...... Magazine of the Church of South India October 2020 | Pentecost Season Volume XVIII | Issue 10 | Rs. 150/Annum

Renewal and Reformation: Never-ending Challenges Youth: Rules and love/ Influencer and influencees/ Cornerstone of society/ Spirituality Youngsters open up their minds www.csi1947.com 2 October 2020 Members of CSI - United to Unite: Taking Pride in EDITOR’S DESK and Holding Responsibilities reetings to you in the name Programme Manager for the World greatest events in the world of our Lord and Saviour Diaconate of Kerk in Actie, Rev. history of church union. The GJesus Christ! Dr Deenabandhu Manchala; Area World Missionary Conference at Executive, Southern Asia, Global Edinburgh 1910 raised a question We have celebrated the 74th Ministries, USA, Most Rev. Dr P C about the re-union of Churches. CSI Formation day on the 27th Singh; Moderator, Church of North This question and discussions September 2020 with the renewed India (CNI), Rt. Rev. Dr Geevarghese led to the inauguration of the spirit and commitment to the prayer Mar Theodosius Suffragan Faith and Order Movement in and call of Jesus Christ, ‘That they Metropolitan; Mar Thoma Church, which Protestant Churches of the all may be one”. Local churches Rev Dr Chan Nam Chen; Executive world began a study of the basic offered special thanksgiving prayers, Director, Asia CMS and Rev. Asir theological problems involved in hoisted flags and conducted special Ebenezer; General Secretary, National the question of Christian reunion. programmes to commemorate this Council of Churches in India (NCCI) This Conference made tremendous special occasion abiding with the who kindly send the video greetings changes among the mission fields, COVID protocol in place. In all to bless this occasion. Rt. Rev. Dr and they felt the need for an organic these celebrations, the pride and Reuben mark; the Deputy Moderator union in their respective mission enthusiasm in being the part of the of the Church of South India offered fields. In 1913, we can see a move biggest united and uniting church the opening prayer and the General in this direction in the mission fields in India which is also the second Secretary of the CSI welcomed the of China, Japan and East Africa. In biggest in Indian churches reflected. distinguished guests. Most Rev. India, the union happened among Dharmaraj Rasalam; the Moderator the South Indian Churches. In other The Synod of the CSI organised an of the CSI gave the keynote address. words, the formation of the church online event in commemoration of Prof. Dr Vimal Sukumar; the Hon. was a mission movement! the formation day. We were privileged Treasurer of CSI gave the felicitation to receive greetings from the World speech. In 1908, many important steps were Christian leaders, leaders of the taken for the inter-denominational International Christian organisations, Dr J. Jerene Jayanth; Director, CSI union of Congregational and National and International level Kalyani Hospital in Chennai and Presbyterian Churches in South ecumenical leaders, and the leaders Dr Keerthana Rajkumar from CMC, India and Ceylon. This year the of the sister churches. It is my duty Vellore spoke on the various steps two bodies (Congregational and to thank Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca; taken by the Christian hospitals to Presbyterian) have come together the Interim General Secretary, combat COVID 19. A short video on and formed ‘The South India United World Council of Churches, Mr the details about the encouraging Church’. This movement in South Alastair Bateman; CEO, Church activities of the church during the India was watched with keen Mission Society (CMS), Dr Deidre lockdown due to COVID 19 and the interest by leaders of the church Palmer; President, Uniting Church in activities of the healing ministry and missionary statesmen in India Australia, Rt. Reverend Martin Fair; of the church was also part of this and elsewhere. Further in 1909, Moderator of the General Assembly, special video presentation. Glimpses South India United Church General Church of Scotland, Rev. Dr Dieter of folk-art forms, which were Assembly committee based on Heidtmann; General Secretary performed in the various synod level union suggested the formation of Evangelical Mission in Solidarity programmes in the recent past were “Federation of Christian Churches (EMS), Rev. Solomon Paul Benjamin; also included. in India”. Tranquebar Manifesto was Liaison Secretary East Asia and India, a catalyst for the uniting efforts. EMS, Rev. Duncan Dormor; General The formation of the Church The Tranquebar conference actually Secretary, USPG, Ms Rommie Nauta; of South India is one of the consisted of two conferences, held in www.csi1947.com October 2020 3 1919. It was an Indian conference through CSI worship centres in schools are the leading ones in the though there were two Europeans almost all continents. There are respective states while many other present. Bishop V.S. Azariah was more than 3500 presbyters and struggles to face the challenges of the convenor of these meetings. many more church workers. The the commercialisation of education missional activities of our church system in India but continue to On the 15th August 1947, India are highly commendable and there be missional in nature and spread became independent. It was a are mission fields even in many good news trough education to day of emancipation also for the states in North India. More than multitudes. Many of our colleges are Christians Church in this country. 2000 missionaries do a committed regularly in the list of the first 100 The inauguration of the CSI on missional work along with a colleges by the central government the 27th of September 1947 at thousand evangelists. Around 250 and a few of them appear in the St. George’s Cathedral, Madras, missionary teachers work on the first ten. We should be proud that hailed by Christian leaders around field and 100 missionary health our educational institutions are the globe as a ‘venture of faith’, ‘a workers strengthen our missional well- known for quality education. momentous achievement in unity’, activities. There are 150 mission The first college and the first-ever ‘the greatest step forward in Church fields and 5000 mission centres. girls’ school in South India are the unity in modern times’, ‘a beacon Our great united and uniting institutions of the Church of South in our Christian world’ and also as church has consisted of missional India is another fact that we should ‘a schism deliberately planned and congregations believe in growing to be proud of. There are hundreds of carried through’. a borderless church. hostels, boys’ and girls’ homes, and other institutions for the childcare Chapter II of the Constitution of the The development and growth that under the CSI Dioceses which help CSI states that the CSI affirms “the India is witnessing in the field of thousands of orphan/ semi- orphan purpose of the union by which it education and health care are and poor children for education and has been formed is the carrying out undoubtedly the results of the living. of God’s will, as this is expressed in vision and mission of the European our Lord’s Prayer- ‘that they may all missionaries in India from whom Health care sector in India has be one… that the world may believe we received the legacy and continue become a cut-throat business. It that Thou didst send me’. It believes the commitment to these social is a wonder that many of the CSI that by this union the CSI will interventions. Education became hospitals are still able to carry the become a more effective instrument accessible to the marginalised missional attitude facing all the for God’s work and that there will be communities because of these challenges. Our hospitals are still greater peace, closer fellowship and social interventions of missionaries. accessible for the poor and serve the fuller life within the Church, and The Church of South India has society with utmost commitment. also renewed eagerness and power schools in the metro cities, urban There are 46 hospitals, 1 medical for the proclamation of the Gospel of and semi-urban areas in the centre and 3 other medical Christ.” five southern states. But, most institutions under CSI Dioceses. importantly, we can see that most of The formation of our church was our schools are in remote villages, The Christian responsibility of every the result of prayer, discussions catering to the needs of the poor member of the Church of South and deliberations. It has the motto and marginalised students. There India is understanding the rich to continue the spirit of unity. are 1,419 aided primary schools, legacy of the church and live a life Standing with the marginalised 48 unaided primary schools, 228 that follows the motto, “that they all communities, being in solidarity aided middle schools, 9 unaided may be one”. We should understand with poor and spreading the good middle schools, 257 aided high the intricacies of this prayer by our news of equality and justice are school/higher secondary schools, Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This integral to the process of unity. 84 unaided high school/higher prayer includes a vision of equality secondary schools, 31 aided and justice, diminishing of borders, Our church has grown in all the colleges, 63 unaided colleges, 10 and solidarity with the oppressed facets during the last seven decades aided technical institutions, 37 and the marginalised. and marching towards diamond unaided technical institutions, 2 jubilee. The church has more aided paramedical institutions, 22 Let us dream together and work than 15,000 congregations in the unaided paramedical institutions, together for that noble goal! five southern states in India and 1 aided professional institution, 13 in Jaffna in Sri Lanka. The CSI unaided professional institutions, C. Fernandas Rathina Raja members in the Indian diaspora and 30 other educational General Secretary, CSI. carry the legacy of the church institutions. Many of these www.csi1947.com 4 October 2020 Renewal and Reformation: Challenges for the Church and Society in India.

