cent the better you, then it will the result in you being 365 per cent the better version of yourself. It is true that we find something new about ourselves every time we introspect our own self.

Being girls, we might have to listen to so many things about ourselves. But, when we are unable to take all the corrections positively or be happy, then we need help. Parents, friends or our loved www.csi1947.com 16 November 2020 ARM-AMEN-Movement 2020

A Missionary Journey through Jamanapudur & Bommikuppam

www.csi1947.com November 2020 17 MAITRI MEET in Mookkareddipati COVID-19 Relief

www.csi1947.com 18 November 2020 COVID-19 Relief

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CMS Press Bicentenary Celebrations

www.csi1947.com 20 November 2020 Advent in Pandemic Times - Let Us Keep ‘Samachithatha’

e are living in a ‘new and Gaul, Advent was a season of normal’ situation created preparation for the baptism of new Wby the pandemic due to Christians at the January feast of COVID 19 (Novel Coronavirus). Epiphany, the celebration of God’s Humankind was survived from incarnation represented by the disincline perpetually elapsed. visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus Hence, we started to not to be (Matthew 2: 1), his baptism in the bothered about our loss and profit. Jordan River by John the Baptist Lethargy and disinterest engulf (John 1: 29), and his first miracle us. Survival becomes the only at Cana (John 2: 1). During this goal in our daily lives. Many of season of preparation, Christians us are looking to God for divine would spend 40 days in penance, interventions. Human’s sagacity prayer, and fasting to prepare for is still not able to conceive the this celebration; originally, there horrendous situation due to the was little connection between chaos created by the pandemic. Advent and Christmas. We had gladly announced that it would be a ‘blessed year ahead’ Advent in Pandemic time during the last watch night Advent during the pandemic services; but perplexed and pained period remarks a journey towards by the eleven months passed by expecting hope and credence of in the ‘new year’. Are we able to God’s mighty hands. It proclaims find joy amidst hopelessness? Or, that without you I am nothing. are we still facing the tribulations? Every pandemic is related to the We should be able to find answers human activity of wretchedness. from the biblical interpretation in so it demands to go on back to the context of this advent season. Godly ways and reconcile with nature. Advent is a season of the liturgical Rev. Sabin Jo Benson year observed in many Christian Advent brings Hope, peace joy and is an ordained minister churches as a time of expectant love. In this pandemic situation, of the Church of South waiting and preparation for both how will we find out hope, joy, India (CSI) from the the celebration of the Nativity peace and love? This is what the Madhya Kerala Diocese. of Jesus at Christmas and the perplexing questions posed to us. He currently serves as return of Jesus at the Second But we can find the answers from the Vicar of Pullikkallu Coming. The period beginning the texts. Church and the four Sundays before Christmas Missionary in- Charge of observed in commemoration of the Romans 12: 15 says “Rejoice with CSI ‘Malayora Mission’. coming of Christ into the world. those who rejoice, weep with those The word ‘Advent’ is derived from who weep”. According to St. Paul, the Latin word adventus, meaning addressing the tribulation of the ‘coming’, which is a translation current scenario in any given of the Greek word ‘parousia’. context is this solidarity with Scholars believe that during the the people in their own joy and 4th and 5th centuries in Spain sorrows. www.csi1947.com November 2020 21 The social context of the text Romans 12 is a list of numerous briefs, bullet-pointed commands. Taken together, they paint a picture of what the living-sacrifice Christian life should look like. The unifying theme of the list is setting ourselves aside, to effectively love and serve the Lord, each other, and even our enemies. We must serve with enthusiasm and focus, mastering our emotions to rejoice in our future and be patient in our present. We must refuse to sink to evil’s level in taking revenge and instead overcome evil by doing good to those who harm us. ultimately everything is going to be Another one is the new Damascus contradiction alright, and the determined choice significance of life. The priority The word ‘contradiction’ is defined to praise God in every situation.” of Paul had been persecuting as “a statement or proposition that Paul raises two major aspects of Christians with the help contradicts or denies another or joy and tribulation. authority. Pursuantly he changed itself and is logically incongruous”. his priority. He nevertheless 1. Christ encounters considered his outward In the early Damascus 2. New significance of life tribulation, because he realised contradiction, Paul hardly believes the ultimate meaning of life. In that joy is always the reverse There is a great significance to positive psychology, a meaningful order of tribulation. After then he Paul’s encounter with Jesus on life is a construct having to do identified it as an irony. The term the road to Damascus. In it, we with the purpose, significance, ‘juxtaposition’ has represented find a matter of great prophetic fulfilment, and satisfaction of this irony. “Juxtaposition is an importance and one that further life. The term which is associated act or instance of placing two illuminates the divine authorship with the temper of St: Paul is elements close together or side by of God’s word. In later epistles, “Samachithatha” which means “An side”. This is often done in order Paul makes a couple of statements optimistic response in a pandemic to compare/contrast the two, to that need to be considered. The era.” This is Paul’s remedy for show similarities or differences, first one comes in 1 Corinthians every tribulation. Romans 8: 18 etc. Paul’s ultimate command 15: 8, where Paul states, “he has says: “consider that our present is “rejoice in the Lord always”, seen of me also, as of one born out sufferings are not worth comparing though he was being a prisoner. of due time”. their encounter has with the glory that will be revealed The two lines of Paul’s suffering been the remedy of his perplexity. in us.” It was a reprise of St. John are his personal suffering- his Here 3 aspects revealed in this 16: 33: “I have told you these struggle with the thorn in the verse. things, so that in me you may have flesh; and his suffering through peace. In this world you will have persecution for Christ’s sake. It 1. To feel an extreme joy. trouble. But take heart! I have is through his personal suffering 2. He saw that most precious one. overcome the world.” All suffering that Paul endears himself to his 3. Experiencing God. for the Christian is meant to readers. 2 Cor. 12: 1-10 reveals produce joy and strength in us. So the function of the thorn- it Paul realised that there is no do not forsake “samachithatha” (a brings vindication. Never ever dissimilitude with man and God. calm and sensible approach) with differentiate to one from another. Pandemic is also like an encounter all tribulations. Paul was theologizing that joy is of God’s advent. The notion of essentially intrinsic feeling not Christ’s coming (advent) mitigate Romans12: 15 suggests: “Rejoice an eccentric one. Rick Warren all the temporal tribulation. This with those who rejoice, weep with adds his own definition: “Joy is is what Paul realised as hope. If those who weep”. This verse deals the settled assurance that God anyone can retain joy with advent, with the subject of Christian is in control of all the details of s/he can find happiness in any Clemency, not lenity. ‘Lenity’ my life, the quiet confidence that kind of circumstances. is “subjective emotionalism, www.csi1947.com 22 November 2020 whereas ‘Clemence’ is the ability emphasize with a person’s joys Conclusion to objectively relate to another than his sorrows; in the first case Every pandemic is not an end person’s situation”. Clemence is the other person needs us, and of the humankind. It represents the ability to identify with people in the other case s/he does not. a probability of contiguous life. in their problems. To love with ‘Weep with those who weep’. A Joy and tribulation have been clemency is to put oneself in the hard-hearted has no compassion nevertheless soluble of reality. So place of another. It is the ability for those who are in sorrow. A why should we worry about these? to project oneself into the needs of loving person is not glad at the Always be with clemence to the another person. calamity of others. The principle entire life. It will be leading us for of true Christian cannot be the integrity of Christian life. So, What does “Rejoice with those selfishly indifferent to others. Both let us keep ‘samachithatha’ in this who rejoice” mean? When we are rejoicing with those who rejoice pandemic time and celebrate the jealous of another’s successes, and weeping with those who weep advent and rejoice in the Lord. we cannot rejoice with him/her are indications of Christian love. because we are in the business of Envy and rivalry do not emphasize comparing ourselves as being more with others because those sins are favourable than s/he is. A loving self-centred. That attitude is “me person takes pleasure in another’s against the world.” True biblical success. It is more difficult to attitude is other-centred.

Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan Passes Away oseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the spiritual Jhead of the Mar Thoma Church, and one of the tall leaders of the Communion of Churches in India by which CSI, CNI and Mar Thoma are ‘sister churches’, passed away on 18th October 2020 at Thiruvalla in Kerala. Most Rev. Dharmaraj Rasalam; the Moderator of the Church of South India, Rt. Rev. Reuben Mark; the Deputy Moderator, Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina raja; the General Secretary, and Prof. Dr Vimal Sukumar; the Hon. Treasurer expressed deep grief on the demise of the Mar Thoma Joseph Mar Thoma was the 21st the Mar Thoma Church in June Metropolitan. They pointed Metropolitan and the current 1957, and priest later the same out the contributions of the primate of the Malankara year. Having pursued his master’s Metropolitan to the ecumenical Marthoma Syrian Church. The degrees in Master of Divinity and movements in India and felt that Metropolitan had been undergoing Master of Sacred Theology from his demise is an irreversible loss treatment for pancreas cancer at a England, the Metropolitan was to ecumenism. The officers of the private hospital in Thiruvalla and later awarded an honorary Doctor Synod thankfully remembered his condition deteriorated sharply of Divinity degree by the Protestant that the Mar Thoma Metropolitan over the second week in October. Episcopal Seminary in Virginia, presided over the meeting of the He breathed his last around 2.40 United States. Communion of the Churches in a.m on Sunday. His passing away India (CCI) held at CSI Synod was at the age of 89. The funeral of the Metropolitan Centre, Chennai in 2015. He took place on 19th October at presided over the meeting of CCI He was installed as Mar Thoma Thiruvalla. held at Simla in 2016 too. Metropolitan on October 2, 2007. He was ordained as a deacon of ~CSI Synod Communications www.csi1947.com November 2020 23 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod Mission Samaritan Purse has been Inaugurated was another mile-stone in the history of the Church Itand the Mission when the CSI Mission Samaritan Purse (CSI Synod MSP) donation boxes have been inaugurated by Adv. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, Church of South India at CSI Synod Centre on 30th September 2020 at CSI Synod Centre, Chennai. The Inauguration Ceremony was presided over by Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director for the Communication Department In these places, they don’t Rev. Sunil Raj Philip while and Adivasi-Dalit Department. get any good facilities for the he was making a presidential Rev. Christopher Dharmaraj, health care or education. In this address during the CSI Synod Director for the Christian pandemic situation, they are really MSP Donation Box inauguration. Education Department has struggling, even they don’t know He further added that Synod offered a dedication prayer for the whether they are affected COVID departmental activities was like donation boxes followed by the 19 or not. But by disregarding all a dead log of wood due to the inauguration. these crucial struggles, they are CORONA Virus. Now, it is coming serving the community for the back into the track of action. It “We are called out to extend transformation. is starting with a noble cause as the support and help to the Samaritan Purse which is very missionaries”, stated by Adv. C. It is the need of the hour to much needed of the time. There Fernandas Rathina Raja, General support the Missionaries and is an unhealthy notion that the Secretary, CSI Synod. He further Evangelists as much as possible. persons who are working in the stated during the inauguration This MSP is the right initiative and vineyard should be poor. But It speech of MSP Donation Box that move to support our missionaries is not for the luxurious life, on we are called out to work in the and the evangelists through the other hand, they must have synod secretariate. God helped extending possible medical-aid. a decent life. They should have us to work along with our family, Comparatively, we are blessed bear minimum facilities to have live and work with our friends thus far. So, it is our bounden health care, education and so on. and relatives. But why we are duty to share our blessing for the Therefore, imposing poverty on starting this MSP. We have two well-being of our missionaries. them is not the Christian way. thousand missionaries and one How much amount we are They should have good health. thousand evangelists. Most of donating is not the matter at all, This is the concept behind the them are working along with their but our love, compassion, and care MSP. As little drops of water families in far places and remoted must be the driving force towards ultimately make a sea, little drops areas which are the less-privileged this MSP. Don’t wait for others of kindness come to this purse areas. It is only because of their to put the money in the donation ultimately make a sea of love and passion, sacrifice and dedication, boxes, but we can do it as much care for the missionaries, added by they are working. The salaries of as possible out of our solidarity Rev. Sunil Raj Philip. missionaries are remarkably very towards the missionaries. Thus, less which varied from Rs.3000- God will bless us and bless our Following to the inaugural 4000-6000. Not only this, they family and life. This MSP must be speech, the General Secretary don’t have any basic financial promoted in Diocesan as well as has inaugurated the CSI Synod background to give good education pastorate level. Thus, we should MSP Donation Box by depositing to their children and good health do maximum support and help to the first free-will offering into the care also. But, only because of the missionaries who are working Donation Box. their commitment and zeal for in most vulnerable areas, General the mission and evangelism, they Secretary added. “CSI Synod MSP is the creative are serving by risking their life in step in order to ensure the basic these less-privileged areas for the “Sprouts and flowers are coming good life for the missionaries and well-being of others. out of a dead log of wood”, said evangelists who are working in www.csi1947.com 24 November 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

