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Magazine of Church of South April 2021 Volume XIX | Issue 04 | Rs. 150/Annum

“We can’t Breathe!”

www.csi1947.com 1 www.csi1947.com 2 2 April 2021 Cover Digital Art By: Mr. Eby Mathew Second Wave of Coronavirus Challenges us to Care for the Vulnerable

EDITORIAL Dear brothers and sisters, with cases. Hospitals across India are experiencing oxygen shortages. s children of God living through The country now has the greatest Athis pandemic, even though we demand for oxygen. Patients are are naturally anxious and unsure, we waiting in streets, autorikshaws, cars, know that God is with us. We trust ambulances outside the hospitals to that His Spirit is active. We affirm that be admitted and to avail treatments. our Lord Jesus Christ is our Hope. He Sports halls, stadiums and institutions is our Salvation. He is our Guide. It have also been converted into make- is only through the eyes of this “great shift treatment centres to ease the hope” that we can look at ourselves pressure on hospitals. Hospitals and and our world and not despair. He is crematoriums have run out of space. our inspiration in this life. As India’s healthcare system continues COVID 19 Second-wave and our to reel under a raging second wave of responsibilities Covid-19 infections, we are called upon As the country is struggling to combat to open our institutions and hospitals the second wave of coronavirus to support the government’s initiatives pandemic, medical experts are to curb the spread to the virus. spreading awareness about Covid-19 and vaccines against the viral disease. A genuine concern for the vulnerable Covid has challenged health care was obvious and beautiful. Revealing systems and the economy. The our sacrificial love, we all willingly second wave has now set-in with all came to a consensus about protecting its fury, we need to be very careful. the vulnerable. The Covid-19 crisis India’s deadly Covid-19 second wave now offers us a unique opportunity has devastated various cities and its to rebuild our society by fostering now firmly gripped many smaller these values. Care for the vulnerable cities, towns and villages where the has shaped every area of life and I devastation is largely under-reported. encourage this development. The tragedy created by the pandemic has The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) awakened us to the value of all human has taken more than two lakh lives life. We take this rare opportunity in India but the massive hike in the to commit ourselves to protect and rate of infections in the last two support all our people. This crisis months led the nation to gasp for has made us know the dignity of breath as hospitals are overwhelmed every human lives and rediscover

www.csi1947.com 3 that, our society can be rebuilt. Like Let us collaborate to respond the Good Samaritan, we can create a effectively to the virus and work better society by recognising even the together for a better future as we most vulnerable as our neighbour. rebuild after the pandemic. Let us not Hence, I urge you to go the extra be afraid. The Lord is with us and can mile and spend quality time with the calm every storm and bring light to the infected and affected by using the darkness. communication technologies so as their minds and souls may be soothed With prayers, and alleviated. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja COVID 19 vaccination and our General Secretary, CSI responsibility Amid surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, India has crossed the mark of 100 days of vaccination. At this critical time, I prayerfully write to you on a matter of grave importance. We ask all of you to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Many lives hang in the balance, the vaccine will only be effective if a majority of people receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, I feel it as my duty and responsibility to speak publicly, and strongly encourage everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available and offered.

Our Lord tells us very plainly that the greatest commandment is to love God, and love our neighbour as ourselves. COVID-19 has imposed death and destruction throughout the world, but God has not abandoned us. In so many ways, God has brought us closer together, and the expressions of love, neighbourliness, and faith have been extraordinary. We are called to perform our moral obligation by participating in God’s healing love, which includes getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The only exception to getting the COVID-19 vaccine should be for health reasons. Though, it is, indeed, a personal choice to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, we must always remember that this personal choice can have a great impact on others’ lives.

At this juncture, I call-upon all the Churches and Dioceses to support our Mission Hospitals so that the vaccine is made available and administered to the poor and needy in our area.

4 April 2021 Article What St Luke talks about God to the Protesting Sikh Farmers …The BJP onslaught is also very world presupposed in Luke-Acts was “different and even more damaging an advanced agrarian society, and to whatever remains of democracy agriculture was the primary base of its in India” – these were the words of economy. As per census 2011, nearly Gyan Prakash, a professor of history at 10% of the Indian population counted Princeton University. In line with him, farming as their primary occupation, many critics call the reaction of the and 46% of the workforce is working Central Government, “an undeclared full-time in farmlands. Furthermore, emergency.” Justin Trudeau, the Prime agriculture and allied sectors like Minister of Canada, comments that forestry, logging and fishing accounted “The news coming out of India about for 23% of GDP and employed 59% of farmers protest is concerning and we are its total workforce in 2016. 1 Hence, it is all worried about family and friends… appropriate to assimilate Lucan theology Canada will always be there to defend to the context of present India to achieve the rights of peaceful protests.” What are the purpose of using Luke-Acts for the these celebrities talking about? issue of Farm Bills and livelihood threat.

Post-pandemic India is witnessing i. Act on Agri Market vs Liberation people of all faiths going forward and for a Dignified Livelihood exemplifying their solidarity in their The first ordinance in the Farm Bills, protest. For months, farmers in India, Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce especially Sikh farmers, have raised their (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, voice against the Indian agriculture acts claims that generalisation will reduce of 2020, often referred to as the Farm competition. It proposes expanding Bills instituted in September 2020. the trade area’s scope to any place of The local agitation started in the region production, collection, aggregation of Punjab has taken a new shape as a and encourages electronic trading. protest in November 2020 by blocking Here we can observe a sharp shift in all the roads to . Though the economic system. This ordinance these protests are primarily leaderless, promotes Globalization and the so- millions of farmers are united in their called market economy, which instigates struggle for their livelihood, human making money with money. The absence rights, and dignity. Support for the of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in this farmers’ protest has been gaining day ordinance foreshadows the possibility by day around the world. However, it of the farmers selling their produce is highly heartbreaking that the Indian even below the MSP. A majority of the Church acts as if it has nothing to do farmer population (more than 55% of with this farmers’ protest. There is no the population) already suffers from significant response or action that the economic disparity. Such a transition Revd Gideon Sam S P MA, Indian Church has initiated, and Indian to a monetary economy was likely to BD, MTh is an ordained theologians are keeping their mouth bring conflicts and disproportion within minister in the Diocese of shut. The raised questions are: why do society and reinforced the distinction -Ramnad. He has the Indian farmers protest against the between urban and rural, rich and recently submitted his PhD Farm Bills? What does biblical theology destitute. dissertation to the University of convey to this farmers protest? What can Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, we learn from the protesting farmers? The value system presented in Luke- the UK which reads Lucan male Acts contrasted with an elite-centred narrations using social-scientific Farm Bills and Lucan Theology market economy was one that allowed models and methods focussing The common consensus is that the for generalised reciprocity. Concerning food justice and hospitality (email: SamSimeonPaulraj@ 1 “Benchmark Report 2017.” World Travel and Tourism Council. Archived from the connect.glos.ac.uk). original (PDF) on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2021.

www.csi1947.com 5 reciprocal relations, it is appropriate weaker players in terms of their ability like droughts and inconsistent rainfall to recall Lk 6:36-38, which illustrates to negotiate and be in danger of losing forced peasants to make loans for seed God’s compassionate identity in their land to the sponsor due to crop in order to exist. The small Roman Jesus’ encouragement of generosity: failure. Already India is witnessing elite and its provincial allies controlled “Be merciful … Give … Good measure that over a third of the rural Dalit the primary resource of land and its pressed down, shaken together, population (29.97% about 53.7 production; many lost their land and running over, will be put into your million) are landless labourers, and were forced into debt and slavery lap.” The Lucan schematic location 67.27% of the rural Dalit households (Lk7:41-42; 12:58-59). In this context, of God’s providence towards the (overall 51% of rural population) rely the Lucan Jesus pronounces the Zarephath widow (Lk 4:25-26 / 1 on casual manual labour (including Jubilee Year, which was God-given Kings 17:14-16) in the context of Jesus’ farm-work and scavenging) for equaliser which is forgiveness of debt proclamation of good news to the their livelihood. Furthermore, debt and redistribution of land; every fifty πτωχοί, exemplifies God’s abundant bondage in India is most prevalent years, all slaves were set free, all rental mercies towards the lowly which is in agricultural areas, and farmers leases expired, all debts were forgiven concerned with the provision for often pay more than 100% of the loan and property returned to its original extended family or clan and the notion as interest. The implementation of owner (cf. Lev 25; Isa 61:1,2). Lucan that all could share in the fruits of the contract farming to the agricultural Jesus’s declaration reminds God’s land. sector may lead the small farmers property ownership over land and to lease their little land to wealthy his most precious gift to humanity. ii. Act on Contract Farming vs corporations, which will end up losing Jesus’ pronouncement addresses the Sustenance and Security for All their land to MNCs. landlessness which existed in modern The Farmer (Empowerment and societies. Protection) Agreement of Price This expectation echoes the socio- Assurance and Farm Services Act, economic condition of the peasants iii. Act Relating to Commodities 2020 is the second act that proposes of Mediterranean antiquity. In the vs A Borderless Inclusive a legal framework for farmers to do Roman Empire, collecting tribute from Community contract farming and market their the provinces by levying direct and Third Act, The Essential Commodities produces. Contract farming appears indirect taxes was the custom. Oakman Act, 2020, frees items such as to be remunerative to the agricultural observes that sometimes more than foodgrains, pulses, edible oils sector. However, farmers in contract 50% of the total crop was extracted as and onion for trade except in farming arrangements will be the tax. Furthermore, natural phenomena “extraordinary situations” such as

6 April 2021 war. This act appears as helping illustrates the socio-economic activities brought the marginalised both farmers and consumers by inclusivism between the same ethnic population to the centre. In the bringing in price stability; however, group, which built a community of context of structural exploitation, the the arrangements concerning farm economic equals (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32- called-out community have to act as a infrastructure like cold storages may 35). The extended inclusive feature mouthpiece of God in its voice against disturb the food supply chain, and in Peter’s shared tables (Acts 10, 11) structural exploitation. It is the need MNCs will dictate terms to farmers furthers the fellowship by breaching of the hour for the Church in India to which may lead to lower prices. The ethnic boundaries that form a vital realise the plight of Indian farmers unstable foodgrain procurement and bridge in the symbolic universe. and think theologically to act in distribution may result in hunger solidarity with the protesting farmers. and food insecurity. A food-insecure It is appropriate to conclude this person, according to Merriam- article with bishop Lesslie Newbigin’s Webster, is someone who is “unable words: the ministry would become to consistently access or afford “irrelevant” when it looks after a adequate food.” The Sikh farmers’ “selfish and introverted congregation” “langar” meal, however, challenges with little concern for their neighbour. food insecurity. Though they away As discussed, continuing Indian from their homes, the Sikh men and farmers’ protest sending dangerous women make chapatis and sweets on signals to society. the streets to feed protesting farmers for free. The Persian root word means To the protesting farmers who are the “almshouse”, and it reminds Lucan victims of complex and deteriorating inclusive community meals. The early Farm Bills, the Church ought to bring Christ-followers carried out the Lucan good news to the suffering farmers in Jesus’ liberative and reformative liberating the oppressed, marginalised, mission in Jerusalem, and the Lucan and the socially/politically ignored meals provide a solid foundation in the to ensure their necessities of life. early Christ movement for an inclusive Lucan Jesus fundamentally reworks community towards a reformative social order, values, and socio- service. The communal sharing in the economic and personal relations. His early stages of the Christ-movement proclamation and boundary-breaking