eformation day is being which it designates. At the observed annually on 31st beginning of the sixteenth century, ROctober, the day Martin it was obvious that the Church Luther’s 95 theses were nailed in western Europe was in urgent to the door of Castle Church at need of reform. The cry for reform Wittenberg 1517. From a historical in head and members summed up perspective, the Reformation is both the nature of the crisis and much too complex to reduce to a its perceived solution. It seemed single event, but this significant that the life-blood of the Church act by Luther focused attention on had ceased to flow through its his protest against papal authority veins.1 and the teaching of the Church. The Concept of Reformation The Cry for Reform The term ‘Reformation’ (from Latin The term ‘Reformation’ reformation, literally ‘restoration, immediately suggests that renewal’) is used in a number something-namely, western of senses, and it is helpful to European Christianity-was being distinguish them. There were reformed. Like many other terms four elements involved in its used by historians to designate definition, namely 1. Lutheranism, eras in human history, such as 2. The Reformed Church (often ‘Renaissance’ or ‘Enlightenment’- referred to as Calvinism), 3. it is open to criticism. For example, The ‘Radical-Reformation’ (often the twelfth century witnessed a referred to as ‘Anabaptism’) 4. The comparable attempt to reform the ‘Counter-Reformation’ or ‘Catholic Church in western Europe, but the reformation.’ In its broadest sense, term ‘Reformation’ is not used to therefore, the term ‘Reformation’ is designate this earlier movement. used to refer all four movements. Rev. Dr. S. David Nevertheless, the fact remains The term is also restricted sense to Joseph Raj is currently that the term ‘Reformation’ is mean ‘the magisterial Reformation’ serving as an Assistant generally accepted as the proper or ‘mainstream Reformation’ Professor History of designation for this movement, thereby excluding the ‘Catholic Christianity at Gurukul it linked with the recognition of Reformation.’2 Rev. Dr Mothy Lutheran Theological the need for a drastic overhaul Varkey brings out Alister McGrath College and Research of the institutions, practices and statements; “it is more accurate Institute in Chennai. He ideas of the western Church. The to speak of ‘Protestantism’s’ in the is an ordained minister term helpfully indicates that there plural. However, in many scholarly of the Church of South were both social and intellectual works, the term ‘Reformation’ India in the Diocese of dimensions to the movement is used to refer to that linked Kanyakumari 1) Alister E. McGrath, Reformation Thought An Introduction (Second edition), (USA/UK: Black Well Publishers, 1993), 2.

2) Alister E. McGrath, Reformation Thought An Introduction (Second edition), (USA/UK: Black Well Publishers, 1993), 3-4. www.csi1947.com October 2020 5 with the Lutheran and Reformed monk!” Spared of his life, but purgatory sprung. Luther saw this Churches’ and excluding the regretting his words, Luther kept selling of indulgences as abuse Anabaptists.3 his bargain, dropped out of law that could mislead his people into school and entered the monastery relying simply on the indulgences Martin Luther there. True to his word, Luther themselves to the neglect of the Martin Luther was born to Hans spent a last evening with his confession, true repentance, and and Margaretha Luther on 10th friends and on 17 July 1505, at satisfactions. Luther preached November 1483 in Eisleben, the age of twenty-one, he entered three sermons against indulgences Germany, and was baptized the monastery of the Augustinian in 1516 and 1517. the next day on the feast of St. Hermits in Erfurt.6 Luther wanted Martin of Tours, after whom he to dedicate himself completely to On October 31, 1517, according was named. His father owned a the monastic life. He tried to do to traditional accounts, Luther’s copper mine in nearby Mansfeld. good works to please God and 95 Theses were nailed to the Having raised from the peasantry, to serve others through prayer. door of the Castle Church as an his father was determined to see However, he realised that it is open invitation to debate them. his son ascend to civil service difficult to find peace in his life The Theses condemned that the and brings further honour to because he was becoming too Church has become greedy and the family. To that end, Hans much aware of his own sinful worldly and asked for a theological sent young Martin to schools nature. He devoted himself to disputation on what indulgences in Mansfeld, Magdeburg and fasts, flagellations, long hours in could grant. The 95 Theses were Eisenach. At the age of seventeen prayer, pilgrimages and constant quickly translated into German, in 1501, he entered the University confessions. widely copied and printed. Within two weeks they had spread The Indulgence in Controversy throughout Germany, and within and the 95 Theses two months throughout Europe. “He devoted himself to fasts, In addition to his duties as a Luther argued that “the true flagellations, long hours professor, Martin Luther served treasure of the Church is the most in prayer, pilgrimages and as a preacher and confessor at holy gospel of the glory and grace constant confessions.” the Castle church, a foundation of God.” In Luther’s arguments in of Frederick the Wise, Elector of the 95 theses, the decisiveness of Saxony. This church was named faith and certainty of the promise ‘All Saints’ because it was the of Jesus Christ is at the heart of Erfurt. The young student repository of his collection of of the debate. The 95 theses received his Bachelor’s degree. holy relics. This parish served was a call to repentance which According to his father’s wishes, both the Augustinian monastery instead of the onetime event is to Martin enrolled in the law school and the university. It was in the be understood as a permanent of that university. After earning performance of these duties that inner attitude of life. The whole the degrees of Bachelor and the young priest was confronted exercise of 95 theses represents Master of Arts at the University with the effects of obtaining Martin Luther’s ‘zeal for truth’ of Erfurt, Luther began the study indulgences on the lives of and his ‘desire to bring to light’ of law in the summer of 1505. everyday people. The Dominican the truth. Luther theses nailed on A few weeks later, however, he friar Johann Tetzel was enlisted the Castle Church in Wittenberg abruptly changed his mind, sold to travel throughout Archbishop represents Luther’s deep sense of his books, and decided to become Albert of Mainz’s Episcopal responsibility towards the Church a monk. All that changed during territories promoting and selling and his sincere desire to correct a thunderstorm in the summer indulgences for the reconstruction the teachings and practice of the of 1505. A lightning bolt struck of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Church.4 near to him as he was returning Tetzel was very successful at it. to school. Terrified, he cried out, He urged that as soon as the coin Luther’s Teachings Five Solas 5 “Help, St. Anne! I’ll become a in the coffer rang, the soul from The Protestant Reformation of the 3) Alister E. McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution-A History from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-first Century (New York: Harper One, 2007), 62-63. Cited by Mothy Varkey, “Sola Scriptura as Resistance Discourse: Re-imaging the Lutheran Reformation” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, NO.1 (June 2017): 85 4) Jhakmak Neeraj Ekka, “Luther’s Theology of the Cross as Luther’s Theology of Mission” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, No.1 (June, 2017): 151.