the vulnerable situation for the The Synod Office Mangers Mr. He told that these donation boxes well-being of others”, said Rev. Paul Diwakar, and Mr. Martin are arranged to collect free will Christopher Vijayan, general Selvasahayam, Mrs. Jaya offerings and donations from the Secretary, National Missionary Theodore, and the representatives well-wishers in order to extend Society of India (NMSI). He further of the Synod staffs Mr. D. medical aid to the missionaries added that this new initiative Othaniel Samraj, and Mr. S. who are in a most vulnerable will connect all the parishes and Gnanapragasam have conveyed condition. Eventually, the support parishioners of CSI and even their greetings to MSP. Moreover, will be extended the mission fields other Christian Churches to they have suggested to donate one- and the community at a large, he extend possible support and help day salary to the CSI Synod MSP. added. to the missionaries who are in Furthermore, they said that the need. We need to know that our MSP Donation Box will encourage The CSI Synod MSP inauguration missionaries are not at all making others to donate for this noble ceremony was concluded with a complaints or worries about their cause and It will boost up the self- prayer by Rev. Christopher Vijayan health or education facilities for reliance and self-support. and the attendees have offered their children. On the other hand, their free-will offerings into the they are tirelessly working for The Meeting was started with a boxes which marks their solidarity the well-being of others and they Bible Reading taken from Luke and continuous support towards are truly concerned about other’s 10: 25-37 which was read by the MSP in the days to come. health care and educational needs. Mrs. A. Japarani Sundararaj, Therefore, it is our responsibility to Department Office Secretary. Rev. Rev. Maxcin John encourage and support them out Maxcin John, Director for the Director, of our best level, Rev. Christopher Synod Mission and Evangelism Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, Vijayan added. has explained the purpose of the CSI Synod. CSI Synod MSP Donation Boxes. ARM-AMEN-Movement 2020 hurch of South India is a respective Dioceses of CSI. They All of them deserve special Missionary Church with are the pioneers for the Church recognition, continuous support Can ardent evangelistic zeal. who are engaged in this critical and encouragement to move on. The life and the strength of the work, which seeks to achieve a Thankfully, all the Dioceses have Church are rooted in missions sustainable transformation with given great importance to their and evangelism, while a passion the people who are living in the missionaries and the evangelists. for missions is the spirit of the grassroots and underprivileged However, the present situation of Church. Moreover, mission and circumstances. Undoubtedly, all COVID-19 has adversely affected evangelism are key priorities of the missionaries and evangelists are the life and work of people Church. living embodiments of the Gospel everywhere. It has also negatively who seek to expand Christ’s affected the Dioceses’ capacity It is noteworthy to mention that communities and, they are to meet basic requirements. At the Church has many dedicated welcoming of all people into the this juncture, the Department and passionate missionaries and discipleship of Jesus Christ. of Mission and Evangelism, CSI evangelists who are working in Synod, would like to join with the mission fields of the Church The Church is indebted to the the Dioceses to remember our of South India under their missionaries and the evangelists. missionaries and evangelists who are in a very dire situation. To this end, the Department would like to engage through the “ARM-AMEN MOVEMENT-2020”.