www.csi1947.com 7 Article Did God send the Pandemic? - Christian Response to Disasters he year 2020 and these first few again ‘Sin’ is in focus. Some preachers Tmonths of 2021 have been full of continue to say how wicked and sinful unknowns, new fears, disruptions, and people are; they scold and warn their deaths all over the world. India is now flocks to repent. They add, subtract, in the midst of a devastating death toll and manipulate numbers in the to and panic. Some of us wonder how God predict an imminent Second Coming! can allow such a painful COVID-19 Prophecy talks on end times have (coronavirus) pandemic that is killing accelerated on platforms online at all millions across the globe. Others assert social levels. Creating more fear in the that God does indeed send calamities hearts of people is an effective means to punish or to test people. In India, of mind control when they are already COVID-19 is the first experience of the agitated due to the pandemic. Many serious consequence of a pandemic in are guilty of profiting off this fear. our lives. This viral disease seems to This worldview needs the presence of dwarf SARS, H1N1, and HIV. sinners amongst us so that ‘the saints’ can rejoice at the apocalypse. But the When large scale epidemics occurred authoritative statement of Jesus tells us in the past, there were Christians of otherwise. When he was confronted by extraordinary courage and compassion the question: “Rabbi, who sinned, this who responded by helping others. The man or his parents, that he was born story of one outstanding woman, Dr. blind?” (John 9:2-3) Jesus declared Mary Rajanayagam, reveals steadfast “Neither this man nor his parents faith in the face of a killer disease. Mary sinned.” was an early graduate of the Madras Medical College in 1894, sponsored Did the tsunami kill sinners? Mrs. Anne is a librarian, by the American Arcot Mission. While The day after Christmas in 2004 a archivist, reading specialist she was working in Madanapalle the devastating tsunami killed nearly a and educator. She has helped bubonic plague hit the area in 1903. quarter million people and left tens of establish archives and inclusive Mary had a presentiment that in serving thousands suffering. Originating off the schools, and mentors college the plague-stricken people her own life coast of Indonesia, it was the deadliest women in leadership skills. She was in danger. But she knew she must tsunami in recorded history. The promotes early literacy and stay and serve. Sadly, she too became response of many fundamental believers innovative learning methods. infected and succumbed to the plague around the world was to declare that it in March 1904. She was so loved by was sent by God as punishment and a Mr. P. Dayanandan is a botanist everyone that people of all religions warning against their evil deeds. The who taught at the Madras and backgrounds joined her burial devastation and deaths were seen as Christian College and has procession for a mile, braving the highly God’s curse and his vengeful act against carried out extensive research contagious disease. human rebellion. Others believed that in several fields with funding the tsunami was sent for a greater good from Fulbright, NASA and Mary’s choices lead us to some all- of bringing people closer to God, while Indian Government. He has important questions: What do we some saw a clear sign of the last days of guided ten Ph.D. scholars. His believe about God and suffering? Did the world. other research interests include God send this pandemic as punishment, environment, evolution, history as well as other disasters, such as the Did God send the Tsunami? of human migration, science tsunami of 2004? What alternative The damning declaration that God sent & religion, Pallava art history explanations can we look to? How is this the tsunami was very confusing for and Tamil literature. Together pandemic changing our beloved church Christians who believe in a loving God. Anne and Daya write and as an organization? How do we respond? How can an omniscient, omnipotent, document the history of local and omnibenevolent God make people Christian congregations and the Does God punish people with suffer? We tend to ask this question contributions of Christians natural disasters and pestilence? when we suffer from serious illness, Due to the COVID pandemic once impending death, disaster, and

8 April 2021 misfortune. Theologians refer to this he who loved the children and hugged hemisphere. About 180 million years problem as theodicy. After the 2004 them make orphans out of them? How ago the Gondwana split and the plates tsunami many young Christians can he impose burden after calling carrying separate landmasses moved struggled to understand this issue of the heavy-laden to come to him for in different directions to where they theodicy - could God have permitted a rest? Did he not want people to go free are, recognizable as the southern tsunami that killed 230,000 people? and not get caught in bondage? Can continents. All these plates are still Student Christian Movement of India a shepherd who showed the way be a moving. Collision of plates can cause (SCMI) organized a public program source of confusion? Did the Son of earthquakes and sometimes volcanic on 4 February 2005: “Students God who said that he came to save, not eruptions. Subduction of one plate for Science and Spirituality”. We to judge and who was a loving friend over the other displaces enormous suggested that the question should be of the sinners and adulterers, send the quantities of water. The 2004 tsunami rephrased to: ‘Did the Son of God send tsunami to punish any people? Could occurred due to the movement of the the Tsunami?’ he who came to give love and hope Indian Plate and its subduction under bring suffering and hopelessness? the Burma Microplate. We can say that Did the Son of God send the Could the Son of God bring hell after the tsunami had its origin at least 180 tsunami? bringing the Kingdom of God on million years ago! Naturally, tsunamis The answer lies in the following set of Earth? will occur again. questions: Would one who promised to offer life abundant cause death? No, God did not send the An Earth full of more viruses How can one who ignored the stirring tsunami. God did not send the than stars in the Universe of the pool and healed the man by the COVID-19 either. More than 200 viruses cause various poolside send a sea storm? Can he, diseases in humans, some in epidemic who calmed the sea and walked on A restless Earth- We suggest that and pandemic proportions. Scientists placid waters, rejoice in sending killer when this pandemic is over and estimate that there may be more waves? How can one who healed and congregations rejoice in worshipping viruses on Planet Earth than stars in gave sight to people send disease and and meeting friends again, church the universe! A fraction of these, living afflictions? Would he who multiplied groups could make an excursion in animals, mostly mammals and the fish, bread and wine cause famine to nearby areas where fossils are birds, may cause diseases in the future and thirst? Is it conceivable that he found. Young scientists in your including pandemics. Tsunamis, as who made the nets burst with fish group will explain that some fossils well as viruses, bacteria, and other would stop people from fishing? and the land where they are found pathogens are part of nature and Would he who chose fishermen to be have a history stretching back biodiversity of a living Earth. fishers of men, kill them by waves? 200,000,000 years! India was Can Eternal Light bring darkness to once part of a large supercontinent, The Cross does cause suffering the lives of the coastal people? Would called Gondwana, in the southern There is only one kind of suffering that

www.csi1947.com 9 should be associated with religion. We will face hardships when standing up for justice, to help liberate the oppressed from every form of tyranny. The powerful exploiters, racists, and casteists will hurt people who dare to stand with the enslaved. One does not have to be a Christian to experience this pain. Thousands of non-Christians in India suffer for demanding justice, equality, and fairness. Christians associate this agony with the cross. “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In Gethsemane Jesus himself feared the excruciating pain he would wondered what really is the relevance tree or in a courtyard. It is reassuring be going through on the cross. He of such a church. Churches must to learn about the early Christians: sweated and wished that the cup of justify their existence as large bodies, “Every day they continued to meet suffering would be taken away from restate what they have accomplished together in the temple courts. They him. This supreme suffering was a and what they plan to accomplish. broke bread in their homes and ate deliberate choice he had to make As family members conduct worship together with glad and sincere hearts” for justice and liberation of people. at home do we understand anew ‘the (Acts 2:46). One of Bishop Masilamani Azariah’s priesthood of all believers’? Do we see favourite verses of meditation was on a deeper meaning in “For where two Sacred and secular: this kind of suffering; real suffering, or three gather in my name, there As members of a simple hut or an but made lighter because Jesus was am I with them”? (Matthew 18:20). impressive towering building for a sharing the yoke. “Come to me, all you Is this the time that Jesus was telling church, how do we respond to the who are weary and burdened, and the Samaritan woman: “believe me, a pandemic? Can our churches become I will give you rest. Take my yoke time is coming when you will worship a place for refugees? Will we readily upon you and learn from me, for I am the Father neither on this mountain accommodate homeless migrants to gentle and humble of heart; and you nor in Jerusalem.”? (John 4:21). As sleep on the floor or the well-polished will find rest. For my yoke is easy, we join together in worship online benches? Will we, in the name of The and my burden is light.” (Matthew or in-person, how does it change our Great Healer, offer the churches to 11:25-30). connectedness to God, to our church be converted into hospitals? What buildings, and to each other? of burying the dead due to COVID Pandemic and the essence of a infection? Are we comfortable in giving church Some are content to be free from a dignified burial or do we suffer from The corona virus pandemic is a the organization of large churches fears and prejudice of the unknown, wake-up call to learn what a church with imposing altars and pulpits even denying burial in a piece of land is all about. Churches have been that are often reserved exclusively that we ourselves do not own? shut as if the holy places and our for the ritually privileged. Could this prayers have no power to stop the be a reason for the proliferation of In , the Royapuram CSI Ulaga ultramicroscopic virus from entering. numerous small ‘house’ churches? Meetpar Alayam once functioned as People cannot meet fellow Christians Ritual hierarchy and artificial sanctity a hospital to accommodate cholera and sing together heartily in their devised to hold on to power, to patients! The church was built by familiar places of worship. Have we administer communion, or baptize a the American missionaries Rev. Dr. become lesser Christians because for child can be antithetical to the loving John Scudder and Rev. Dr. Miron months together we did not participate good news of Jesus. The lockdown Winslow and was dedicated in June in the Lord’s Supper in a church? measures to prevent the spread of 1843. It is remarkable that the original Friends are eager to share youtube infection have hopefully helped to building has remained intact for the sites of any number of admonitions open our minds and hearts to the past 178 years. John Scudder and his by televangelists. What will it take essence of belief. Jesus “emptied sons moved west and established the to reimage the traditional church himself, by taking the form of a American Arcot Mission. The church we know with a hierarchy of elders, servant, being born in the likeness of was purchased by Dr. David Horn evangelists, deacons, committees, men.” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus can be Paterson who was sent to Madras by pastors, and bishops? Many have even invited and seen anywhere, under a the Edinburgh Medical Missionary

10 April 2021 March 10, 2005 and CSI Life, March 2005.

Heideman, Eugene P. From Mission to Church: the Reformed Church in American mission to India. Wm.B. Eerdmans, 2001.

Oakes, Lauren E. The Vast Viral World: What We Know (and Don’t Know): Exploring the minuscule and mysterious world of viruses. Nautilus, April 7, 2021. https://nautil.us/issue/99/ universality/the-vast-viral-world- what-we-know-and-dont-know?mc_ cid=52fadec20e Dr. Mary Rajanaayagam Arcot Mission, Reformed Church in Society. The old drawing shows Countless numbers of missionaries America. Jubilee Commemoration the church and the dispensary that and fellow Indian Christian leaders- 1853-1903. Vepery, SPCK Press, 1905. Paterson used for treating patients. -people who shaped our churches- https://archive.org/details/ When there was a cholera outbreak -were not focused on theological jubileecommemor00missgoog/page/ in 1868 more space was desperately discussions of God punishing people. n7/mode/2up needed. Dr. Paterson converted the As a body their concern was healing church building into a hospital, as the sick, caring for the abandoned, and a very practical response. In these consoling the bereaved like a mother days of corona viral pandemic it will caring for her children. 123 years ago be a sobering experience to visit the missionary doctors took the plague Royapuram church and contemplate vaccine first, in full public view, to its past. While there, you might also encourage their congregation and the see the small burial ground and the general public to get vaccinated. This burial markers of 9 people connected is our legacy. with the American Mission. Infants to adults were laid to rest here. Dr. John Today, like Dr Mary Rajanayagam, Scudder and Mrs. Harriet Scudder many healthcare workers are in the were buried here but were later frontline, serving the afflicted even exhumed and reburied at the Ranipet in the face of death. Some of us may Scudder Memorial Hospital. not be as courageous. But Jesus, whose compassion for suffering was Courage born of Love boundless, invites us all to follow his So, ‘Did God send the Pandemic?’ footsteps and rediscover new ways We needed to address this question to serve and ease the pain during the because unfortunately, many people current pandemic. are preoccupied with such ‘end-time’ issues rather than live in the present (Excerpted from an article that can and address the everyday challenges be requested from: p.dayanandan@ of poverty, illness, inequality, and gmail.com) injustice. The COVID pandemic is a time for us to remember how References: Christian love motivated people to Dayanandan, P. and Anne act during famine and outbreaks of Dayanandan. The Good News at smallpox, plague, cholera, and other Royapuram. CSI Ulaga Meetpar life-threatening events. Christian Alayam, Royapuram, 2019. compassion has been available to all people at all times, especially in times Dayanandan, P. Did God send the of suffering and need. Tsunami? People’s Reporter, Feb-