5) Emilly Hall, https://www.christianity.com/church/church-life/what-was-the-protestant-reformation.html (October 2020) www.csi1947.com 6 October 2020 16th century changed Christianity God by his grace as he mercifully product. God is not a means to forever. One of the enduring attributes to us the righteousness an end—he is the means and the legacies was the Five Solas, of Jesus Christ and attributes to end. The goal of all of life is to give which are five Latin phrases that him the consequences of our sins. glory to God alone (1 Corinthians emerged during the Reformation Jesus’ life of perfect righteousness 10:31). As the Westminster to summarize the Reformers’ is counted as ours, and our Catechism says, the chief purpose theological convictions about the records of sin and failure were of human life is “to glorify God and essentials of Christianity, based on counted to Jesus when he died enjoy him forever.” Glory belongs Scripture. on the cross. (Ephesians 2: 8, 2 to God alone because only he is Corinthians 5: 21) worthy (Revelation 4:11, Psalm 1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture 145:3, Psalm 18:3). alone) 4. Solus Christus (Christ Alone) The Bible alone is our highest Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Renewal and Reformation: authority. This doesn’t mean that Savior, and King. God has given Challenges for the Church and the Bible is the only place where the ultimate revelation of himself Society in India truth is found, but it does mean to us by sending Jesus Christ In India everyday justice and peace that everything else we learn about (Colossians 1: 15). Only through denied because of the racial and God and his world, and all other God’s gracious self-revelation in caste barriers, deforestation and authorities, should be interpreted Jesus do we come to a saving ecological degradation, women, in light of Scripture. The Bible and transforming knowledge of girl child sexual harassments, gives us everything we need for God (Acts 4: 12). Because God is human rights violation and arms- our theology. (Romans 15: 4, 2 holy and all humans are sinful attacks on innocents, Dalits, Timothy 3: 16-17) (Romans 3: 23), neither religious Tribals, Adivasis rights, mob- rituals nor good works mediate lynching, unjust labour policies, 2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone) between us and God. Hebrews 7: COVID 19 threats to human life. We are saved through faith alone 25 There is nothing by which a The Book of Revelation reminds in Jesus Christ. We are saved person can be saved other than and cautions “look, I am making solely through faith in Jesus the name of Jesus. His sacrificial the whole creation new” He will Christ because of God’s grace and death alone can atone for sin (1 wipe all tears from their eyes” Christ’s merit alone. We are not John 2: 2). Revelation 21: 4. The Church of saved by our merits or declared South India’s former Moderator righteous by our good works. 5. Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of Rt Rev. Dr Govada Dyvasirvadam (Luke 7: 50, Romans 10: 9, John God Alone) says that “500 years faith journey 3: 14-16, John 20: 31) We live for the glory of God of Reformation is hoped to give alone. God’s glory is the central strength to cast out and trample 3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) motivation for salvation, not the evils and divisive forces in We are saved by the grace of God improving the lives of people— and around our communities alone. We can only stand before though that is a wonderful by- towards building the “borderless www.csi1947.com October 2020 7 community, the ‘One World’, is a Church in need of continuous God is dynamically present in Christ’s World.”6Chris Fergusen, reformation.’ The Church/People these. God is savingly active in the General Secretary of the of God theological formulations these. This is where we have to World Communion of Reformed continue to remain elitist and discern the Gospel happening and Churches, in his reflection racist, and our Biblical reflections becoming.”10 on “Living God, Renew, and and liturgical practices are not Transform Us,” the theme of the sufficiently capable to inspire In India, the Church and Society 26th General Council Meeting and inform the congregations in faith journey towards renewal and of the World Communion of their discipleship journey to bring reformation is an ongoing journey. Reformed Churches, observes that, about healing and restorations The Church having being reformed “the Reformation commemoration in our communities. The Church and is to still to be reformed. The is for us not about theological happens as fellowship, solidarity, recent caste-based oppression nostalgia. It is about putting the love, care, compassion, justice, of the 19-year-old Dalit girl was Reformation into the present and restoration in the lives of brutally raped and killed by four tense. This means not just here the people, who go through the upper-caste men in Hathras and now; it means bringing tragic experiences of utter God- district in Uttar Pradesh shattered forsakenness.8 secular India. She was brutally raped, grievously injured and died The Indian Church and Society to in a Delhi hospital and was burnt “In India, the Church and make and renewal and reformation to ashes by the police authorities. Society faith journey towards a living experience in the life of Caste crimes and discrimination renewal and reformation is an the Church, it requires a costly are continuing. As the people of ongoing journey.” commitment. M.M. Thomas rightly God, we should stand for justice observes that “there cannot be a so that the reformation will ensure true Church with the continuity the entire Church and Society in of existence in the world. It is a India. Here I conclude with Allan Reformed traditions, theology and contradiction in terms. Die and Samuel Palanna’s statements that, the confessing faith stance into get resurrected-everyday a new “Reformation is never a finished the tense present-into tensions, fellowship-a new creation-not the event. It further challenges faith conflicts, violence, suffering, old one continuing. That alone be communities to identify moral beauty, wonder and promise of Christ’s Church.”9Towards a World gaps in any spaces, re-imagine this historical moment.”7George without Walls, George Zacharia theology and spirituality and calls Zachariah brought out two views that “we live in a scandalous for re-forming these through the important challenges for renewal world that denies God’s call to life life-affirming values of the Gospel. and reformation of the Church for all.” The renewed and reformed This is the unfinished task of the and Society in India. The first Church is called to be a witnessing Reformation.”11 one is “Towards a Borderless presence in the public sphere, and Church” and the second one is hence it is a public Church. Arvind “Here I Stand, I can do no other, so “Towards a World without Walls.” Nirmal reminds us, the Church help me God, Amen” Towards a Borderless Church, should engage in public witness: ~Martin Luther~ the Reformation faith journey “the ‘original’ and the ‘given’ in is an occasion for the Church this context is our own situation, to become self-reflexive and to our own history, our own undergo a radical renewal and struggles, our own aspirations, transformation. ‘Church reformed our own fears and our own hopes, 6) Govada Devasirvadam, “Reformation and the One World” CSI Life, (October 2017): 9-10. 7) George Zachariah, “Towards a Communion of the Multitude: Living God, Renew, and Transform Us” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, No.1 (June 2017): 173. 8) George Zachariah, “Towards a Communion of the Multitude: Living God, Renew, and Transform Us” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, No.1 (June 2017): 180-181. 9) M. M. Thomas, Ideological Questions within Christian Commitment,(Bangalore: CISRS, 1983), 31.George Zachariah, “Towards a Communion of the Multitude: Living God, Renew, and Transform Us” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, No.1 (June 2017): 182. 10) George Zachariah, “Towards a Communion of the Multitude: Living God, Renew, and Transform Us” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, No.1 (June, 2017): 183-184.