The word ‘ARM’ is used as an acronym which stands for “Always Remember Missionaries “and ‘AMEN’ signifies the response of the Church to ‘ARM’ as ‘let it be’. Furthermore, ‘movement’ denotes an ‘ongoing moving www.csi1947.com November 2020 25 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism experience’. Thus, “ARM-AMEN Evangelism would like to extend Vijayan, General Secretary, MOVEMENT” is a ‘specific and COVID-Relief Food Kits to the National Missionary Society of particular missional call to all Missionaries and Evangelists India, Rev. Dr Prinstone Ben, congregations to support and of CSI through “ARM-AMEN Director for the Pastoral Concerns, encourage the missionaries and MOVEMENT”. In this regard, the CSI Synod, Rev. K. Daniel Edwin, evangelists unceasingly’. Besides, Department is deeply indebted to General Secretary, Global Mission it will serve as a new mission- the beloved Moderator, Deputy Society, Rev. Kanthayyah, praxis model which will address Moderator, General Secretary, and Vicar, NGO Colony CSI Church the missional challenges from time the Treasurer of CSI Synod for Palayamkottai, and Mr Arputharaj, to time by which in addition to the the fund allocation towards this Mission Coordinator for GMS have missionaries, the needy and the important initiative. participated in the distribution. most vulnerable will be benefited A fifty Missionary families in out of it. Therefore, this movement In connection to the ARM- Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese will stand as an ongoing prayer Amen-Movement, COVID 19 have been benefited out of this to God as well as an invitation to relief kits contain thousand movement. the congregation for the resource of rupees of grocery items mobilization for the well-being of have been distributed for the Rev. Maxcin John others without any discrimination. Missionaries of Global Mission Director, Society in Thoothukudi-Nazareth Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, At this point of time, the Diocese on 20th October 2020 at CSI Synod. Department of Mission and Mookkareddipati. Rev. Christopher

Unveiled the Unknown Tears: A Missionary Journey through Jamanapudur and Bommikuppam Missionary Journey through Jamnapudur A and Kammakuppam has unveiled the unknown tears of the people out of their struggles. A journey was organized by the Department of Mission and Evangelism along with Global Mission Society (GMS) in Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese on paralysis in long years. He was the of Mission and Evangelism, 21st October 2020. It was a time of bread-winner for his family. His CSI Synod, participated in the witnessing the people’s struggles wife Selvarani and their children Mission journey. Rev. K. Daniel who are living in the most Abhirami and Akash were literally Edwin along with Mr Arputharaj vulnerable situation. The chronic crying in longing for a supportive have organized the exposure deceases, financial burdens, lack accompaniment to moving visit. Rev. Stephen Selvaraj, Mr of support and encouragement, ahead amidst of their struggles. Thankamony, Mr Yoshuva Daniel, poverty, denial of basic needs It is a crucial time to identify Miriam, Daniel Azariah, Samuel and human rights, and social the missional challenges of the Bhagya, Selvamony, Joy Sathya, alienation are the crucial and communities in which the Church Nelson, Akash and Selsia have burning issues of the people who has to address the struggles of accompanied the visit. It was the are living in these fields. Water the people. Thus, the visit has time of learning and listening scarcity and educational needs emphasized the need to unleash together for the sustainable also are crucial in these areas. the life-negating knots for the well- transformation of the given being of others who are mostly context. It was a heartbreaking experience affected. to meet Ms Ambika, an old lady Rev. Maxcin John with blindness who has no proper Rev. Dr Prinstone Ben, Director Director, shelter to live. And in another for the Pastoral Concerns, and Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, case, we were pained to see Mr CSI Synod, Rev. Maxcin John, CSI Synod. Shekhar who is suffering from Director for the Department www.csi1947.com 26 November 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News MAITRI MEET in Mookkareddipati