www.csi1947.com 11 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

Empowerment in the Mission Fields “Be-SMART by Becoming Salt and Light in the light of Be-SMART”. She has highlighted the role of the women of the World”: A Missional Evening at St.luke’s characters in the Bible and stressed Chapel, Bishop Heber College, Trichi. a need of empowering women missionaries to serve for the women epartment of Mission and Mrs. Roselind Chandrasekaran, empowerment, especially in the DEvangelism CSI Synod along Bishop Amma, Rev. R. Stanly most vulnerable areas. Love must with Trichy-Tanjore Diocese has Mathiselvan, Lay Secretary, be the driving spirit in all missional participated in a special missional Rev. V. Rajamansingh, College engagements which should be for evening gathering on 04th March Chaplain, Rev. Dr. C. Arul Singh, everybody’s well-being, she added. 2021 at St. Luke’s Chapel, Bishop Mission Director, Rev. Dr. Ruby Heber Collage in Trichy. Rt. Rev. Priskilla , Heber College, have Rev. A. David Jabaraj, Dr. D. Chandrasekaran, Bishop attended in the meeting. Prof. Dr. Secretary in Madurai-Ramnad in Trichy-Tanjore Diocese and Vinod, College in-charge for faith Diocese has led a session based on the Chairman for the Mission and matters and it’s activities along “True Spiritual Nourishment of the Evangelism CSI Synod has presided with other staffs have arranged People in the Mission Fields in the over the meeting. Rev. Maxcin John, the meeting. Around two hundred light of Be-SMART”. He stated that Synod Mission Director has led a college students have attended in live out the gospel is the only way to missional talk in which he pointed the meeting. It was the platform nourish people spiritually. Integrity out that youngsters are the backbone for rejuvenation, fellowship, and and credibility of our life is most of the Nation. Moreover, they have mutual empowerment. important. Witnessing through our to be-SMART (Sustainable Mission words as well as deeds will be the right Accompaniment towards Radical Rev. Maxcin John, medium for the spiritual nourishment. Transformation) by becoming salt Director, Mission and Evangelism, All our engagements must be filled and light to the world as Jesus Christ CSI Synod. with love for all, he added. told. Education must help us to be a better human being, he added. Rev. Dr. A. Yakkobu, Deputy Chairman conveyed a greetings to the conference. Mr. J. P. Edwin Chelliah, Registrar, Mrs. Mary, OCPM School “Be-SMART” A Mission Call from Madurai- Principal, Rev. Caleb Vinolin, Junior Church, Rev. Sathish, Department Ramnad of Eco-Concern, and Rev. Peter, epartment of Mission and context: Practical Implications and Department of Christian Education DEvangelism CSI Synod along with Suggestion”. He has highlighted has attended the conference. Home Missionary Society of Madurai- the importance of CSI Mission Department of Home Missionary Ramnadu Diocese has organized a Statement in the day to day missional Society of the Diocese Director Rev. one-day Missionary conference on engagements. It is our bounden duty Pon Prabhakar has organized the 06th March 2021 at OCPM School, to declare our solidarity through the conference along with missionaries. Madurai. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, constant accompaniment towards Rev. Maxcin John has explained Bishop in Madurai-Ramnadu Diocese the broken communities like the concept of “Be-SMART” as Be- has inaugurated the conference. “Live Adivasi-Dalit, LGBTQ, and other Sustainable Mission Accompaniment as a Christian is great challenge”, less-privileged and underprivileged towards Radical Transformation”. A Bishop stated in his inaugural speech. communities. It is the need of the seventy five participants including He further added that selfless love hour to make timely awareness delegates from HMS, Divyabodhiny must be the driven force in our day program towards the sustainable School, and Junior Church have to day missional engagements. Any transformation of the broken attended in the conference. OCPM missional engagements through love communities. Missionaries must not School presented a welcome dance. and humanity will be everlasting and be mere spectators, rather, they must The Conference was a venue for deep-rooted, Bishop added. be active participants in the every refreshing and rejuvenating experience aspect of the human life, he added. in doing mission. Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, Church of South Mrs. P. Leela Manohari Joseph, the Rev. Maxcin John, India CSI Synod has delivered the President , Women’s Fellowship Director, Mission and Evangelism, keynote address based on “Relevance in Madurai-Ramnadu Diocese has CSI Synod. of Be-SMART in the present led a session based on “ Woman

12 April 2021 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

Church Serves as a Medium to Witness Vellore Diocese ‘The With-Ness of God’ With the Suffering Witnessing Community: Covid Relief Food Kit Distribution as Welcome in Madurai-Ramnad Diocese Center towards he Church of Synod Church), Rev. Sathish (Director for Transformational Thas distributed Covid relief food Eco-Concerns), Rev. Peter (Director kits to the Missionaries (HMS), Junior for Christian Education Department) Discipleship Church workers, Bible Women and and Rev. Maxcin John, Synod Mission of Jesus Christ the participants in the Divyabodhiny and Evangelism Department have School of CSI Madurai-Ramnadu participated in the distribution. A ellore Diocese in the Church Diocese on 06th March 2021 at OCPM seventy-five beneficiaries were there to Vof South India under the School, Madurai. collect the food kits. It was a source of leadership of Rt. Rev. H. Sharma encouragements, relief and a token of Nithiyanandham wholeheartedly Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, accompaniment of Church with people welcomed and received 116 General Secretary CSI Synod along during the crisis like pandemic. people who are willfully and with Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, Bishop voluntarily dedicated to be the in Madurai-Ramnadu Diocese has The Relief food Kit distribution part of Christ’s Discipleship and led the distribution ceremony. Mrs. was the experience to highlight received baptism. Leela Manohari Joseph (Diocesan that the Church as a medium to Women’s Fellowship President), witness “the with-ness of God” with The Diocese organized the holy Rev. Dr. A. Yakkobu (Diocesan people, especially with the suffering ceremony on 21st March 2021 in Deputy Chairman), Rev. A. David community. Punepalli village, Madhavaram Jabaraj (Clergy Secretary), Mr. J. pastorate Northern area, P. Edwin Chelliah (Registrar), Rev. Rev. Maxcin John, Diocese of Vellore. Rt. Rev. Pon Prabhakar (HMS Director), Director, Mission and Evangelism, H. Sharma Nithiyanandham, Rev. Vinolin Caleb (Director, Junior CSI Synod. Bishop in Vellore Diocese has led the ceremony along with Revd Arun Kumar, Area Chairman Nagarcoil Mission Consultation Urges to uphold Revd Samuel Babu and Area the Same Mind of Jesus Christ in Doing Mission Secretary Rev Dolvin.

epartment of Mission and have presented reports of respective Hopefully, they will serve as DEvangelism, CSI Synod along with mission movements. Moreover, there channels of good news of Jesus Diocesan Missionary Prayer Band was a decision to jointly participate Christ towards peace, justice and (DMPB), Home Missionary Society in the upcoming Rev. Ringel Taube reconciliation. (HMS) and ZENANA Mission of Memorial Day celebration in muttom Kanyakumary Diocese has organized on 25th April 2021. Rev. Maxcin John, a mission consultation at the Chapel, Director, Kanyakumary Diocesan Compound The Mission consultation was the Mission and Evangelism, in Nagarcoil on 10th March 2021. The common platform to learn and CSI Synod. Rt. Rev. Dr. Anantha Raj Rayappan listen together in doing mission. Chelliah, Bishop in Kanyakumari Furthermore, it was the venue to Diocese has presided over the meeting. cherish and nourish more fellowship, Bishop urges the participants to cooperation and mutuality in uphold the same mind of Jesus Christ missional engagements in the days to in doing mission. come. A fifteen delegates from DMPB, HMS, and ZENANA were attended in DMPB General Secretary Rev. David the special mission consultation. The Robby Jacob, HMS Treasurer Dr. meeting was hosted by the DMPB. S. Sam Manohar Das and HMS Superintending Minister Rev. W. Rev. Maxcin John, Stanley Jones, and Diocesan Women’s Director, Mission and Evangelism, Fellowship Secretary Rev. Mrs. CSI Synod. Charlet S. Rajan, Zenana Mission

www.csi1947.com 13 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, CSI-EMS CSI-EMS Liaison Mission Legacies Left by Periannan and Office Work with the Chinnaannan Still Inspiring: The Centenary Partner Theological Celebration of C. K. Ashram, Tirupattur Institutions: TTS Madurai & ACTC Hyderabad partnership meeting with ATamilnadu Theological Seminary, Madurai, was organized in consultation with the Principal Rev. Dr. Mrs. Margaret Kalaiselvi. The meeting was held on 2nd February he Department of Mission The Christu Kula Ashram is 2021 at TTS Campus. There were good Tand Evangelism, CSI Synod distinguished as the first Indian interactions with the TTS teaching has represented the CSI Synod Christian Ashram which is staff as well as with the students on in the Centenary Celebration of founded in 1921 by two dedicated partnership in theological education Christukula Ashram-Tirupattur great medical missionaries Dr. and EMS partnership with the TTS (1921-2021) on 07th March 2021 at Savarirayan Jesusdason (well- educational programs. Students had C.K Ashram Compound, National known as Periannan) and Dr. shared their experiences of living with Missionary Society of India (NMSI), Ernest Forrester Paton (well-known the Urban poor and doing theology. Tirupattur. as Chinnaannan). Furthermore, CK Listening to the student experiences Ashram is remarkably featured by is a good learning on emerging Rt. Rev. Dr. J. George Stephen- it’s unique way of life-simplicity, challenges in theological education President, NMSI & Chairman, equality, and spirituality. This at the given time under Pandemic Christukula Ashram has presided center is still serving as the venue and poverty. Discussions with the over the meeting. Rt. Rev. Dr. for the mission of education to principal and faculty members was G. Devakadasham, Former the most marginalized in the on importance of partnership in Moderator CSI and Former community as well as a center theological education in the context of Bishop in Kanyakumari Diocese of mission for the health care pandemic. The principal had thanked was the chief guest. Rt. Rev. H. towards the most vulnerable in the the EMS for its constant partnership Sharma Nithiyanandham, Vice- society. Recently, NMSI Executive support, which enabled the institute President (H.Q), NMSI & Vice Committee and CK Asram to continue some of its ministerial Chairman, Christhukula Ashram Governing Council have decided projects even under difficult times. has led the function. Rt. Rev. V. to start a cancer care center in the Samuel Kennedy, Bishop in Arcot CK Ashram. Thus, CK Ashram still A meeting with the Andhra Christian Lutheran Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. A. moving ahead by taking inspiration Theological College (ACTC), Rajavelu,Former Bishop in Vellore from mission legacies left by Hyderabad, Principal and Teaching Diocese, Rev. Asir Ebenezer, Periannan and Chinnannan for Staff was organized on 16th February General Secretary, NCCI, and Rev. the community development and at ACTC Campus. A PowerPoint Joshua Peter, United Evangelical transformation. presentation on EMS Theological Lutheran Church have conveyed Guidelines, EMS fellowship and their greetings. The Celebration was Rev. Maxcin John, EMS Partnership through project organized by Rev. S. Christopher Director, Mission and Evangelism, support was presented and it was well Vijayan, General Secretary, NMSI has CSI Synod. received. The discussions helped to organized the centenary celebration. understand significance of partnership in theological education. The principal thanked the EMS for its commitment towards theological partnership with the ACTC.