11) Allan Samuel Palanna, “Reformation and Renewal: Scriptures, Justification and Priesthood of All and the End of Priestcraft” Bangalore Theological Forum Vol. XLIX, No.1 (June 2017): 170-171. & Allan Samuel Palanna, “The Unfinished task of the Reformation: Renewal as a Process” CSI Life (October 2017): 14. www.csi1947.com 8 October 2020 Rules and Love: A Young Lady’s Musings

ur days are different from and the elderly preach sermons yours’ is a very popular from a particular verse from the ‘Odefensive statement Holy Bible leaving behind its of many youngsters and this is cultural implications and their triggered when they are cornered social background. Often it clashes by their elderly mostly. All the with the other cultures and some values that are taught to them as social setup. Subconsciously, kids are questioned because of Christian youth face various the modern standards which are complexes in their lives and the unconsciously embedded into their majority fail to get clear answers. brain through media and diverse When this situation repeats itself, social spectrum. The youth today many Christian youngsters get are under the constant dilemma disheartened and misled from of what to believe and what to do their lives as the result. The world in their everyday life. When they is facing so many complexities approach the elders and church to in the last few decades and the clarify their doubts, the perplexed path of righteousness seems to be youth always get an answer that blurred for some and impossible doesn’t meet their expectations. for many. I have come across some elders rebuking the youth “Don’t be silly. It is obvious as it for their behaviour. They advise is written in the Bible”. Mostly, them to follow standards which this statement, in particular, they consider to be perfect and many a time leads us a strong when they see someone deviate hatred towards Christian beliefs from those standards, they and also causes hatred towards tend to judge the person to be society. The person’s mind gets irresponsible and treat them with filled with unexplained questions indifference. When such youths which the person believes to have struggle in their faith, the elders the answer. These beliefs often would not have opened arms for Ms Jofilda C. hails from turn into revulsion while coming them. In the recent times, many the Tirunelveli Diocese across people with a different youngsters struggle with their of the Church of South opinion from theirs. The main heart and mind and without India (CSI). She is a theme taught by Jesus Christ proper guidance of someone who Research Scholar doing is love. All of his lessons and understands their psyche, they her PhD in English. She sermons focus on love. He broke go down the wide path which did her Post Graduation the principles of the people of his seems to be more adequate to their at Madras Christian time who followed the traditional life. Thousands and thousands College. She has a Post rules given by Moses. God, of youngsters live without Graduate Diploma in through Moses, gave guidelines of understanding what Jesus want Christian studies. Email: what to eat and what not to eat in us to be, simply go down. [email protected] order not to be tainted. But Jesus said, “It is not what goes into the The main reason for this situation mouth that defiles a person, but is the inability to understand what comes out of the mouth” the youth in their psychological (Matthew 15:11). Many Pastors level. I have heard some elders www.csi1947.com October 2020 9 teaching me that the Bible is for Holy book. But Jesus understood in the present scenario, the path all times, it is forever. But often his world. He knows how people seems to be hazy and there are a we forget that a particular rule suffer. He knows what is behind very few people who find the right which was essential during the the cheerful smile and the hurtful path. The youth at the present time of Abraham and Moses were cries. He gave importance to are disdained from the path by shattered by Jesus. Jesus looked people rather than the rules. This rejecting them for their ways of past the orders and rules. He eventually got them to stick to approaching an acceptable social tried to understand what and the right track. People followed life. Many Christian youngsters why a person has to do this. He Jesus and travelled far and wide started avoiding Christian understands the psyche of the for him. For the radiance of love meetings when they find out they tax collector and chose him to be and acceptance, sinners repented. are not acceptable by the Christian his disciple. He did not condemn There was a revival wherever standards and thereby move people who did not follow the he went. One of the important farther apart. No preacher, church commandment of God. Instead, he reasons for that is he accepted all elder sit down and ask them showed the Love of God and people range of people for their blemishes what went wrong and check how followed him. He chose a woman and their sin. it really went wrong. It is always who was filled with demonic spirits easy to judge and avoid a person and Mary Magdalene found a place Jesus showed us that only love rather than accept and love the in history. People, who suffered can reach people; not rules and person. from leprosy, were shunned away orders. He accepted the sinners in accordance with the Jewish and sacrificed his life for them. With no one to understand what law, but Jesus touched them and This is what is required while is really going on in their minds healed them. The Jewish priests taking care of today’s Youth. and without analysing the root found Jesus to be a lawbreaker. With mainstream media and easy cause of the issues, they are The Pharisees and Sadducees approach towards sinful habits neglected; by the Christian elders hated him for his teaching as they and lifestyle makes more people and by themselves. I have come found them to be against their prone to an unhealthy Christian across a situation where a girl got principles. The son of God was life, it is difficult for the youth a tattoo of her favourite quote in accused of blasphemy. But Jesus to find the righteous path. For her arms. The next day, this fine rose above them all. Even Jesus small is the gate and narrow the Christian girl was slut-shamed was treated with scorn for not road that leads to life, and only by her teachers and some elders following the rules given in the a few find it (Matthew 7: 14). But of her church. She became the www.csi1947.com 10 October 2020 gossip of the month. People in in recent times. Those who are There is no other commandment her church who barely talk to more exposed to it are more likely greater than these”. Jesus her now tell her how God hates to have muddled and unclear considered that to love one another her for this ‘obnoxious’ act. She ideas and principles. Such youths is greater than not committing went into depression and stopped will not be convinced without a murder. It is bizarre for us to going to church after a month. proper evidence supporting the imagine that. When we think She was rejected in a place which judgement. But without any about it, it is the most difficult gives her hope. She scorned the social relevance to the incident, commandment. But only that rules of Christianity that made a rule from the divine book is not could bring people into the light. her unacceptable to a church. It sufficient for them. Instead of Only love can drive people out of has been 3 years since she goes providing the cultural significance the deep dark forces. In the end, to a church but she hasn’t given and social relevance, the rules without love one cannot live as an up praying. But other people are imposed on them and without example to others and definitely accepted her and appreciated her clarity they are unable to accept not bring people to Christ. I, irrespective of her tattoo and also them wholeheartedly. being a 23-year-old, in my short because of her tattoo. Now she is experience, found that so many of with the people who love her and It all comes down to this -love. my friends go down the easy road accept her. Love is what all human beings for the sake of being loved. If the crave for. Everyone wants to be church elders and youth leaders “Rules are rules. Don’t ask too empathised irrespective of who could love and empathize the many questions. Do not question they are. Everyone wants to have a struggling youth, the kingdom of the Bible. This is blasphemy to sense of belongingness. No human heaven would rejoice. talk like this”. Without answers, can exist individually always. young souls get disheartened and Being a part of something is as leave. This is the base story of so important as having an identity. many youths in Indian society. To be accepted and loved is a Without acceptance and with basic need for anybody. But we indifference, they deviate far away are quick to judge. We find it very from the love of God. The youths difficult to understand and accept with high hopes and good faith a person who is different from us. are forced to run away as well. Jesus said,” The second is this: The world is more complicated ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. www.csi1947.com October 2020 11 Have We Met the Biggest Influencer Yet?