he Department of Mission in the Context of COVID-19”. was leading a session based on and Evangelism, CSI Synod, He added that Prayer is a must “MAITRI”. Being a Missionary has organized a one-day in our daily life so that we may is not a privilege, rather it is all T th Missionary conference on 20 able to face and overcome the about responsibilities and duties October 2020 at CSI Church, crisis in our life. Based on Psalm towards other’s well-being, he Mookkareddipati in Thoothukudi- 91: 3, he highlighted that the added. Missional accompaniment Nazareth Diocese. The conference gracious God will liberate us from means being with the people in was based on “MAITRI” (Missional the deadly pestilence. Therefore, their struggles until thorough Accompaniment for Inclusive with prayer and hope, we need transformation and assure them a Transformation through Radical to engage in the mission of God. bright future and also ensure their Intervention). The Meeting was During this pandemic period, we basic needs and rights, he added. inaugurated by Rev. Christopher should educate people to adhere Vijayan, General Secretary, to the COVID 19 protocol. A Rev. K. Daniel Edwin, General National Missionary Society of motivational accompaniment is Secretary, Global Mission Society, India. needed for this time since people has organized the program along are exhausted physically, mentally with the Mission Coordinator “Jesus Christ is accompanying us and spiritually. Prayer, preaching Mr. Arputha Raj. One hundred during the time of our crisis and and teaching of the word of God, and twenty Missionaries have dilemmas”, said Rev. Christopher sharing of our resources for others participated in the conference. Vijayan during his inaugural well-being will be the considerable Rev. Kanthayya and a youth speech. He has highlighted the missional engagements in these Team from NGO Colony Church, passage of Luke 24: 13-35 which days, he added. Tirunelveli also have attended the narrates the journey of Jesus conference. Christ with the disciples who “We must be health conscious and were travelled to Emmaus. He adhere the COVID 19 Protocol, not The conference was a venue has further added that Jesus’ only for us but also for the safety for Missional empowerment, accompaniment was the source of others”, said Dr Shobana Bhari encouragement, motivation of education, empowerment, while she was taking a session and rejuvenation in the severe motivation and encouragement based on Health Awareness in situation of COVID 19. It was an which enabled the disciples to the Context of COVID 19. She opportunity to reexamine and overcome the problems in their has educated the participants rededication which has really life. It ultimately resulted in new regarding the taking of proper enhanced the capacities of the vision and mission, he added. food, medication, do an exercise, Missionaries and equipped them and take necessary precautions for more missional engagements. “Unless and until we are not during the time of the pandemic. able to identify the signs of the Prayer and its actions must go Rev. Maxcin John age, we can’t participate in the together in these days, she has Director, mission of God”, said Rev. Dr added. Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, Prinstone Ben, the Director CSI Synod. for the Pastoral Concerns, CSI “Became and becoming the Synod, while he was leading a gospel is the need of the hour”, session based on “The Mission said Rev. Maxcin John while he www.csi1947.com November 2020 27 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism ARM-AMEN Movement in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese

he Trichy-Tanjore Diocese Ravikumar; the Lay Secretary, initiated by the Department of has organized COVID Mr S. Rajendran; the Treasurer, Mission and Evangelism CSI TRelief food Kit Distribution Mr. Simon Sugumar; the Mission Synod in order to extend help to in connection to the “ARM- Secretary and Rev. Dr Arul Singh; the missionaries during the period AMEN-MOVEMENT” on 10th the Mission Director attended and of COVID-19. However, it will be October 2020 at Bishop Heber led the function. a recurring programme which will College, Trichy. The Rt. Rev. Dr address any crisis like a pandemic D. Chandrasekaran, Bishop in A One-Day Missionary conference or a calamity in the future. Trichy -Tanjore Diocese and the also has been conducted along Chairman for the Department with the food kit distribution. Rev. Maxcin John of Mission and Evangelism has Twenty-two missionaries were the Director, inaugurated the programme. Rev. beneficiaries of the ARM-AMEN- Department of Mission and K. Sudharsan; Clerical Secretary MOVEMENT. This movement was Evangelism in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese, Mr D. the new mission praxis model CSI Synod.

www.csi1947.com 28 November 2020 Dept. of Christian Education CSI Synod News The Diocesan Directors’ Meeting of the Department of Christian Education Held on Virtual Platform. virtual meeting of the department in the dioceses were able to get more participants for Directors of the Christian shared in the meeting. the exam. The Children’s Sunday A Education Department in November 2020 was also a of the Dioceses of the Church There was a discussion on the point of discussion. It is decided of South India (CSI) was held online VBS and online Sunday to give more space for children in under the leadership of the school. Some dioceses were the worship service in the special Synod Department of Christian able to conduct online VBS. A Sunday. A special programme Education. The meeting started few dioceses are successfully may be initiated on the world with an opening prayer offered and systematically conducting Sunday school day that falls on 1st by Rev. Christopher Dharmaraj, online Sunday school. One November. the Director of the Synod of the dioceses conducting Department. Rt. Rev. Timothy Sunday school classes through The meeting paid a tribute to Ravinder, the Chairperson of the smartphones like a conference the former Indian President Mr. Department, shared devotion. call. Some other by Zoom App. Pranab Mukherjee. Those who Adv. Fernandas Rathina Raja, The dioceses are using different attended gratefully remembered the General Secretary of the CSI platforms with their viability. the former Deputy Moderator Synod, conveyed greetings to the Some dioceses have their own and present bishop in Dornakal; directors. YouTube channel. Some had their Rt. Rev. Vadapally Prasad Rao Sunday school tests online. It and former Deputy Moderator Directors from 21 Dioceses was decided in the meeting that and former bishop in Madurai – took part in this meeting. They there is a need to encourage our Ramnad Rt. Rev. Dr Porthirajalu, shared the details about the children to pray for the global whom the church lost within a departmental activities which church by having solidarity with span of hardly two months. The addressed to the contemporary children of partner churches of meeting came to a close by prayer issues. The details of the processes CSI. The meeting discussed the and benediction by the Rt. Rev. of enhancing Sunday school Peter Cater Scripture Knowledge Timothy Ravinder. teachers and parents for child- Exam 2021 and it was suggested friendly churches, church-centred that we should inform the Rev. Christopher Dharmaraj children, and zero tolerance participants much in advance. Director, to sexual abuse and how the There was a proposal to have an CED, Synod. lockdown period challenges online exam. The directors said common activities of the that the following year we will be