Rev. Dr. Perumalla Praveen Prabhu Sudheer, Liaison Officer, CSI-EMS

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Regional Institute of Pastoral Management ( Region) he Department of Pastoral TConcerns of CSI has organized a three-day Regional Institute of Pastoral Management (Karnataka Region) for the presbyters of Karnataka Northern Diocese, Karnataka Central Diocese and Karnataka Southern Diocese at RLTC in Dharwad from March 16 to 18, 2021. Rt. Rev. Ravikumar James Niranjan, Bishop in Karnataka Northern Diocese (KND) has inaugurated the Institute. Inaugurating the Regional IPM by lighting the lamp, the Bishop said God moderated a group discussion on Later, IPM Consultant and TTS Vice- has called us to be His community Covid-19 and its nuances in the Principal Rev Dr Alfred Stephen spoke and our root of mission should be pastoral ministry. about the importance of IPM and the the Christ. His followers should be relevance of a contextual pastoral different from others and they should The second day of the IPM began with ministry, especially in the context of be an example, he added. a devotion based on Philippi 2:1-11 COVID-19. He encouraged presbyters led by Rev Dr Vincent Vinodkumar. to formulate a contextual ministry that KND Secretary Mr Vijaykumar V. He contextualised the text in such can address the issues of the people, Dandin called upon the presbyters to a way that the presbyters got boost who are struggling from different make use of the various programmes to continue their ministry without kinds of problems in the present offered by the CSI Synod for the any fear. He pondered upon the context. betterment of their pastoral life. KND “Kenosis and the ethic of the Church Treasurer Mr Sadguna Paul, Associate during Covid-19 Pandemic.” Even Finally, at the concluding session of Treasurer Rev Samuel Calvin and during his paper presentation, he the Regional IPM, Rt Rev Ravikumar KND Associate Secretary Rev D S created awareness on fighting Covid James Niranjan delivered the Honnaykar were present on the 19 pandemic. He deliberated upon presidential address, Rt Rev Dr occasion. the subject of Covid-19 and pastoral Reuben Mark gave a parting shot to ministry from the perspective of the delegates who successfully finished On Day-1, Mr Jacob Swamynathan, communication. the course. founder director of The Skill Factory, spread light on human resource On the occasion, a team of doctors Around 50 representing all management. He engaged the headed by Dr Ajay Raju, Medical the three dioceses took part in the delegates during the session through Superintendent of Basel Mission CSI Regional IPM. They actively took part various activities. He taught the Hospital, had come down to Dharwad in all the activities of the course. They delegates that conflict resolution is a to conduct health check-up camp for all enjoyed the fun and frolic during most important aspect in the life of the delegates. Except a couple of cases, the learning. Rev. Sunilkumar (KND) clergies. most of the pastors are diagnosed served as coordinator and recording fit. In the afternoon, Mr T P Udupa, secretary of the Institute and Rev. Advocate Mrs Esther Rani spoke Chartered Accountant, elaborately Moses (KND) extended sincere on the issues pertaining to the legal discussed about accounting pattern support for the physical arrangements aspects. She quoted various Acts in churches, handling of FCRA as for the Institute. Moreover, the and Sections from the constitution well as GST. Most clergies got their respected Bishop, Diocesan Secretary of India to enlighten us on dowry doubts cleared on various issues of and all office bearers of the Karnataka prohibition, protection of women accounting. Northern Diocese extended their and child rights. Dr Abdul Rasheed, maximum help and support for the Deputy Commissioner, Minority On the third day, the Deputy smooth functioning of the Regional Welfare Department, Government Moderator of CSI and the Chairman of IPM. of Karnataka, has explained to the the Department of Pastoral Concerns, clergy community about various Rt Rev Dr Reuben Mark delivered Rev. Dr. Prinstone Ben, facilities available in Karnataka for the the God’s message based on the text Director, Department of Pastoral upliftment of minorities. And in the John 19:23-30. The extempore sermon Concerns, CSI Synod. evening, Rev Dr Vincent Vinodkumar caught the attention of all participants.

www.csi1947.com 23 News CSI Synod Dept. of Youth Church Enlightened – Informed and Responsible Citizenship Tamilnadu Regional apacity Building Programme on and Evangelism steered a session for Youth Conference C“Church Enlightened – Informed Missionaries on, ‘Wholistic Mission: amilnadu Regional Youth and Responsible Citizenship” held Implications and Praxis,’ this session TConference held at CSI Retreat at the American College, Madurai was taken by Rev.Dr.Alfred Stephen, Centre, Yelagiri on 29th and 30th on 2nd and 3rd of February 2021. Vice-Principal of the TTS-Madurai. January, 2021. This conference This is a Joint Project of the CSI Department of Youth conducted was organized by the Church Department of Pastoral Concerns, a session for young people on, of South India: Department of Mission and Evangelism and Youth. ‘Equipping the Youth to Inherit the Youth, hosted by the CSI Diocese This programme was inaugurated by Christian Social Responsibility,’ of Vellore. The theme for this the Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, Bishop Rev.A.David Jebaraj, Clergy Secretary conference was “Youth for Truth in CSI Madurai-Ramnad Diocese of the Madurai-Ramnad Diocese and Justice.” This Regional Youth and Introductory Remarks and Enlighted the young minds with Conference is basically initiated to Presidential address was made by his profound intellectuality. These equip and educate the Young people Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, individual sessions equipped the to be more sensitive towards the General Secretary of the CSI. Adv. recipient groups to understand their contemporary realities by using Henry Tiphange from People’s role and responsibility in the Church Biblical-Theological, Psychological, Watch, Madurai spoke about the and Society. Socio-Political and Religious lenses. constitutional benefits, minority Fellowship and collaborative rights, democratic rights, right to A Total number of 120 participants, learning space between various information act, legal aid and so on. comprises of 40 Pastors, 40 ministerial and missional aspects of He said that India is a secular country Missionaries and 40 Youth from different dioceses gave an exposure where in which many people from CSI Madurai-Ramnad, CSI Trichy- to understand diverse perspectives. different faith backgrounds, cultures, Tanjore, CSI Thoothukudi-Nazareth, ethnicities, traditions, languages CSI Tirunelveli and CSI Kanyakumari The Rt. Rev. Henry Sharma and so on live. Indian society always dioceses attended the programme. Nithiyanandham, Bishop in CSI promoted inclusivity and this The presence and greetings of Mrs. Diocese of Vellore & Chairperson of inclusivity is now being challenged Leela Manohari Joseph, Women’s the CSI Synod Youth Department by the fascist ideology. Secular and Fellowship President of the Madurai- inaugurated the conference and democratic nature of Indian Society is Ramnad Diocese; Dr. M. Devamani motivated the youngsters with his trampled with the prejudiced agendas. Christoper, Principal of the American astonishing articulation. Bishop The declares College, Madurai; Rev.Dr.Perumalla spoke the aspects related to Truth India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, Praveen Prabhu Sudheer, CSI EMS and Justice highlighting Truth as democratic and republic in nature. It Liaison Officer; Rev.A.Rajan, Hon. ‘God’s Attribute’ and Justice as assures justice, equality, liberty and Associate Director of the CSI Synod ‘God’s Character.’ Bishop elucidated fraternity to all its citizens. The aim of Ecological Concerns added essence Biblical Truth and Justice by taking this programme is to guide the Youth, to the purpose of the programme. prominent verses from the Bible Missionaries and Pastors to be more Rev.Dr.John Kamaraj, Chaplain of such as Deuteronomy 32:4, St. John cognizant with the contemporary the American College; Rev.Vinolin 17:17, Micah 6:8, St. Luke 4:18,19. predicaments in the country. The Caleb, Youth Director of the Madurai- Knowing the truth, accepting the need of the hour to illustrate the Ramnad Diocese; Mr. Dr. Arulappan, truth and responding to the truth constitutional provision for equality, Warden of the American College took without delay were his major education, religious freedom to care of all the arrangements. concerns. He coined a very powerful empower the Church is achieved statement, “no to Sin of Silence: through this programme. Rev. Maxin John, Be spec-actors not spectators.” Director, Department of Mission and Four Sessions on Youth for Truth This programme also had the Biblical Evangelism, CSI Synod. and Justice were productive. The and Theological components like summary of these four sessions is as Department of Pastoral Concerns Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar, follows: organized a session for Pastors Director, Department of Youth, CSI on, ‘Pastoral Ministry and Social Synod. Dr. I John Marlin Inba Kumar, Involvement,’ this session was very Educationalist spoke on, ‘Youth well drafted and articulated by Rev. Rev. Dr. Prinstone Ben, for Truth and Justice in the Benjamin Inbaraj, Director of the Director, Department of Pastoral Context of Socio-Political and CSI SEVA. Department of Mission Concerns, CSI Synod.

24 April 2021 Dept. of Youth CSI Synod News

Religious situation of present re-reading the Bible without Gender CSI Dioceses in Tamilnadu. There .” He touched inequality and in Christ we are all was a Sharing and Feedback session important areas related to the one: proposal for Inclusivity. Her where youth shared their views New Amendments of Agricultural presentation was much focused on about the conference and further Laws, the chasm between the poor the issue of teaching Gender basics activities of the department. Apart farmers and corporate companies, from the childhood. Dr. Bennet from the content-oriented sessions, new educational policy, biased Benjamin, Director of the CRESSE youth actively participated in various nature of the media in projecting the took a session on, ‘Youth Adopting activities. Cultural Evening gave protestors as anti-national and so Truth and Justice as a Lens for Peace space for the young people to exhibit on. This educated young people to Building.” His presentation helped their talents and it’s a great time of become more conscious towards the young people to understand the fun, fellowship and entertainment. issues related to the present Indian dynamics of Peace. He stated that, Exposure visit to ‘Christukula Nationalism and the ways to deal the Holy Bible is the book of Peace Ashram,’ which is a Christian with the prejudiced Government and through reading and practicing Ashram built in the year 1933 with policies. Rev. J. Rajan, Presbyter the Bible one can achieve inner and an Indigenous style of construction of CSI Madurai-Ramnad Diocese outer peace. Absence of voice is not near Tirupattur helped youngsters to & Hon. Associate Director of the peace but the struggle for the change understand the purpose and praxis CSI Synod Ecological Concerns in unjust pattern and structure of proclamation of Gospel in Multi- equipped the Youth to practice creates peace. ‘Educate, Organize Religious context. ‘Truth and Justice in Multi-Religious and Participate’ is his slogan for Inhabitance and Eco-Sensitivity.’ His Youngsters in peacebuilding. Almost 60 Young People and Youth presentation enlightened the young Directors from all over Eight CSI minds related to the professing, Group Discussions and presentations Dioceses of the Tamilnadu region proclaiming and practicing Christian focusing on the main theme, “Youth such as Vellore, Kanyakumari, values in Multi-Religious areas. for Truth and Justice,” helped young Madras, Madurai-Ramnad, He also focused on the ‘Go Green,’ people to learn the importance of Coimbatore, Thoothukudi-Nazareth, aspects which educated the Young team work, mutual sharing and Tirunelveli, Trichy-Tanjore were people to learn and practice the learning. Inter-diocesan and intra- present at the conference. The Rt. aspects of caring the creation. diocesan activities and presentations Rev. Henry Sharma Nithiyanandham, by the youth was a great learning Bishop in CSI Diocese of Vellore Rev. J. Jacqulin Jothi, Presbyter experience to evaluate and resolve & Chairperson of the CSI Synod of CSI Madras Diocese explained the problems related to the Young Youth Department, Rev. A. Noel ‘the role of youth in achieving people in Church and Society. Group Christopher-Director, Rev. P. Samraj Gender Equality through Truth and Discussions and Presentations Kumar-Chairperson and Mr. J. Justice.’ Her presentation raised a were focused on eight sub-themes, Joshua Stalin-Treasurer and all the significant question, ‘Is God Female such as, Gender Equality, Present Board Members of the Board for or Male?’ The difference between the Indian Nationalism, Multi-Religious Youth work-CSI Diocese of Vellore understanding of Sex and Gender Inhabitance, Eco-Sensitivity, were instrumental in making the was explained by taking few examples Psychological Struggles in Career conference successful. which emphasizes on, sex is a natural Building, Leadership Struggles of composition/biological creation of the Youth in Church and Society, Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar, male/female/others but the Gender Youth against addiction and abuse, Director, Department of Youth, is created by humans. She proposed peace building allotted to the Eight CSI Synod.