Introduction Gen Z: Born between 1996 and 2012 ith the advent and pertinent use of social Did you know that during the last Wmedia, Information decade, businesses have started to overload and (over) feed has consider this analysis very crucial become the new normal. Hours to help keep their workforce are spent globally consuming satisfied, to drive engagement irrelevant (sometimes misleading) and to increase productivity? For information; the lines between consumers, various marketing real and virtual world are fading tools are now available to help away. This phenomenon has assess, analyze and provide made it extremely difficult for the intelligent insights into the right young to navigate their life, enjoy customer base for a business or their journey and make the right a product. Understanding what choices. We are in a situation now influenced or influences each of where the choices are many and these groups as they stepped into as the choices grow, so does the adulthood, helps us empathize and difficulty in deciding what is right! relate better to their perspectives The young generation of today and challenges. clearly stands at a very climacteric juncture and it is interesting to Overview of Influencer learn and understand what builds Each of the generations mentioned their personality and drives their above had certain characteristics behaviour. in common. These characteristics were a result of the various Have you heard of this before? The landmark events and happenings Ms. Makka Rudhira world population today majorly during those times. Landmarks Sushanti is a member holds Gen X, Gen Y and the Gen are considered to become the of St Stephen’s Church, Z! It is a good idea for all of us to influencers. What or Who is an Rehmathnagar of Medak get accustomed to these terms influencer? Merriam-Webster1 Diocese of the Church and how they are coined. Birth defines Influencer as “one who of South India. She is years are used to define these exerts influence: a person who currently working as an generations. It is fascinating to inspires or guides the actions of Assistant Vice President know the various characteristics others”. Webster dictionary2 also with Synchrony Financial of each of these groups and says an Influencer is “One who, or (Strategy and IT). She also understand their personalities. that which, influences”. leads communication for Women’s Network, India at Traditionalists: Born between 1922 Yes! Every generation had its Synchrony. and 1945 influencers – a person, a thing, Baby Boomers: Born between 1946 an incident! To understand the Email: rudhirasv@gmail. and 1964 impact of Influencers, let’s look at com Gen X: Born between 1965 and each generation closely. Phone: +91 7702227768 1980 Gen Y or popularly known as Did you know, Traditionalists Millennials: Born between 1981 were called the Silent Generation and 1996 because they respected authority www.csi1947.com 12 October 2020 and never revolted against the generation that ruled the last Their influencers are all very anything? Their influencers were decade. well known to us starting with The Great Depression and World Facebook, YouTube, 9/11 attacks, War II. Gen Y or Millennials. They are increase in terrorism, Hurricane termed as the “Entitlement Katrina, global warming, Swine Baby Boomers, on the other Generation”. They grew up with Flu and the Great Recession. This hand, being children of the Computers, Cell Phones, internet generation has seen the toughest hardworking Traditionalists had etc. They were more culturally and of them all but seems to be the the most child-focused upbringing racially tolerant, entrepreneurial easiest to influence. Is it really

where everyone pampered them. and achievement-oriented. They easy to influence Gen Z though? They went on to find successful however were focused on instant Or is it the influencer that has careers, tried new ventures and gratification and not long-term become so much more powerful never hesitated to speak their wins. Patriotism also was of keen than the influencee?! Some food mind. Their influencers were Civil interest to them. Debts, loans, for thought here: Somebody Movements, Women Movements especially Student Loans were an (rightly) pointed out about Social and First Walk on the Moon. ignorable trait of this generation. Media “Distracted from distraction Their influencers were, very by distraction”. David Levithan Gen X was unfortunately called clearly, the rise of the internet, expresses his thoughts “It’s a the lost generation. According to Y2K, and Terrorism. highly deceptive world, one that Howe and Strauss3 , the members constantly asks you to comment of this generation grew up in one The current generation of interest but doesn’t really care what you of the most anti-child decades. and the target of all influencers is have to say.” Yes, we are here, This was the time when population Gen Z (the Youth today). and it is now. It is definitely the control was being promoted. greatest influencer so far! From anti-pregnancy pills to Gen Z grew up with the World single mother raising children Wide Web (www). Highly connected The greatest Influencer of all to a major spike in divorces of to the internet, high speed in times: Social Media parents, this generation saw it all everything they do, open book Social Media has revolutionized first. They grew up to first start philosophies with hardly anything the way we communicate, transact easing up to technology. Their being private, not very detail- or even educate. Facebook, influencers were Computers, MTV, oriented and they thrive on small Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat, Political– Reaganomics, Watergate bits of information, independent Twitter, Linked In, WhatsApp, & Nixon Resignation. Then came yet lacking community orientation. Telegram etc are platforms that www.csi1947.com October 2020 13 claim to help you stay connected media websites need to create to your loved ones for free. They their databases, algorithms actually have managed to do and marketing solutions for its that! Long lost friends have met, customers. Always remember, missing members of families have nothing comes for free. united, school reunions have Corporations and companies happened and so much more. pay huge amounts of money to Think about it! If you are reading get access to these databases. this article right now, social media This helps them build logic and has influenced you in some form understand what product they or the other. You got some tips can promote for which user. Did to decorate your home, to cook a you ever experience you were meal, some medical tips, contact searching for something specific information and crucial stuff that on Google and almost immediately you can’t imagine doing or getting all your social media accounts otherwise. All new inventions are start showing you ads/products mostly intended for the good of the related to your search? Well, society but over a period of time, that’s data and logic for you! How the same invention can be a bane many times did we end up buying that threatens our sanity (think something we don’t need coz we about Plastic). see them time and again?

It becomes crucial for us to Misinformation start having these important Did you know that newspapers conversations about the impact are endangered? There are a lot of social media in our lives. Don’t of famous publications that have wait until it’s too late! either shut down, have reduced their production or have reduced Addiction the number of pages published. All Have you caught yourself scrolling of us would have the same news up and down some social media read and discussed erstwhile. page without specifically looking Today, we are never able to figure for something, not realizing it’s out what is true and what is not. been at least an hour you’ve been There is always a question in our doing this? Social Media Addiction heads about the authenticity of the is the worst of all addictions as news, irrespective of the source it plays with your mind. I once on Social Media. How many times saw my colleague scrolling on his did our parents and grandparents phone while he was on a famous believe a Whatsapp forward? social media website on his laptop Think about it! How many times too. A closer look revealed that did we read that UNESCO declared he was clueless about what he Indian national anthem as the is doing because it was the same best in the world? While it would website on the phone and on his be awesome if that was true, this laptop! He didn’t even realize until viral message is a hoax (https:// I mentioned to him that he was timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ doing this. That’s how powerful times-fact-check/news/fake-alert- and addictive this can be!! How no-unesco-did-not-declare-indian- many hours of our day goes into national-anthem-best-in-the-world/ living this addition? articleshow/70731926.cms).