www.csi1947.com November 2020 29 News CSI Synod Dept. of Christian Education Peter Cater Scripture Knowledge Examination eter Cater Scripture Malayalam and Tamil languages. encouragement for them. There Knowledge Examination Examination will conduct in are 34 students who got ranks Pconducted by the department the respective churches and in four regions and received cash of Christian Education, CSI institutions on the selected date in awards and certificates from Synod every year. It is a self- the month of January. Synod. Expected more students study programme for children to participate in this exam in the and brings a systematic growth Peter Cater Scripture Knowledge following year. of scriptural knowledge. It has Exam 2020 results were published unifying factor for all the four and the winners were awarded Rev. Christopher Dharmaraj South Indian linguistic groups. by the Synod and bishops of the Director, The department prepares question respective dioceses distributed CED, Synod. paper in English, Telugu, Kanada, to the participants. It was great

News CSI Synod CSI SEVA CSI - SEVA Moves Ahead in Fulfilling its Commitment to Children, Gender Minorities and People with Disabilities Virtual Meetings on Policy with the Programme Executive Madurai – Ramnad Diocese: Dissemination: of Girl Child Campaign, Ms CSI -SEVA was honoured by Aruna Stephen, through a the presence of the Madurai – Vellore Diocese: Powerpoint Presentation. The legal Ramnad Bishop, at this Policy “Let the CSI Child Protection Policy implications were dealt with Mr D. dissemination workshop. The be mandatory like a Constitution Solomon Raja, Senior Programme participants were welcomed “, was the response of one of Executive of CSI – SEVA. After the the participants during the presentation, the floor was open dissemination of Child Protection for discussions on how to take Policy, to the Vellore region key this forward. The participants gave people. their valuable suggestions on the topic. Child Protection Policy was disseminated to the Vellore Diocesan key people, who will be by the Director of CSI – SEVA, responsible to take this forward Rev. M. Benjamin Inbaraj. The in their diocese. The Need for Vulnerability Mapping Contexts the Policy was introduced by were explained to them through a the Director of CSI – SEVA, Powerpoint Presentation, by the Rev. M. Benjamin Inbaraj. The Programme Executive, Girl Child Vulnerability contexts were dealt Campaign, Ms Aruna Stephen and www.csi1947.com 30 November 2020 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News the Legal Systems available for Ms Glory Thomas asserted that the safety of the child by Senior the need of the hour is - churches Programme Executive, Mr Solomon becoming child friendly and safe Raja, both from CSI – SEVA. After spaces for children. She imparted which there was time given for about children with disabilities, questions and suggestions for the street children, child labour, way forward. The participants child abuse, children in conflict suggested that, if they would with the law, children in armed be provided with Posters and included Presbyters, Institutional conflict, Gender non-conforming Pamphlets, in their regional Heads, Wardens and Department children and the sexual offence language, which could be used Heads, took part in the Policy against them. She also explained in their congregations, especially dissemination workshop held at on the vulnerability contexts of in the rural areas it would be Bishop Heber’s College, Trichy on children in community, family, of immense assistance. Closing 8th October 2020. The presence of educational space and churches. Prayer and Benediction was by the Bishop of Trichy – Tanjore Diocese Ms Aruna Stephen, Programme Bishop. encouraged each and everyone in Executive, Girl Child Campaign, the hall. talked about the legal systems Kanyakumari Diocese: and the Acts regarding Child “Kindly provide training on During the inaugural session, the Protection. She conveyed about Child Abuse, Child Rights, Legal opening prayer was offered by POCSO (Prevention of Child from Systems and Child Protection Rev. Rajamansingh, the Chaplain Sexual Offences Act) and JJ Policy for the diocesan officers” of Bishop Heber’s College. Rev. (Juvenile Justice Act), and Circle was the request of the participants M.J.Rajaiah, DCC Chairman, of Care. Mr Solomon Raja, Senior during this dissemination. Trichy, welcomed the gathering. Programme Executive stressed on Opening Prayer and Introduction Mr Chandrasekar, Child Care implementing the Guidelines found on the need of the Policy was Co-Ordinator, introduced the in the CSI Child Protection Policy, given by the Director, CSI – SEVA, CSI – SEVA Director and the by identifying the pre-abusive Rev. M. Benjamin Inbaraj. The Programme Executives and the contexts. Ms Glory Thomas in her Bishop felicitated the Team. Rev. second session talked about the M. Benjamin Inbaraj- Director, importance of Gender Equity in CSI – SEVA, felicitated the our congregations. The Director diocesan Officers. He explained of CSI – SEVA opened the floor for the significance of CSI – SEVA’s feedback. Ms Christy, Principal, ministry in the Church of College of Nursing in Dharapuram, South India and the need for a shared her thesis on community Socioeconomic Director, Project Policy- to put things in place- health and expressed that such Coordinator, Presbyters, Senior in our Churches and diocesan training is the need of the hour. Warden and parents of children institutions. He also insisted about Mr Suseekaran, Headmaster, with special needs took part in this the prominence of constituting an Bishop Heber Higher Secondary ZOOM meeting. Mr Solomon Raja, Internal Complaints Committee School, shared that he conceived Senior Programme Executive, in every institution of the diocese. ideas from this workshop to CSI – SEVA and the Programme The Director also spoke on ensure the protection of each child Executive, Girl Child Campaign, the Guidelines for More Able in his school. Ms Kavitha, the CSI – SEVA, and Ms Aruna Churches, Local Capacities for Warden, shared her learnings from Stephen, gave inputs on the legal Peace and Relief and Disaster this workshop. Rev. D. Suresh implications and vulnerability Management programmes in Kumar, Director, Children Ministry contexts, to the participants. It the diocese. Mr Rajendran, the Department, expressed that the was then decided that a date Diocesan Treasurer, shared his sessions were helpful. Closing can be fixed for the training for vast experiences in working with Prayer was offered by Rev. Iniyan the Officers of the diocese, after children. He also expressed his Joshua and Benediction by Rev. I. consultation with the Bishop. concern about the lifestyle of Prabakaran. families in bringing up children. Physical meetings on Bible Reading was by Ms Daisy Madras Diocese: policy dissemination: Manimaran. Reflection was by 12th October 2020, TEAM- SEVA the Bishop. Rev. I. Prabhakaran, was present at LITE auditorium, Trichy – Tanjore Diocese: offered the Closing Prayer and Chennai for the dissemination Twenty-three participants which Benediction was by the Bishop. of Child Protection Policy in www.csi1947.com November 2020 31 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA the Madras Diocese. All the Rev. Manual S Titus reflected CSI and its institutions. After Programme Executives gave a on the Bible Passage. Following which, the Programme Executive, short account of their work in this, the Director of CSI – SEVA of DISHA -the Programme for CSI - SEVA. Opening Prayer offered his felicitations. Ms Glory Disability, Dr Jason Christian was offered by Socio-Economic Thomas revealed the vulnerability spoke about guidelines on More Department Director, Rev. contexts of a child, through a Able Churches and Disability Samson. Felicitations were done Powerpoint Presentation. Ms Octave. Mr Praveen Daniel, by the diocesan Secretary, Rev. Aruna Stephen spoke about the Programme Executive for Building Manuel Titus. Bible Reading was Legal systems that are available Local Capacities for Peace, LCP, by Rev. Easter Rajan, Associate for children, girls in particular. spoke about conflict resolution Director of the Department. Then Mr Solomon Raja enlightened and conflict transformation the participants about the particularly with reference to the Implementation Guidelines of context in Mandabasalai, Madurai CSI-CPP, followed by Ms Merlin and among the youth in various Jochebeth, Programme Executive, dioceses od CSI. GEET -Gender equity program of CSI, along with Ms Glory Thomas Ms. Aruna Stephen, spoke about Gender Equity and Programme Executive, the need for Gender Policy for CSI – SEVA