Skill Enhancement Training for Rural Youth career opportunities. Prof. Dr. Felicia Chelliah, Bishopamma and Mr. N. P. at CSI Kanyakumari Diocese Thankaraj, Diocesan Treasurer greeted he CSI Synod Youth Department Rayappan Chelliah, Bishop in the CSI the gathering. Rev. R. Duds Gnana Torganized a 3-day Skill Kanyakumari Diocese inaugurated Roby, Diocesan Youth Director; Rev. Enhancement Training for Rural Youth the Skill Enhancement Training for Jerome; Rev. Zenith; Rev. Reghu Lal in the CSI Kanyakumari Diocese from Rural Youth on 04th March, 2021 and and other presbyters were present 04th to 06th March 2021 at CSI Retreat motivated the youngsters by explaining at the Inaugural. 30 Young people Centre, Muttom. how the management skills are very from various pastorates of the CSI important for the Youth who migrate Kanyakumari Diocese got benefited The Rt. Rev. Dr. Anantha Raj to the urban sectors for education and through this training.

www.csi1947.com 25 News CSI Synod Dept. of Youth

a successful career. Keeping this in mind the training was facilitated by the experts from the Skill Factory, . Mr. Jacob Swaminathan from Skill Factory, Bangalore touched on important areas like team work, goal setting, self-confidence, public speaking skills, etiquette, time management and career mapping, SWOT analysis, communication skills and leadership The project aims at a skill enhancement confident to face the different challenges skills. training, enabling the rural youth to the job market offers. build their self-esteem and develop their CSI Synod Youth Department extend personality with life skills such as team The sequence of activities envisaged our gratitude to the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. work, goal setting, SWOT analysis, time under this training is to mobilize youth Dr. Anantha Raj Rayappan Chelliah, management, communication skills, into viable groups, improve their Officers and Youth Director of the career mapping and leadership skill skills, arrange for support services, CSI Kanyakumari Diocese, Rev. R. training. These courses are offered in provides awareness and education on Duds Gnana Roby for their meticulous management colleges for an expensive the key focus areas. Besides, there is planning and implementation of the fee but CSI Synod Youth Department an increasing emphasis on making the workshop. envisioned to bring the Church youth young women and men self-reliant from rural areas who cannot afford and self-employed, so that they can Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar to attend this training outside in establish income generating units Director, Department of Youth, management colleges. This in turn is for their livelihood. Appropriate CSI Synod. hoped to make them competent and soft skills play an important role in

self-employed, so that they can Skill Enhancement Training for Rural Youth establish income generating units at CSI Dornakal Diocese for their livelihood. Appropriate soft skills play an important role in he CSI Synod Youth Department with life skills such as team work, a successful career. Keeping this in Torganized a 3-day Skill goal setting, SWOT analysis, time mind the training was facilitated by Enhancement Training for Rural management, communication skills, the experts from the Skill Factory, Youth in the CSI Dornakal Diocese career mapping and leadership skill Bangalore. Mr. Swaroop from Skill from 08th to 10th March 2021 at CSI training. These courses are offered Factory touched on important areas Epiphany Cathedral Compound, in management colleges for an like team work, goal setting, self- Dornakal. expensive fee but CSI Synod Youth confidence, public speaking skills, Department envisioned to bring the etiquette, time management and Mr. K.J. Shubhakar Ashirvadam, Church youth from rural areas who career mapping, SWOT analysis, Treasurer, CSI Dornakal Diocese; cannot afford to attend this training communication skills and leadership Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar, outside in management colleges. skills. CSI Synod Youth Director and This in turn is hoped to make them Rev T. Praveen Kumar, Diocesan competent and confident to face the CSI Synod Youth Department extend Youth Director inaugurated the different challenges the job market our gratitude to the Rt. Rev. Dr. K. Skill Enhancement Training for offers. Reuben Mark, Deputy Moderator Rural Youth on 08th March, 2021. CSI & Moderator’s Commissary, 30 Young people from various The sequence of activities envisaged CSI Dornakal Diocese; Officers and pastorates of the CSI Dornakal under this training is to mobilize Youth Director of the CSI Dornakal Diocese got benefited through this youth into viable groups, improve Diocese, Rev T. Praveen Kumar training. their skills, arrange for support for their meticulous planning and services, provides awareness and implementation of the workshop. The project aims at a skill education on the key focus areas. enhancement training, enabling Besides, there is an increasing Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar the rural youth to build their self- emphasis on making the young Director, Department of Youth, esteem and develop their personality women and men self-reliant and CSI Synod.

26 April 2021 Dept. of Youth CSI Synod News

“Church Enlightened, Informed the need for renewed and committed Pastoral Ministry in multi-religious and Responsible Citizenship” held at Bishop society by taking Biblical, theological Azariah School Compound, narratives and many practical examples. Department of Youth apacity Building Programme Human Rights Act 1993, Human conducted a session on, ‘Equipping the Con “Church Enlightened, Informed Rights Protection Mechanisms and Youth to Inherit the Christian Social and Responsible Citizenship” held at All Institutions in India, Status of Human Responsibility,’ this session was taken Saints Church, Bishop Azariah School Rights in India, Limitations - Hurdles by Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar, Compound, Vijayawada on 15th and faced in accessing Rights. Dr. T. Ravi Director, Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod. 16th March 2021. This is a Joint Project Kumar, President for the Association Speaker emphasized on the committed of the CSI Department of Pastoral of Relief Volunteers took sessions on Social responsibility of the young people Concerns, Mission and Evangelism Introduction to Rights of Christian focusing on the service, accountability, and Youth. This programme was Minorities, Status of Christian transparency, care for the creation and inaugurated on 15th March 2021 by Minorities in India, Limitations - so on. Rev. Prabhakar Rao, Vijayawada the Rt. Rev. Dr. T. George Cornelious, Hurdles faced by Christian Minorities Church Council Chairman, Registrar Bishop in CSI Krishna-Godavari in accessing Rights, Religious Freedom CSI KGD; Rev. Edwin Sudhakar Diocese. Bishop highlighted the need in India, Mechanisms and Institutions and other presbyters attended the for the enlightenment and how we need for Protection of Christian Minorities’ programme. Rev. N. Vincent Raj to be aware of our rights in the Indian Rights, Role of Christian Leaders in Kumar, Youth Director, Krishna society by taking Biblical passage from Creating Awareness on Rights, Way Godavari Diocese was instrumental in Ephesians 1:17-19. Rev. T. Joshua Forward, Anti-Conversion Laws and organizing the Choir and moderating Kumari, Bishopamma & President Christian Political Scenario. sessions. Rev. Karunanidhi, Presbyter In-Charge, CSI KGD was helpful in organizing sessions.

There was an intense Question and Answers round for more than an hour. There was a sharing session where participants from all segments shared their feedback and suggestions Cultural Evening which took place on 15th March Women’s Fellowship, KGD Spoke on Second Day of the programme was 2021 gave space to the participants to Gender Equality and explained the ways started with a Holy Communion present cultural programmes based on in which women can stand for their Service led by the Rt. Rev. Dr. T. George the proposed theme. A Total number of rights. Rev. Asir Ebenezer, General Cornelious, Bishop in CSI Krishna- 72 participants, consists of 24 Pastors, Secretary of NCCI greeted the gathering Godavari Diocese and Rev. Dr. B. 24 Missionaries and 24 Youth from and explained the need for knowing Anand Rao, Presbyter In-Charge of CSI Krishna-Godavari, Rayalaseema Human rights and constitutional the All Saints Church, Vijayawada. and Nandyal dioceses attended the privileges. Departmental Sessions succeeded the programme. Rev. T. Dinesh Cornelious, Devotion with different sub-themes. Ms. T. Mounika Cornelious, Mr. John Mr. Sudhakar David, Programme Department of Mission and Evangelism Daniel, Mr. GS. Sudhakar, Mr. Solomon Manager from APTS Social Service steered a session on, ‘Wholistic took care of all the arrangements. Forum took a pre-lunch session Mission: Implications and Praxis,’ focusing on Benchmark of Human this session was taken by Rev. Bandi Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar, Rights Awareness, Meaning and Jeeva Manohar, Bishop’s Chaplain & Director, Department of Youth, Definition of “Rights,” Origin – Practice Presbyter In-Charge, CSI KGD. Speaker CSI Synod. in Day to Day Life, Traditional and explained the need for the Wholistic Religious Meaning and Definitions Mission in present day context by Rev. Maxcin John, of ‘Rights,’ Origin of Modern Day taking biblical and social issues. Director, Department of Mission & ‘Human Rights,’ Universal Declaration Department of Pastoral Concerns Evangelism, CSI Synod. of Human Rights, Various Human organized a session on, ‘Pastoral Rights, International Human Rights Ministry in Multi-Faith Context,’ this Rev. Dr. Prinstone Ben, Mechanisms and Institutions, session was very well drafted and Director, Department of Pastoral Limitations - Hurdles faced in articulated by Rev. K. John Vikram, Concerns, CSI Synod. accessing Rights, Human Rights in Secretary, Auxiliary, The Constitution of India, National of India. Speaker spoke on

www.csi1947.com 27 News CSI Synod Dept. of Youth

Christian Education Director from CSI Karnataka Regional Youth Conference held Karnataka Southern Diocese was the at the CSI Board of Child Care Centre, Bengaluru Celebrant.

arnataka Regional Youth Youth Director form CSI Karnataka Rev. Adrian Deepak took session on, KConference initiated at the CSI Central Diocese, Rev. Adrian Deepak, ‘Youth Adopting Truth and Justice Board of Child Care Centre, Bengaluru Youth Director from CSI Karnataka as a Lens for Peace Building.’ He on 19th and 20th March 2021 with the Southern Diocese, Rev. Gabriel, exposed various issues connected to theme, “Youth for Truth and Justice.” Christian Education Director from the Peace Building. He explained that, CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese Young people face many conflicts in The Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasana Kumar and other young people led praise & their day-to-day life from the society, Samuel, Bishop in CSI Karnataka worship and prayers in the inaugural. church, family, peer groups, work Central Diocese inaugurated the Rev. Mary Shalini took session on, places and so on and they need to conference on 19th March 2021 and ‘the role of youth in achieving gender adopt peace building mechanisms to delivered the sermon based on the equality through truth and justice,’ she overcome those conflicts. Peace need assigned theme. Bishop brought out has brought out many contemporary to start from with-in us and need to thought-provoking sermon focusing issues related to the gender inequality spread to the people and creation on the practical aspects of truth happening in the Church, society and around us, was his major concern. and justice. Bishop made an appeal especially with in families. Rev. Moses Speaker also engaged youth in to the young people to negate the Francis Huggi engaged the youth activities related to the Peace building popular notion, “youth for pleasure, to participate in creative activities. and this gave space for the youth to middle-age for business and old-age Dr. Jason Alexander, programme understand the concept in a more for religion,” by practicing the truth executive from CSI SEVA helped youth meaningful and practical way. and justice and leave addiction and to understand ‘Disability in Churches.’ pleasures of this world. The distinction Mr. Jacob Swaminathan, trainer between natural and supernatural Rev. Dr. Dexter S Maben, Assistant from Sill Factory, Bangalore world was explained by taking Secretary of the CSI Karnataka Central motivated the young people in terms practical examples. He explained Diocese led a session on, ‘Equipping of understanding the true meaning that young years are the energetic the Youth to practice truth and justice and purpose of life. He also engaged years, years of sensitivity, teachable in Multi-Religious Inhabitance.’ Dr. youth in activities which can build years and years of danger too. Truth Dexter spoke on the relationship their self-confidence, determination is perspective in nature and truth is a goals and career management. He and positive attitude. There was a person not personal experience and also focused on the young people group discussion focusing on gender that person is Jesus Christ who is the clinging on to the faith by taking equality, multi-religious context and embodiment of Truth. Bishop also Daniel chapter 1. His main focus was peace building. This served as an highlighted the theme by using biblical to fight united to solve the problems by aptitude test and in-a-way, it helped to texts such as St. John 18:37, 8:32, coming out of the shell. He explained assess the young people’s learning and 17:17 and so on. that the Bible need to be re-read by involvement in all the sessions of the using the other-faith as lens. conference. Participants also shared Mr. Arthur Sadhanandham, Member their views regarding the conference of the EC & CSITA Management Second day was started with a Holy and gave suggestions related to the Committee greeted the gathering Communion Service. Rev. Adrian future programmes of the department. and presented the secular views of Deepak, Youth Director from CSI Cultural Evening which was started the theme. He spoke on learning and Karnataka Southern Diocese led after dinner on 19th March 2021 gave teaching aspects and addressed that the order of worship. Rev. Moses space for the participants to present youth have creative energy and this Francis Huggi, Youth Director from the cultural events based on the theme creative energy need to be used for the CSI Karnataka Northern Diocese and this also generated fellowship, fun edification of the society and Church at preached sermon on ‘Truth and and entertainment. 45 participants large. Enthusiasm and exuberance will Justice,’ by taking Biblical passage comprising of 15 participants from not last long but creating a just-self from St. John 18:37. He preached CSI Karnataka Central Diocese, 15 will take young people to great heights. that the young people are challenged from CSI Karnataka Northern Diocese Mercy, truth, righteousness and peace by various temptations and these and 15 from CSI Karnataka Southern were Mr. Arthur’s main concerns. temptations should not direct them to Diocese attended the conference. the erroneous ways and by adopting Rev. Moses Francis Huggi, Youth Truth and Justice as their lifestyle Rev. Ch. John Nischal Kumar Director from CSI Karnataka Northern they can tune their life in accordance Director, Department of Youth, Diocese; Rev. D. Mary Shalini, with the scripture. Rev. Gabriel, CSI Synod.