Data and Logic We will have to educate ourselves Every time you log in to a “Free” and inculcate certain habits to website or download a “Free” app, ensure we have a sane Young you are giving your information generation coming ahead. “Your out for “Free” too. This is the walk always talks louder than kind of information that social your talk talks” So here are five www.csi1947.com 14 October 2020 Be’s for a healthy Social Media life youth about the boons and banes that I would encourage the Young of Social Media. It is a part of our to follow. 4 life now and no one can run away from it. With our Gen Zers almost Be Intentional stepping into adulthood now and Log in to your social media the next generation to come who accounts, intentionally. Stay would not even know a world on mindfully and logout from without social media, social media the browser and app after your laws and regulations hopefully session (where possible). will become a mandate. Similarly, planned rules should be made Be Real at home to guide our children. Don’t need to post a happy Screen time should be planned picture, when you are sad. Don’t and restricted. Think about not need to tell everybody where you allowing cell phones in bedrooms are all the time. Don’t need to post 8: 30 PM. Use alarm clocks have thousands of friends when instead of phones as alarms. you are interested to spend time Restrict phones on the dining with about a handful of them. Try table. Have a good time dining building real and not superficial together, instead! Plan outdoors friends. with your children, encourage using an actual camera than a Be Positive phone camera. The intent is never Follow people and pages that bring to scare you away. Social Media is joy to you. Do not subscribe to real. It is gonna be with us for a every channel or every page that pretty long time, hence it’s best to comes your way. If you feel there be diligently prepared and make is some ‘trending news’ that is the best use of it. adding to the negativity in your life, step away. Endnotes Be in the moment 1) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ When you are out with your influencer#:~:text=%3A%20one%20who%20 family, friends, colleagues..., forget exerts%20influence%20%3A%20a,%2Dgetter%20 about what you will post or an way%20of%20life.%E2%80%94 unquenchable need for clicking 2) http://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/ a picture so you could tag people Influencer later. Be in the moment, enjoy it, 3) Howe, Neil and William Strauss. “The New cherish it, LIVE IT! Generation Gap”. Atlantic Monthly. December, 1997, 67-89. Be vigilant 4) https://www.conehealth.com/services/behavioral- Social Media makes you want a health/7-healthy-habits-of-social-media/ product or a service by presenting the same thing to you again and again and again. Always, look for what you need and not what you think you need. Avoid clicking on any promotional links, recommendations or anything that come to you. Be vigilant about your conversations and who you are meeting on Social Media platforms.

Conclusion Our families, society and the church need to start talking to our www.csi1947.com October 2020 15 Youth: The Cornerstones of Indian Society

Education The role of higher education is also a problem nowadays as the he word education is derived students rarely wish for higher from the Latin word educo, education and opts for a job as Twhich means ‘to train the soon as they complete their degree, child or to lead the child to the even though India is called as the right path’. Education is very youngest nation today the passive much essential for the growth of role of the students to settle early each student and is instrumental and to get married early drags the in their active participation in nation down and also sustains society. The term school from the current social issues dragging ancient Greece means ‘to have fun it to the next generation. We all while learning’, but the notion of know that ‘time and tide wait for schooling today is to pour a large no man’ and time being the most amount of information in the important aspect of human life, it mind of the students and to force has to be used well. them to score high marks for the Mr. Suhash S. is a PhD benefit of the school. The role of There is a time for everything, and Research Scholar in Scott a school is to teach the students a season for every activity under Christian College, Nagercoil. apart from their difference in heaven: He is a member of the ability without any partiality, but LCP team of CSI- SEVA some institutions that come out “A time to be born and a time to representing Kanyakumari for business, especially the private die, Diocese of the Church sectors focuses only on 1% of the A time to plant and a time to of South India. He has students out of 100% that are uproot, experience working with present to compete with other A time to kill and a time to heal, YMCA, India, as the Vice institutions for better recognition. A time to tear down and a time to Chairman of Southern Niccolo Machiavelli, a renaissance build, India Region (Youth Works writer of the 14th century, said that A time to weep and a time to and Gender Concern). He when merchants and auxiliaries laugh, has been part of various are left free in a country, they A time to mourn and a time to Leadership Training would definitely dominate one day dance, Programmes in Christian or the other. We can see today A time to scatter stones and a Higher Education such as that this notion has not changed time to gather them, AIACHE and has published as large conglomerates occupy A time to embrace and a time to many research articles in with the help of the government refrain, National and International the actual role of education A time to search and a time to reputed journals. has changed into a competitive give up, environment and the youths are A time to keep and a time to Email: suhash2293@gmail. dragged into this whether they throw away, com like it or not “the surest way to A time to tear and a time to Mobile: +91 8220197714 corrupt a youth is to instruct him mend, to hold in higher esteem those who A time to be silent and a time to think alike than those who think speak, differently_ Friedrich Nietzsche”. A time to love and a time to hate, www.csi1947.com 16 October 2020 A time for war and a time for The teacher must, more always stay in sidelines passively peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, NIV) importantly, focus on a student cheering on the players and would by helping them to follow ethical never participate to be a role- There is a time for everything and practices and moral judgments. playing character”. this particular ‘time’ has been exploited at every corner of the The teaching practice must If the youth are trained to society, especially the youth. The change from a teacher-student be passive through means of youth grow with creative ideas evaluation to student’s self- education the arising problems in and dream bigger to live better, evaluation whereas this would the society with not subdue but but their dreams from that at the bring a change from the grassroots would rise exponentially. school level become disruptive level of thinking of the students to when they see the reality of the understand what they can do and Human Security society they are present in. The what they cannot do. Most of the youths seek a job at an mode of the system drastically early age to lessen the burden of changes in their functions and The above five points are legible their family’s financial problems. fundamentals when a student only if they are under the rules Some enter a private company leaves from a school-based and policies of an institution. and some enter into governmental institution to a college-based These policies are implemented services, either way, they need a institution and young people keep by the Board of Directors and the job for human security to sustain searching for an alternative to Executive officers of an institution their livelihoods. Even though live a carefree life neglecting their and it is the duty of the Principal there are a number of government responsibilities. to see that their policies reach programmes and schemes for the the students. Seeing this you youth in India such as National There are a number of solutions will be able to understand how Young Leaders Programme (NYLP), for the youth regarding education the youths are taken through a Youth for Development Programme number of training sessions as (TFDP), Neighbourhood Youth 1. The teacher should not focus they have to obey their parents, Parliament (NYP), National Youth only on bright students and obey their teachers, obey the rules Advisory Council (NYAC), National segregate them from the rest of a society and are unable to Youth Leaders Award (NYLA), speak out what they actually need National Youth Development 2. The teacher must inculcate and what is actually necessary. Fund (NYDF), Nehru Yuva Kendra the notion of unity within the This voiceless reaction is due Sangatham (NYKS), National minds of the students to the number of accumulated Programme for Youth and training sessions they have been Adolescent Development (NPYAD), 3. The teacher should not focus through and once they reach Mahatma Gandhi National Rural only on the grades of the their prime, they would become Employment Guarantee Act student, but to help them ‘passive citizens’. Noam Chomsky, (MGNREGA) and so on there no harness their skills an American Political thinker, said awareness among the youth and that people are passive because even though some learn these 4. The teacher should help a they are trained to be passive and schemes through awareness student by not valuating them he gives an example saying that “it programmes there is no guarantee according to how they study, is like how people watch a football that they will be able to get into but by how well a student can match where there are players a secured position to the limited perceive their innate talents in the field and even though the number of seats and vacancies. and shape them into reality. people can participate they would A job with human security is www.csi1947.com October 2020 17 one such area that guarantees a person to work sincerely and live a tension free life. Now that the population estimation has gone up higher than expected some of the youths have dedicated themselves towards private sectors and their interests for a large package of salary and some have started their own business and start-up companies to self-sustain themselves. Even after all the struggles to secure a job and to take care of their family, the youth had to migrate to their own towns being the youngest nation in the have to face the unacceptable by walking thousands of miles twenty-first century must be able decisions made by the leaders of with their children, some youths to find new alternatives to use the their country because of national who were still studying at another potential of the youths to build a and international tensions. These state with their respective families stronger foundation and a stronger problems occur because of the were devastated as their dreams country. It is the responsibility of generation gap between the young and goals have come to a halt the present leaders to find new and the old and George McGovern, and they had to go back to their ways to help the youth reach their an American Politician, once said: home town and be helpful to their heights by guiding them the right “I’m fed up to the ears with old men families. Amidst the pandemic, path and to inculcate good moral dreaming up wars for young men there are some youths who stood values for the development of the to die in”. Problems that occur as back as they were working and nation. such can be solved if youth leaders some were part of a couple of are placed at a decision-making NGO’s and some were part of “Train a child in the way he should committee and their decisions government institutions for crisis go, and when he is old he will not must also be taken into account to management, these youths took turn from it” (Proverbs 22: 6.) decide what is actually necessary immediate steps to help the people at the present and what can be around them by providing food Works Cited achieved for a better future. and sanitation to the elderly and Chomsky, Noam. How The World Works, the poor. These youth were not Hamish Hamilton Publications, 2012. The Pandemic of Coronavirus given orders to do so but did what Goodreads, Youth Quotes, https://www. Crisis was right at the right moment, goodreads.com/quotes/tag/youth Migration is something that these quick decisions and actions Ludwig Slusky & Parviz Partow- Navid. cannot be overseen in India as are not taken lightly as the youths Students Information Security Practices there are a number of migrations in India not only showed their and Awareness, Journal of Information such as urban to urban migration, might during the pandemic but Privacy and Security, 8: 4, 3-26, DOI: rural to urban migration and also also during a number of natural 10.1080/15536548.2012.10845664 international migration. These disasters. Machiavelli, Niccolo, The Prince, 2019. types of migrations occur duly Sanmiha. Role of Youth as Change Agents to families seeking to settle in Conclusion in India’s Development, Legal Bites, May another state or another nation The youth are the cornerstones 22, 2017. https://www.legalbites.in/role- or it might also be because the of the Indian society though they youth-change-agents-indias-development/ youths seek for a new job or a new face certain challenges and are United Nations. Human Security ‘More place to showcase their talents always able to face any kind of than an Abstract Concept’- for Hungry and skills. Mostly migration situation that is present to them. Family, It’s Food on the Table, for occurs in India for better job The role of education and the Refugee, It’s Shelter from Conflict, opportunities to live a better role of human security highly General Assembly Told, June 04, 2012. life than usual. The largest-ever influence the youth to be active https://www.un.org/press/en/2012/ migration could be seen in India citizens and ensures them hope for ga11246.doc.htm when the coronavirus took a the future, this hope would help Central Statistics Office Government of number of lives and lockdown was them light a new path for the next India. Youth in India, 2017 initiated, this lockdown was more generation. The youths are none gruesome to the poor people and the less the best decision-makers the middle-class families and they during a crisis situation and India www.csi1947.com 18 October 2020 Youth and Spirituality– A Crux of the Matter