News CSI Synod Dept. of Communication COVID 19 Relief Work in Various Dioceses Madras The CSI Formation Day was Church and Vallamkulam C.S.I CSI Wesley English Church at St celebrated by the church. By Church. Thomas Mount under the Diocese distributing masks with the CSI of Madras reached 200 days of logo printed on it. Omalloor CSI St. Stephen’s Youth continuous relief work during the distributed more than 400 N-95 lockdown due to COVID 19 with The resident association at Masks to Omalloor Panjayath an extensive reach to the states of Alandur joined the church in relief members and Staff, and staffs of Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Orissa, work by sponsoring about 90 food Pathanamthitta KSRTC, KSEB, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Nagaland , kits and personally distributed at Post Office, Muncipal Cleaning Kashmir and even Yemen. Paraniputhur Church Parish Hall. staffs and also to families in Manjanikkars ‘Lakshamveedu’ One of the well- wishers donated Madhya Kerala colony. Omalloor Grama Panjayath a motor bike to a missionary in With the financial support of a President inaugurated the the Godchiroli district to help his noble member of the St. Joseph’s distribution in the presence of mission work in Chellawada. More C.S.I Church Poovathoor, who Panjayath members, the Church than 200 mission workers of the resides in UAE, the youth Wardens and Secretary. Diocese and independent workers movement of the church under the were provided relief. Transgenders leadership of the vicar distributed and Physically handicapped, 450 vegetable packets to the especially visually challenged, were families in Poovathoor, Othera supported with grocery. C.S.I Church, Kothavaruthy C.S.I

www.csi1947.com 32 November 2020 Dept. of Communication CSI Synod News CSI Formation Day Celebrated at KUTS with an International Webinar and Thanksgiving Service