28 April 2021 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News Towards developing Towards Implementation of Action Plans a safe society for the Vulnerable for the vulnerable

he Child Protection Policy was Tdisseminated to the Heads of Institutions Lay Preachers at the Ashram Chapel of Vellore diocese. Team SEVA was honoured to have the presence of Vellore Bishop, Rt. Rev. Sharma Nithiyanandham, throughout the dissemination. Rev. Sampath two day workshop on man. He suggested documentaries Sadhanandham led the devotion. AVulnerability Mapping was for the participants, with regard held at the CSI Synod Centre, on to Caste. Participants were then the 12th and 13th of January 2021, as grouped for a discussion on Caste, a follow-up of the one done earlier. Class and Hierarchy. This was attended by the Directors of various Departments namely, Socio- Since Day 2 was the day before Economic, Youth, Sunday School, Pongal – The Harvest Festival, Then, Mr. Solomon Raja, Senior Christian Education, Dalit and the Presbyters of Madras diocese Programme Executive, CSI-SEVA, Adivasi and School Education from organized a Folk song service. After spoke on how the Campaign, Focus Madras, Kanyakumari and Vellore the worship, Ms. Aruna Stephen, 9/99, started and how it has evolved dioceses. Programme Executive, Focus into a learning process. The Campaign 9/99, conducted a quick Recap of which created an awareness about Rev. Easter Rajan introduced the previous day’s proceedings. Child Protection to many, has brought the topic, Child Labour, for the Then, Mr. Solomon Raja, Senior about many changes in the lives of the day. Devotion was led by Rev. M. Programme Executive, introduced vulnerable. Benjamin Inbaraj, Director, CSI – the Resource Person, Ms. Glory SEVA, who explained the Church’s Hubert, Child Protection Officer. Following him, Ms. Aruna Stephen, role in today’s scenario and the Based on her experience, she gave Programme Executive, Focus 9/99, responsibility she holds for the future information on how a child can be explained in detail about Child of our children. Prayer was offered by rescued from dangerous situations Rights and Child Abuse, through Rev. Jacob Peter. A short Video on and the steps that should be followed a Powerpoint Presentation. Mr. Child Labour was screened. while doing so. She also explained Solomon Raja informed them about in detail about the legislations and the Legal Provisions available Mr. Andrew Sesuraj, Professor the schemes of the Tamilnadu for children. Ms. Glory Angeline, in Loyola College, spoke about Government. Consultant, CSI–SEVA, talked about Child Labour and Street Children, Gender Equity and Policy. through a Powerpoint Presentation. The final session was dealt by both He put forth ways in which one Rev. John Jayakaran and Ms. Glory Post Lunch, TEAM SEVA organized a could identify child labour in their Hubert. They suggested that Sunday Balloon Game which clearly indicated respective dioceses. One could school teachers need to keep pace the concept of child abuse. Then, start small groups in their areas with the present generation. They Mr. Solomon Raja gave a lecture on which will identify the vulnerable should have full information, in Disability and went on to explain as places, identify families in which the area of their work, to bring an to how a Church can contribute to there are disabled children and to impact in the lives of these little ones, their welfare, by having the More Able tap local community resources. who are the leaders of tomorrow. Church Guidelines. He also stressed the need for Participants then presented deinstitutionalization. their group work, after which the The workshop came to an end with a workshop came to an end. participant’s prayer and Benediction Rev. Samson, was the Moderator for by the Bishop. the talk on Caste which was delivered Ms. Aruna Stephen, by Rev. John Jayakaran. He spoke Programme Executive, Ms. Aruna Stephen, about the origin of Caste and its CSI - SEVA Programme Executive, implications in the life of common Focus 9/99.

www.csi1947.com 29 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA , Dept. of Dalit & Adivasi Concerns

Opposition Parties! The Savarnas Karnataka Central Diocese offers safe space are getting 10% reservation when the poor and oppressed Dalit Christians for children receive only 1% along with many other caste groups! A shift of focus from the caste based reservation to the economically weaker sections of the upper caste groups is the first step towards the age of ‘Manu Dharma’.

By implementing this new reservation SI -SEVA was privileged to have Dr. Jason Alexander enlightened policy with a deliberate cunning way, Cthe Bishop of Karnataka Central the audience about More Able the so- called poor among the upper Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasanna Church Guidelines, followed by Mr. caste eat up the reservation seats of Kumar Samuel, for the Child George Wesley who spoke about the Dalits and backward castes. This Protection Policy Dissemination Women DARE. Local Capacities happens because the authorities take workshop. It was held on the 19th of for Peace (LCP) an initiative for the 10% of the total opportunities January 2021, at the CSI – Board Peace was explained by Mr. Praveen instead of the 10% of the open of Child Care Campus and was Daniel. (unreserved) opportunities/seats. attended by the Officers of the Mr. Solomon Raja, Senior hence the scenario is that almost all diocese, Clergies, and Heads of Programme Executive, informed the the political parties work against the Institutions. participants about oppressed communities by the Indian and Disaster Preparedness caste- system. Devotion and Key note address Programme. was by the Bishop, followed by an The Dalit and Adivasi Concerns Introduction to the Policy by the The participants from Karnataka Department of the Church of Director of CSI – SEVA, Rev. M. Central Diocese (KCD), were of the South India Synod organised a Benjamin Inbaraj. The Programme opinion that the issue of Gender two- day convention at the Executives of SEVA gave a brief Equity in Bangalore city is different United theological Seminary in account of the Policies and the work and needs a separate handling with Kannammoola, Trivandrum, that they are involved in. the understanding of Metro Culture. and raised voice against this They narrated how KCD is far unconstitutional move by the state Ms. Aruna Stephen, Girl Child ahead in Disability Inclusion and govt., which was surprisingly quick Campaign of Focus 9/99, dealt the Accessibility. to implement a policy put forward by session on the committees that BJP, the ruling party in the centre. has to be constituted at the Area The workshop came to an end with The Department came up with the Council, Diocese and the Synod Closing Prayer and Benediction following statement. levels and Ms. Glory Thomas, spoke offered by the Bishop of Karnataka on the Vulnerability of the Child. Central Diocese. 1. Kerala Government should She and Ms. Merlin together gave withdraw the unconstitutional an insight about the CSI’s Gender Ms. Aruna Stephen, ‘Savarna’ reservation. Policy. Programme Executive, Focus 9/99, CSI - SEVA 2. Various parties in Kerala, who collude in cheating the oppressed communities by supporting the EWS Kerala Government should withdraw EWS ‘Savarna’ Savarna reservation should revert their stand. Reservation and take Steps to give Reservation to Dalit Christians: . 3. The political parties should openly take a political stand to include the alit Christians, Dalits, the marginalised communities in Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste DAdivasis, and other backward India. This 10% reservation for the list. communities were cheated by Economically weaker sessions (EWS) the new reservation policy on the is made exclusive for the ‘Savarnas’ 4. The state government should basis of economic disparity, which by the ruling LDF Government in conduct a survey on the socio- political is unconstitutional and against Kerala, which was supported by the backwardness of the Dalit Christians.

30 April 2021 Dept. of Dalit & Adivasi Concerns CSI Synod News

5. There should be due share kept Christians within the church is the CSI East Kerala Diocesan Youth aside for Dalit Christians in the state effectively implemented. Movement offered the opening prayer. budget. 10. The churches in Kerala who The second day of the Training Camp 6. There should be exclusive funds haven’t yet made a reservation began with an outing to ‘Illikkal Kallu’, for Backward Christian Development policy within the church for the a hill station near Melukavumattom. corporation from the government. Dalit Christians should implement it The delegates of the camp took part in without any further delay. the Sunday Worship Service on the top 7. There should be exclusive projects of the Illikkal Kallu hill. Rev. Sunil Raj designed for Dalit Christians. 11. The landless Dalit Christians Philip led the worship service and gave should be provided cultivable land. a brief sermon. 8. Govt should make a census/ collect data on the population of Dalit YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ Back in HRDT Centre, the delegates Christians in Kerala. FX3lhnjHLlU engaged in a day-long training session. Mr John Joseph, a Professional Trainer 9. The Churches in Kerala should Rev. Sunil Raj Philip of Personality Development and critically self- examine whether the Director, Dalit and Adivasi Concerns Leadership led the interactive sessions reservation system for the Dalit Department, CSI Synod. in which the delegates took part with much enthusiasm. He dealt with topics such as Adaptability, Change “Caste can be Caged: From Callow to Courageous Management, Confidence Boosters, Assertiveness, Decision Making Skills, Dalits and Adivasis” Kerala Regional Leadership Body Language, Emotional Intelligence, Training for Dalit and Adivasi Youngsters: IIndPhase Self-Grooming, Leadership Skills, and Conflict Management.

The participants of the camp showcased their talents in the campfire organised at the courtyard of the HRDT centre in the second night. Songs, dances and skits made the night unforgettable for the delegates.

The final day commenced with a bible study by Rev. Sabin Jo Benson. He presented a novel perspective on the first miracle by Jesus in the wedding in Cana. leadership training camp for the using casteist hierarchy as a tool. Ayoungsters from the Dalit and Dr Anju Sosan George and Prof. Betty Adivasi communities of the Church of Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the Director Elsa Jacob, Professors of English at South India (CSI) in the Kerala Region of the Dalit & Adivasi Concerns CMS College, Kottayam, led sessions was organised by the Dalit & Adivasi Department, welcomed the gathering on “Teamwork and Facing Interviews”. Concerns Department of the CSI at the and gave orientation to the camp. He This was done with mock interviews, Human Resource Development Centre drew the attention of the delegates to interactive sessions and lectures. (HRDT) in Melukavumattom under the the current political scenario where East Kerala Diocese from 20th to 22nd of the majority of the political parties join Rev. George E. Mathew, a young pastor March 2021. hands in supporting unconstitutional from the Kollam Kottarakkara Diocese ‘Savarna Reservation’ and act against of CSI, led the final session of the Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis, the Chairperson the caste-based reservation and thus camp on “Christian Dalit and Adivasi of the Dalit & Adivasi Concerns negate the fact that casteism is the root Youngsters: Challenges Ahead”. Department of the CSI and the Bishop cause of all Indian social evils. Rev. P. in East Kerala, inaugurated the Camp. C. Mathewkutty; the Treasurer of the In the plenary session, the young He pointed out the fact that the East Kerala Diocese, Rev. Biju Joseph; Dalit and Adivasi leaders of the Kerala minority dominant communities in the Clergy Secretary, and Rev. Bijoy Dioceses of CSI reiterated that they will India who formulate only 20% of the gave felicitation speeches. Rev. Lijo carry the experiences they earned from population rule the 80% of the others Abraham; the General Secretary of the camp to the Diocesan and local

www.csi1947.com 31 News CSI Synod Dept. of Dalit & Adivasi Concerns

levels and urge the diocesan leadership by the new affirmative action • The training will be predominantly to do similar programmes in the policies in India, which is against in the vernacular languages. dioceses so that many other youngsters the true spirit of creating equality also will be benefitted. in the caste-ridden society. • As a second phase, the Leadership Training Camp will be conducted at Concept Note of the Training • Equipping them to search and earn the synod level. Camp jobs, even in the corporate sections. Combating casteism needs the • The areas of concerns raised by the awakening of the victims and efforts • Personality development. delegates at the regional level will of them to strengthen their abilities to be dealt with seriously at the synod stand up against casteism. A diocesan • Encouraging them to intervene in level. and synod level capacity building/ society as positive catalysts. leadership training programme/ • Study materials will be produced Summer camp for the young Dalits Methodology for the further process of the was already organised with the help of leadership training. CWM. This programme is designed as • Dalit and Adivasi Youngsters will the second phase of the project because be given leadership training at the • Evaluation of both the phases of continuity is the major need in this regional levels. the leadership training for the kind of training programme. Dalit and Adivasi youngsters will • Career guidance, especially be done and further steps will be This programme will focus on making encouragement to venture into the decided. the Dalit/Adivasi youngsters realise civil service exams will be part of that, even though the casteist ideology/ training. Target groups hierarchy is deep-rooted and powerful in its all negative manifestations, • The need for education will be Dalit and Adivasi youngsters from the onus is partially on them to fight given thrust in the training. all the four dioceses of the Church of against the casteism, mainly by South India. equipping themselves to thrive, rather • The delegates will be given than succumbing to the casteist power encouragement to strengthen their Half of them or more than half will be structure. reading habit. The possibilities of young women using various online books sites Aims and Objectives will be shared with them. A good percentage of them will be from very remote villages in South India. • Empowering the young Dalit and • Personality development trainers, Adivasi youngsters to face caste- theologians, successful Dalits and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip based discriminations. Adivasis in various fields including Director, Department of Dalit & civil service will be invited as Adivasi Concerns, CSI Synod • Deliberating the challenges posed resource persons.