on’t let anyone look down of life, we were stuck at a point on you because you in our conversation. The youth “Dare young, but set an of today are blessed by God example for the believers in speech, with a multi-fold of talents and in conduct, in love, in faith and in opportunities. We can see them purity.” prosper in various fields bringing I Timothy 4: 12 NIV in changes to the society in a very positive manner. Their energetic Ever since the inception of the living pumps the nation’s growth, world, the youth are in focus. The bringing in prosperity to the Holy Bible has come up with wide society. The progress over the past examples of legends that were few decades in the Indian context young and focus much of their has been unimaginable, and more lives during the youthful days. We progress is bound to happen in the can see examples from Joseph, years to come. We have a youthful Daniel, David and many others population; we have a desire for who lived up to the standards of growth. God and brought a good report. As much as the progress made The issues of today’s world are in the worldly life has been not completely different from what phenomenal, there are huge parts happened in Biblical times. We of the world that are in crises. have upgraded to a different level, The issues of life like poverty, but the pertinent issues remain unemployment, refugee crises, the same. natural disasters and more importantly the current pandemic, Mr Samuel Rukshshan Time and again, it has been have created a wide range of Thevapriyan is currently communicated by God, the questions. There is a disorder working as Assistant prophets and the Christian leaders in the world and we are reeling Professor of Psychology at of the world, the importance of under a great number of crises for Christ Academy Institute the youth in the building up which our spiritual quotient will for Advanced Studies, of the Christian community. determine how we respond. Bengaluru. He specialized However, the vile of the devil in the field of Clinical is seen in almost every part of This brings me to the most Psychology. He is a member human life. The current pandemic, pertinent issue that life has of CSI Christ Church, notwithstanding, has brought a brought forward on the status Hosur under the Karnataka question in the mind of both the of where we stand in this world Central Diocese and part of believers and non-believers alike, of confusions. Delving more into Youth Fellowship activities where are we heading towards? the context of my writing, I would in the church. illustrate the life of Daniel from the Like in the past and even present, Bible. Email: samuel.rukshshan. the entire humanity looks forward [email protected] with a question in the heart. A refugee in Babylon, who was Phone: + 91 9944497745 Where are we heading towards? taken as a captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, who served until When I had a conversation with the term of King Cyrus. He had one of my friends, on the issues the options well placed in front www.csi1947.com October 2020 19 of him, that is to choose the food where do we stand in this test of circumstances and move forward given by the royalty or keep his faith? in our lives serving and helping precepts by having vegetable and people. The pandemic had brought water. He stood by his values, Like Daniel, we face opposition all our lives to a standstill, though and God blessed him. He ensured that does not understand our we are trying to regain our lives that the devotion that is to be faith or believe in our God. They together and move forward, this given to God was given at all need and deserve our compassion is a constant reminder of how times, praying facing Jerusalem and our witness. But they will important our lives ought to be. three times a day. Despite the receive neither unless we live with Today, we are moving to church rule coming in place, he stood such integrity that they see the with utmost safety precautions, and carried out his daily prayer unmistakable imprint of Jesus with social distancing and fear. to God with utmost devotion and on our lives. If sceptics are going As we interact with each other sincerity. In retrospect, we could to find fault with us, let them say we tend to fear contracting the feel God’s presence leading till that we are too committed to our virus. Today, God has demolished the point of death, we could see Lord. all the existing doctrines, we the faith in God that he had held needn’t really be in the midst of so close to himself. As a human, Where do the youth of today stand the church building to worship what possibly could have he during trials and tribulations? the Lord, but can worship Him felt, trusting God even when the Whom do we trust during the most anywhere in Spirit and Truth. We outcome of it was unknown? As testing times? This is a question want to all go to church, that is readers of the Bible, we know the that arises to all of us. When the where the fellowship comes from end, but to him, at that moment nonbelievers are looking into our and we drive ourselves every he stood the test of faith. faith, where does our witness lie? week to get the manna for the enrichment of our souls. However, The example of the life of Daniel This is the right time for us to every dimension has changed and his utmost devotion to the give our witness to the world. completely in this period, and living God in trying circumstances Our lives are not for ourselves God is breaking all barriers and is a reminder of our selves. Despite alone, but salt to the world. We changing all pre-existing ideologies trials and tribulations in life, need to go beyond our physical in this period. www.csi1947.com 20 October 2020 Today we see the youths a way out so that you can endure other’s burdens. Fifthly, when organizing online services in it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV) someone is going through a tough church, engaging in humanitarian time, restore their faith by sharing activities during the pandemic, As a youth, with the advancements your experiences and brings words and shouldering support to all that we have made in our lives, of life from the Holy Bible. Sixthly, possible people in need. We are we are in a better position to be a grateful person. Thank God moving to a Christian life engaging access all the necessary data we and people in your lives that stood with the world and giving all the required to enrich our souls. The by you, helped you and moulded love that Jesus Christ would internet has drastically enabled to you till this day. Seventh, spread have given if He was living amidst access and delve into information your love to the people around us today. We are moving to be more than ever before. We ought you. In all your acts and deeds, a practical Christian, whereas to have precautions to on what spread love to people, the love St Francis of Assisi once said: information that needs to be that Jesus Christ had can surely “Preach the Gospel at all times, taken that will be beneficial. The be reflected by us to the people and when necessary use words”. same access to technology can around. Eight, fast and pray. Amidst all the progress made irreversibly damage our perception Letting go of our physical needs about God, Christianity and views like food, enables us to have self- of life altogether. We should be control, and focus our attention cautious as we take our lives on the Lord. We have heard forward and use the resources multitudes of the testimony of how The same access to technology judiciously. fasting and praying have changed can irreversibly damage lives. Ninth, be reliable. In every our perception about God, From what I had learnt from deed you do, let people testify that Christianity and views of life church, godly people and with you are a reliable person. It starts altogether. my personal experience with the with the family, church, work and Lord, I would want to conclude the society in large. Finally, like Daniel writing with a few practical steps exercise your power of choice. You that will help in growing spiritually and I are called to be different towards reaching the gospel to all in the Lord. Firstly, let Blessings in this world. We ought to make parts of the world, we need to live flow from you to the people around different and tougher decisions. a life where the world sees in us you. The decisions we take today, not a difference. We are not perfect, just affect our lives today, affect we cannot obtain the holiness Let our blessing received from eternity. that God expects us overnight. God not be stagnant completely Every single day, and in all in our lives alone. Stagnant water You and I know that as youths possible ways, we need to see and stinks and turns poisonous. of this world, life is tough. Our introspect on whether our lives are Secondly, count your blessings. struggles are real and often greater aligned with the world. Without Have a diary and record the good than non-believers. But we know the leading of God in our lives in things that God has done in your that the God of peace will lead the world is going to be a horrible lives. When we go through tough us in every single journey of our place to live in. We are bound to be times, we can be reminded of how lives, guiding us to paths never depressed, saddened and without God has been faithful in our lives seen. My prayer and wish is this, hope if we look at the events and that the current situation if you and I as an individual can around the world, and the people will also change because of His make a difference in the immediate whom we interact with. But as faithfulness. Thirdly, let your environment, we can see the we align our lives with the Living mouth overflow with words of changes happening in the world God, we can for sure overcome blessing. Let the words you speak like never before. God will lead us our temptations. As apostle Paul enrich a deprived soul, let them in the days ahead! describes in the Letter to the find solace and experience God Corinthians – through the words you speak. Fourthly, have a shared prayer life. “No temptation has overtaken As much important is the personal you except what is common to prayer life, when we come together mankind. And God is faithful; he as a group of believers we can will not let you be tempted beyond share our life happenings to find what you can bear. But when you comfort. God really loves when are tempted, he will also provide we come together and share each www.csi1947.com October 2020 21 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