he Kerala United Theological inaugurated the webinar. Rev. Dr Seminary and was concluded Seminary (KUTS) in Michael Jagessar, the Moderator with the benediction by Rt. Rev. TTrivandrum is one of of URC 2014-14, Europe Council H. Sharma Nithiyanandam; the pioneer ecumenical theological for World Mission (CWM), and an Bishop in Vellore diocese. The seminaries in the Senate of international professor of KUTS, thanksgiving prayer was held after Serampore University, run by presented the keynote address the webinar in Jeffry Paul Chapel the six dioceses of the Church of on the theme “doing theology under the leadership of Rev. A. South India (CSI) in Kerala. The in the context of a pandemic Vinod Allen, the Registrar of the seminary was established on 16th or towards rethinking mission- Seminary and Rt. Rev. Dr. G. June 1943. After the formation ministry-church during and Devakadasham shared the Word of of the Seminary, Rt. Rev. A. H. after COVID-19”. The seminary God. The webinar was a historical Legg once said: “it was the first Governing Council President event and a golden milestone in time in the history of the church Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen; the historical legacy of KUTS and that Episcopal Church and non- former Moderator of CSI and the Church of South India. The Episcopal churches officially co- the Bishop in Madhya Kerala meeting was made unique by the operated to establish a common Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Oommen gracious participation of bishops seminary for the training of their George; the Governing Council namely Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, ministers”. An international Vice President and the President of Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravinder, Rt. webinar in celebration of the 74th Kerala Council of Churches, and Rev. H. Sharma Nithiyanandam, formation day of the Church of Rt. Rev. Dr. G. Devakadasham; hundreds of students, alumni, South India was held on the 27th former Moderator and the Bishop overseas friends, and several well- September 2020, at 4: 30pm and in Kanyakumari, shared their wishers. thanksgiving service, thereafter. greetings. The webinar was Most Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam, presided over by Rev. Dr C. I. Rev. Rajan Moses, the Moderator of the CSI, David Joy; the Principal of the PRO, KUTS

www.csi1947.com November 2020 33 News CSI Synod Dept. of Communication 200 Glorious Years for the CMS press, Kottayam

he inheritors of this unmatched legacy, the TMadhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India is leaving no stone unturned to make the celebration of this unusual feat a truly remarkable event. The year-long celebration was inaugurated on 17th October 2020 at the press by Rt. Rev. Thomas K Oommen in a meeting presided over by the Rev. Thomas Paikkad, the Diocesan Treasurer. The Officers of the Diocese, the Rev. John Issac, Lay Secretary Dr Simon John, Registrar Mr Jacob Philip, Press Manager Mr K. H Jacob, and the Celebration Committee Convener the Rev. Samuel Oommen recollected the achievement of the last two centuries.

Dr Babu Cherian, the Chief Guest, recounted the selfless sacrifice made by the founder the Rev. Benjamin Bailey. This intrepid English clergyman landed in Madras after four months of strenuous journey by sea and proceeded to Kottayam, to take up his assignment given by the letters which were an improvement the Treasury of Knowledge. This CMS London. The inhospitable on the types used beforehand. was released by Rt. Rev. Thomas land and the hazardous task at His son also played a part in this K Oommen at the inaugural hand could have unnerved him, innovation. What a stupendous ceremony. This is a bold initiative but he toiled on unmindful of the deed was this! An Englishman to make use of the advancement Herculean challenges. The Good inventing letters for the Malayalam in technology to cater to the Lord poured down blessings, language. This was the beginning desire of the tech-savvy new pressed down, shaken together of printing in Travancore and in generation of the church in every and overflowing. This Englishman Malayalam. The first Malayalam nook and corner of the globe. This formed the Malayalam type letters magazine, the Treasury of has proved to be a phenomenal and started printing in Malayalam. Knowledge, was also printed here. success as gleaned from the In this, he was helped by the This magazine also doubled as responses of the hundreds of training in carpentry which he the Government Gazette during readers of the first edition. The undertook along with his other the early years. He translated Diocese has been planning to subjects for the Degree Course. the Bible into Malayalam and adopt the latest technologies in Why he did this at the time is started Malayalam prose and publications and public relations beyond comprehension. Probably made it universally accepted. An as a continuation of the great his Lord and Master was equipping Englishman produced grammar missionary legacy. him for the great mission he was books in Malayalam! All these destined to undertake later in achievements were made in a span Reported by life. He sought the help of local of half a decade. The Madhya blacksmiths and carpenters to Kerala Diocese has been planning Prof. C. A. Abraham make the rounded Malayalam to publish an English edition of www.csi1947.com 34 November 2020 www.csi1947.com November 2020 35 Date of Publication: First week of Every Month. CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/07245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH(C)/267/2018-2020 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2018-2020

Edited & Published by Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, Church of South India Synod from CSI Centre, No. 5, Whites Road, Chennai - 600 014. Ph: 2852 1566 / 4166 36 Managing Editor: Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director, CSI Synod Communications. Printed by: N. Raja Singh at Mighty Rock Printers, 52, Nair Varadha Pillai Street, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014. Mob: 99622 02158. Phone: 2860 2158