32 April 2021 Dept. of Dalit & Adivasi Concerns CSI Synod News “Caste can be Caged: From Callow to Courageous Dalits and Adivasis” Tamil Regional Leadership Training for Dalit and Adivasi Youngsters leadership training camp for awakening of the victims and efforts • The need for education will be Athe youngsters from the Dalit of them to strengthen their abilities to given thrust in the training. and Adivasi communities of the stand up against casteism. A diocesan Church of South India (CSI) was and synod level capacity building/ • The delegates will be given organised by the Dalit & Adivasi leadership training programme/ encouragement to strengthen their Concerns Department of the CSI at Summer camp for the young Dalits reading habit. The possibilities of the Tamilnadu Theological Seminary was already organised with the help using various online books sites (TTS) in Madurai from 17th to 19th of of CWM. This programme is designed will be shared with them. March 2021. The Madurai- Ramnadu as the second phase of the project Diocese of the CSI was the host and because continuity is the major need • Personality development trainers, the programme was supported by the in this kind of training programme. theologians, successful Dalits and Council for World Mission (CWM), Adivasis in various fields including Singapore. This programme will focus on civil service will be invited as making the Dalit/Adivasi youngsters resource persons. Rev. Christopher Dharmaraj, the realise that, even though the casteist Director of the Christian Education ideology/hierarchy is deep-rooted • The training will be predominantly Department of the CSI Synod, and powerful in its all negative in the vernacular languages. welcomed the gathering and gave an manifestations, the onus is partially orientation to the camp. Rt. Rt. Dr M. on them to fight against the casteism, • As a second phase, the Leadership Joseph, the Bishop in the Diocese of mainly by equipping themselves to Training Camp will be conducted Madurai Ramnadu and the host of the thrive, rather than succumbing to the at the synod level. programme, inaugurated the training casteist power structure. camp. Adv. Fernandas Rathinaraja, • The areas of concerns raised by the General Secretary of the CSI Aims and Objectives the delegates at the regional level Synod, gave the Presidential Address. will be dealt with seriously at the Mrs Margaret Kalaiselvi, the Principal • Empowering the young Dalit and synod level. of TTS, Rev. Rajan, Hon. Associate Adivasi youngsters to face caste- Director of the Ecological Concerns based discriminations. • Study materials will be produced Department of the Synod, and the for the further process of the Officers of the Madurai- Ramnadu • Deliberating the challenges posed leadership training. Diocese gave felicitation speeches. by the new affirmative action policies in India, which is against • Evaluation of both the phases of Mr Jacob Swaminathan, a professional the true spirit of creating equality the leadership training for the trainer and the founder of ‘the Skill in the caste-ridden society. Dalit and Adivasi youngsters will Factory’ in Bangalore, led the training be done and further steps will be sessions on Adaptability, Change • Equipping them to search and decided. Management, Confident Boosters, earn jobs, even in the corporate Assertiveness, Decision Making sections. Target groups Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Self- grooming, and Leadership Skills for • Personality development. Dalit and Adivasi youngsters from the three days of the camp. all the four dioceses of the Church of • Encouraging them to intervene in South India. The second day of the Leadership society as positive catalysts. Training Camp started off with Half of them or more than half will be the bible study led by Rev. John Methodology young women Dhayanandham, Professor, TTS Madurai. The Morning Worship and • Dalit and Adivasi Youngsters will A good percentage of them will be he Bible Study on the third day were be given leadership training at the from very remote villages in South led by Rev. Augusty Gnana Gandhi regional levels. India. from the Trichy- Tanjore Diocese of the CSI. • Career guidance, especially Rev. Sunil Raj Philip encouragement to venture into the Director, Department of Dalit & Concept Note of the Workshop civil service exams will be part of Adivasi Concerns, CSI Synod Combating casteism needs the training.

www.csi1947.com 33 News CSI Synod Dept. of Communication ‘DARPAN’: A Workshop on Directions About Reporting and Permeating Alternative News Held at Kanyakumari ll you need to say is simply regarding the training camp and formula ‘AIDAS’ (Attention, Interest, “A‘Yes’ or ‘No, anything beyond welcomed the gathering. The Desire, Action, and Satisfaction) as this comes from the evil one” inauguration took place by lighting the it would be very useful for report (Matthew 5:37). The Communication earthen lamps placed in front of the writing. He also said that an article Department of the Church of South flowers and plants indicating life and should have suspense and a sense India (CSI) Synod organized Report light. of humour to be published in well- and Feature workshop for the Tamil reputed magazines. Region at Bishop Selvamony Retreat Mr Andrew Christopher moderated Centre in Kanyakumari, , the first session by welcoming the Mr N. Swamynathan, Reporter, The from 25.02.2021 to 27.02.2021 by Keynote speaker Rev. Dr Alfred Hindu, who led the third session was partnering with the Department of Stephen, Professor, Tamil Nadu introduced by Mr Bhakta Singh. Mr Communications of the Kanyakumari Theological Seminary. He spoke on Swamynathan spoke on the topic Diocese and EMS, Germany. The Christian Journalism and explained “Report writing: Gathering Info/ workshop was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. 5 important key points for Christian Inverted pyramid”. He said that S.E.C. Devasahayam, the Chairperson journalism. Firstly, he insisted that ‘Authentic News’ can be found within of the Synod Communication the Role of a Christian journalist, a lane, a street or a local area and not Department. He appreciated the is to make things simple, and that from any outside source. He called initiative taken by the Department would be the uniqueness of a good upon the delegates to represent the of Communication Synod and the Christian journalist. Secondly, there conscious voice of the people and to Kanyakumari Diocese to organize such are two different types of writing write what we think is essential for a wonderful workshop promoting the regarding Christian journalism which the community with a sense of justice. growth in human development. The is “Reporting Type” and “Narrative He insisted that one should not to Bishop emphasised that a ‘Church Type”. Thirdly, the base content for a use unnecessary words to describe without communication ceases to be Christian journalist is to write a report news content. He also said that the a Church in its nature’. The Scriptures based on the Gospel giving importance resources that the journalist has becomes an able communicative tool to the Gospel in the Bible. He says will serve as a strategic move in the of the Gospel which has been handed that the Challenges of a Christian reporting field. down to us from ages past (Matthew journalist is to face the consequences 5: 10) affirms the power of written while reporting for the Gospel The final session for the day was words and also calls us to affirm this in an unbiased manner with ‘no rendered by Dr J. R. V. Edward, power in our lives. He pointed out that compromise’. He concluded by saying Principal, Scott Christian College. it is our inherent duty to exhibit the that a journalist should be a ‘Prophet’ The session was moderated by Rev. church’s responsibility through our in a world of chaos and says that a Jeyathilaka Prathaban. Dr Edward words and deeds. He reminded the Christian journalist is one who should spoke on the topic “Media Ethics”. delegates that “Pen is mightier than give the solution to the investigation He says that one can understand the sword, which can shake the history made and also be the instrument of ethics in media by following its of humanity. We don’t just need justice. “5 Principles” such as ‘Truth & preachers, but also writers to shake Accuracy’, ‘Independence’, ‘Fairness and transform this world through The second session was led by Dr M. and Impartiality’, ‘Humanism and writing”. He encouraged the Christian Jezer Jebanesan, Former Principal, Accountability/ Responsibility’. The Writers to follow certain approaches Scott Christian College. Mr Suhash concluding remarks of the day were such as “Powerful Resistance, moderated the session. The topic for delivered by Rev. Sunil Raj Philip. Bringing Alternatives, Envisioning this session was “The importance of He also gave an assignment on Transformation, Envisioning having command on language and report writing on the day’s event and Liberation and Enriching Life. Let vocabulary”. He assigned an exercise concluded with a prayer. our writing be Resourceful, Resistant, to the delegates asking them to Reliable and Reforming in nature”. imagine and write, “What Jesus would The second day of the workshop began have written on the ground!” (John with welcoming God’s presence and The sessions on the first day began 8: 6). Delegates from various dioceses guidance. The first session was chaired with regional Tamil songs. Rev. responded actively with different by an eminent speaker Dr Jebamalai Wilson invocated God’s presence with opinions and perspectives. He then Vinanchiarachi (Former Principal a prayer. Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the raised a question, “Do Christian Adviser to the Director-General, Director of the Synod Communication articles have readability?” and also UNIDO, Vienna, Austria). He spoke on Department, gave an introduction asked the delegates to follow the the social conviction of a reporter, and

34 April 2021 Dept. of Communication CSI Synod News how it implies to church magazine. instigating a problem. The second-day He said that technical skills are very He encouraged the gospel magazines session closed with the evaluation of important to a photojournalist as they to concentrate more on social issues the reports written on the first day. will help one to be creative with a little and to serve as a representative for the persistence. He then concluded by voice to the voiceless. The first session on the final day was saying that ‘A strong picture doesn’t chaired by Ms Jessie Paul. Dr Shemin read captions to create an impact’ Mr Davidson Sargunam (Journalist), Balachandran Nair (Filmmaker/ as it always appears in newspapers, spoke as the second panellist in the Cinematographer and Academician) magazines and the internet. session. He said that a good reporter spoke on the topic ‘Writing News must have a good character. He put for Visual Media’. He explained the The third session was moderated forth the practical applicability of a functions of visual media and gave an by Rev. Bobby Alfred. Dr L. Judith journalist irrespective of situational insight as to how media can be used in Sophia, Assistant Professor of English, competence. the secular and religious counterparts Scott Christian College spoke on the of society. He suggested that if a topic “Feature Writing”. She says that The next session was led by Mr person wants to write an article in any feature writing is a kind of news story Esaikiappan, Tamil Desk Chief The kind of media ‘one must first unlearn and she explained the characteristics Hindu in Tirunelveli. He spoke on to learn something new”. He reiterated of a feature writer. She stated that a the styles of writing the introduction that ‘writing is a struggle against feature writer must create an instinct (intro) for news and added that a silence and one must follow non- to write well by being a good reader. good journalist should be honest. He verbal communication because it is the She explained that one must never enriched the delegates on the vitality sacred mantra, to begin with. He then write a news article with partiality. of the inverted pyramid style, which guided that one must generate an idea When a person writes an article, it is a basic feature of any news story. first to write something new followed must have brevity, coherence and He also threw light on the essential by a synopsis, treatment, plot and the perseverance. She concluded by saying mobile and computer Apps to be used structure of a story. He then concludes that one must follow a four-step plan for preparing and editing the news. He by saying that ‘Time and Space’ is very to write a feature article that is to also gave insights on the shortcuts of essential for visual media. ‘Capture the Idea’, ‘Develop the Idea’, photography and the creative use of ‘Tailor the Idea’ and to ‘Test the Idea’. catchy titles. The second session was moderated by Rev. Beaula Poongudi. Dr Paul The final day of the workshop Dr D. Henry Raja (Associate Professor T. Benziker, Department of Visual concluded with a plenary and of Physics, Scott Christian College) Communication, Scott Christian valedictory session. Gifts were talked about how reporting and College, took a class on the topic distributed by the Communication writing for Church magazine differ “Photojournalism”. He explained Department of the Kanyakumari from secular media. He pointed out that photojournalism is a form of Diocese as well as the CSI Synod to all that the editor of a Christian magazine journalism as it employs images the delegates. is not so free to edit some content in order to tell a news story. He because of religious restrictions. It is clarified that it is essential to practice Rev. Sunil Raj Philip the reporter’s job to emphasize the taking photos to become a good Director, Department reality that the Christian magazine and photojournalist because these pictures Communications, CSI Synod focus on promoting peace rather than help communicate with one another.

Celebrating 200 years of the Printing Ministry: Public lecture on the Bicentenary of the CSI Diocesan press (LMS Press), Nagercoil. n a public meeting organised by LMS Missionaries pioneering the press introduced into Travancore, Ithe Communication Department of printing ministry in South India. the papers for the press were sent the Kanyakumari Diocesan Printing from England. One of the prestigious Press partnering with the Diocesan The spark behind the LMS press in moments was that the first order of Communication Department and the Nagercoil was ignited by the father of service was published in the LMS Department of Communications of the the South Travancore mission Rev. press for the first church inaugural Church of South India (CSI) Synod, Charles Mead. In 1820, Rev. Mead ceremony held in Chennai. Dr James R. Daniel, former Principal visited Tanjore and obtained the of the Scott Christian College in necessary equipment for the press The Printing ministry of the CSI Nagercoil, presented a vivid narration and assembled it in his own house at Diocesan press (LMS Press), of history on the contributions of the Nagercoil, this was the first printing Nagercoil has been of service to

www.csi1947.com 35 News CSI Synod Dept. of Communication

the community for the past 200 The Commemoration lecture was CSI Synod, spoke about ‘Aksharam’ years and to commemorate its delivered by Dr. James R. Daniel (letters/alphabets), which literally Bicentennial year, a programme was (Former Principal, SCC). He gave a means that cannot be destroyed held at Bishop Selvamony’s Retreat delightful speech on the history of and explained how the efforts of the Centre Kanyakumari. Rev. Gildon missionaries of South Travancore. Protestant missionaries to give access Dhayanandan, Director, Department He asserted that everyone should to ‘Aksharam’ (education and printing of Communication, Kanyakumari always remember the contribution ministry) to even the marginalised Diocese. The Welcome address of missionaries. The printing communities changed the social was delivered by Rev. Vibin John press was installed in Nagercoil matrix of India in a positive way. He (Superintendent, Diocesan Presses). in 1820 and in 1821 the first book gave concluding remarks about the The Inaugural address was delivered ever printed in South Travancore programme stating ‘Where do we by Rt. Rev. Dr A. R. Chelliah, Bishop, was ‘Aatmabodhagam’. Mrs Gouri have to go from this bicentenary year’. Kanyakumari Diocese. He highlights Parvathi Bayi, a descendant of the The vote of thanks was delivered by the ethnicity of LMS press and said royal family in Thiruvananthapuram, Rev. J. Vincent Robert. The Master how Rev. Charles Mead took steps to brought the reminiscences of how of the Ceremony was Rev. Gildon establish the press. the LMS missionaries and the Royal Dhayananth, the Director of the family were connected and supported Communication Department of the The Arch Bishop of Canterbury Most each other. Felicitation speeches Kanyakumari Diocese of the CSI. The Rev. Justin Welby sent his greetings were rendered by Dr D. Thambi programme concluded with a prayer for the bicentenary year celebrations Vijayakumar (Vice President of and benediction by Rt Rev. Dr A. R. and it was rendered by Mr. Suhash, Kanyakumari Diocese) and Mr N. P. Chelliah. PhD Research Scholar, Scott Christian Thangaraj (Treasurer of Kanyakumari College, Nagercoil. “For we are God’s Diocese) gave credits and ~CSI Synod Communications fellow workers. You are God’s field, acknowledgement to the organizers Reporting Team. God’s building. (I Corinthians 3: 9)” for organizing such a great event. Rev. was the most important message from Sunil Raj Philip, the Director of the the letter. Communication Department of the

Bicentenary Celebration of Kollam (Quilon) of the Kollam Mission. Afterwards, Rev. J. C. Thomson, Rev. Joshwa Mission Gets Underway Nolds and Rev. Edmonds came he Bicentenary Celebrations of to Kollam and spread the mission TKollam (Quilon) LMS mission work further. They started many got underway at Kollam with a schools and churches under grand function organised by the the Kollam mission. Thus they Kollam- Kottarakkara Diocese of developed a civilized culture here. the Church of South India on the 2021 is the bicentenary year, and 28th February 2021. On Sunday as part of the celebration, the evening, the inaugural function of Diocesan Bishop has announced the celebrations was declared open In his speech, Mr. Tharoor reminded around Rs. 100 crore development by the former UN Ambassador and of the pioneer social reformation projects. The presence of Mr N. the famous writer Mr Shashi Tharoor works of the Christian missionaries. K. Premachandran MP, Most. MP. Rt. Rev. Dr Oommen George, At the end of the 19th century, many Rev. Theodosius Mar Thoma the Bishop in Kollam- Kottarakkara reforms groups started functioning Metropolitan, Most. Rev. Dr Paul Diocese, presided over the meeting. across Kerala. These organisations Antony Mullassery, and Mr M got moral support from the Noushad MLA added meaning progressive thinkers among the to the function. Mrs Aliyamma missionaries. Mr Tharoor narrated Oommen (President, Diocesan ), the historical facts about the LMS Mr Nibu Varkey Jacob (Member missionaries. The Kollam (Quilon) CSI TA), Mr Varkey Jacob (Lay was started in 1821, even though Rev. secretary ), and Rev. David Habel William Tobias Ringeltaube tried to (Vicar, Cathedral church ) also start it even before that in vain. Rev. spoke in the meeting. Mr Justin Raj Johns Smith was the first missionary (Registrar) gave the vote of thanks.

36 April 2021 Dept. of Communication CSI Synod News

“Harmoni-them” Kerala Regional Choir Festival erala Regional Choir Festival, Ktitled “Harmoni-them”, jointly organised by the Kerala Region Choir Committee and the Communication Department of the Church of South India (CSI) Synod, was held at the CSI Holy Trinity Cathedral, Madhya Kerala Diocese, in Kottayam on the 20th March 2021. The Festival got a colourful beginning with the flag hoisting by Rt. Rev. , the Bishop in the Cochin Diocese of the CSI. The choirs attended entered The Dioceses of the Church of South regions (4 regions- , the Cathedral as a procession singing India have a great tradition of Church Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil) “Sthuthippin, Sthuthippin”. music for which they predominantly will be brought together in a grateful to the missionaries of Basel commonplace and help them to In his inaugural speech, Rt. Rev. Dr mission, London Mission Society perform with the sophisticated Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian; the and . Because sound system. Bishop in Madhya Kerala, pointed of their contribution in translating out that the title of the choir festival European Hymns the choristers • A seminar, which deals with reminds us of the fact that our songs in these dioceses were introduced the possibilities of reviving the should be the songs of uniting love, to western music as early as two rich heritage of songs as well care and fellowship. Bishop was centuries back. On the other side, as exploring the possibilities honoured by the gathering for his these dioceses drew from the rich of creating new songs that are consecration as the Bishop of the heritage of Indian classical as well as socially relevant, will be organised Diocese only a couple of months back. folk traditions to create indigenous along with the Choir Festival. Christian music. The systematic Rt. Rev. Dr Oommen George, the approach to church music such as • Various choirs from the regions Bishop in Kollam- Kottarakkara regular choir practice, singing in will form the second phase of Diocese of the CSI encourage the parts etc. varies from congregations the Regional Choir festivals, in audience and the choirs to sing to congregation. A common festival which the choirs will be singing without ceasing for the glory of God. of Choirs will encourage the predominantly new songs with the congregations to learn from each current themes. Rev. Samuel Oommen, the leader of other and search for better practices in the organising team of the Choir Fest, Christian music. Above all, a harmony • The papers presented in the welcomed the gathering and expressed among them (‘harmoni- them’ which seminar held in the last year will his gratitude to all those who joined sounds similar to harmonium, an be printed and distributed to the him to make this programme a Indian musical instrument) will be choristers and the public. success. formed in the regional levels. Target groups Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, the Director of Aims and Objectives the Communication Department of Choristers of the churches in the the CSI Synod, informed the gathering • Bringing together Choirs of the dioceses. that the department has already four regions in South India. initiated a process to make a similar Aspirants to join the choir- young kind of Choir Festival in all the other • Encouraging the choristers to voices. three regions- Tamil, Telugu and think out of the box and make the Kannada. church music more relevant. Common worshippers will be encouraged to be actively involved in Choirs from the Dioceses performed a • Give training for the choristers. the church music rather than making song each after the bible reading. it a cliché. Methodology The South Kerala Diocese of the CSI Rev. Sunil Raj Philip will be the host for the next Choir • Select Choirs from various Director, Festival. dioceses of the specific language CSI Synod Communications

www.csi1947.com 37 News Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum COVID Relief: Dry Ration Kit Distributed is the new General by the CSI Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad. Secretary of CWM he Church of South India Joseph (Diocesan Women’s TSynod has distributed COVID Fellowship President), Mr. John Relief Dry Ration Kits through Mahendran (Treasurer), Mr. J. P. the Department of Social and Dalit Edwin Chelliah (Registrar), Rev. Concerns of the Diocese to the Rajan (Hon. Associate Director of nurses and conservancy workers Ecology Concern, CSI Synod), Rev. in CSI Christian Mission Hospital Jayasingh, Mrs. Udhaya Kumari (Treasurer, Christian Mission Hospital) Conducted the meeting.

Dr. A. Charles (Medical Superintendent of Christian Mission Hospital), Dr. Thanveer (Principal of CSI Dental College of Science and Research), Mrs. Christina Anbu and CSI Dental College of Science Selvi (Nursing Superintendent) ev. Dr Jooseop Keum has been and Research, of CSI Diocese of have participated in the distribution Rappointed as the new General Madurai-Ramnad. The distribution which was guided by the Director Secretary of the Council for World was held on the 09th March 2021 at Rev. Daniel Ravi and organised by Mission (CWM). Most Rev. Dharmaraj the CSI Christian Mission Hospital the Project Co-Ordinator Mr. Sam Rasalam; the Moderator of the Church Chapel. J. Nallu Prasad and Mr. Augustine of South India (CSI), Rt. Rev. Dr. Ponraj; Department of Social & Reuben Mark; the Deputy Moderator, Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja; the Dalit Concern. Adv. Fernandas Rathina Raja; the General Secretary of the CSI Synod General Secretary and Prof. Dr. Vimal along with Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, ~Rev. Joe Daniel, Sukumar; the Treasurer congratulated Bishop in the Diocese led the The Director of Communications, Rev. Jooseop for his appointment distribution. Mrs. Leela Manohari CSI Madurai-Ramnadu Diocese. as the General Secretary of the most prominent mission organisations in the world, CWM. Vengampalli Olivamalai CSI Church of Vellore Diocese was Dedicated by the Moderator ~CSI Synod Communications in the Presence of the Diocesan Bishop Mr. Antony Sagayadoss, Gardener, Church of South India Synod, passes away. r. Antony Sagayadoss, Gardener, MChurch of South India Synod was called to eternal glory at 10:30 pm in chennai on 24th March 2021 due to throat cancer. His demise was at the age of 57. He served at the Synod engampalli Olivamalai Church in attended the dedication service, which Secretariat as the Gardner for over 6 Vthe Nagamangalam Pastorate of was held on 13th March 2021. years. the Vellore Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI) was dedicated by Rev. M. Isaac Fernandes; the The Moderator, the Deputy Most Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam; the Presbyter-in- charge, and Mr Moderator, the General Secretary, Moderator of the CSI in the presence B. Thomas; the Catechist of the the Treasurer and Staff of Church of of Rt. Rev. Sharma Nithyanandam, church led the arrangements for the South India Synod express our deep the Bishop in Vellore. Adv. Fernandas dedication service. condolences to the bereaved family. Rathinaraja, the General Secretary of the CSI and Mrs Shirley Rasalam also ~CSI Synod Communications ~CSI Synod Communications

38 April 2021 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 authors on this magazine do not reflect the opinions, belief and view points of the official policieswww.csi1947.com of the CSI SYNOD. 3939 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

Edited & PublishedApril by 2021Adv. 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 4040 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