Faith Stories from Telangana Tribal Mission Field he real life stories given below are brought out from TCSI Wesley Tribal church (Velubelly), which is Telangana Tribal Mission, in the Karimnagar Diocese of the Church of South India.

Ms Gundeti Lakshmamma is a 67 years old native of Velubelly. Six years ago, both of her kidneys failed since then she has been going through dialysis for alternative days though it was expensive for her. Initially, she had to pay the amount for dialysis on her own for 4yrs since it was through Dialysis. But her strong younger daughter’s marriage last a Private Hospital in District faith in God and prayers made year. Recent situation of COVID headquarter (Warangal) which her not to deteriorate her health. -19 and lockdown for 2- 3 months is 60 kms away from her village. As I said, she is very strong in made his labor work stopped and But from 2 years onward she is her faith though her situation is no income for his family. But it’s taking Dialysis in a Government painful. She encourages her family almost 6 months since he has no Hospital in nearby town members to pray and depend proper work (As a Mission work, (Narsmapet) which is 25kms away on God every time especially in under the leadership of our Bishop from Velubelly. She experienced difficult times. Lakshmamma also and Deputy Moderator the Rt. a very hard situation during encourages her grandchildren Rev. Dr K. Reuben Mark and the who are below 10 of age, to attend Diocesan officers, we were able Sunday School without missing to distribute essential goods to any Sunday. both Lakshmamma and Shadrak Babu’s families along with other Mr Shadrak Babu is a native of villagers during lock down period). Velubelly. He is a farmer and he Recently, Shadrak Babu faced also does labor work in a small another problem was heavy cement bricks making factory in rainfall in Telangana due to which Covid-19 pandemic because there another village which is around his hut (one side of mud wall) fell was no transportation at all, so 20kms away from the village. They down but nothing happened to they used to borrow a bike to go have 3 daughters who are married any of his family members. Their to hospital along with his son. and a son who is an unmarried house was surrounded by water Lakshmamma’s situation even for almost a week. Now slowly got worse because of the heavy they are repairing their house with rainfall in Telangana for almost twigs and mat. The heavy rainfall 10days in the month of August. also damaged his paddy crop. So, Now even they couldn’t use bike for him it is a financially great loss to go to the hospital because all year. Their only hope is in God the surrounding villages were cut that God restores them to normal off and the water had overflowed life. the bridges and roads, so it was working as a labor in Hyderabad. really hard to move from the He and his wife look after all Reported by village. Lakshmamma had to stay their agricultural works in their at home and she couldn’t go for small agricultural fields. Mostly D. Vinil Joy Dialysis for 8days. Her family he depends on labor work to meet Missionary, members and relatives thought his financial needs of his family. CSI Wesley Tribal Church, something serious would happen He had been indebted to another Karimanagar Diocese to her because she did not go villager because he conducted his www.csi1947.com 22 October 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

Pray in Tears for Others - PTO n behalf of the Department invitation to PTO (Pray in Tears for • The Missionaries will forward of Mission and Evangelism Others). the prayer points to the OCSI Synod, a month- members of their respective long prayer observance named Particulars mission fields. as “AUGUST 2020 PTO” has • A month of prayer observance organized in the month of August - 31 days of prayer in August • Synod Mission Department will 2020. It was the special prayer 2020 send a reminder regarding the engagement in the severe situation PTO to the Diocesan Mission of the outbreak of Novel Corona • A general prayer to get the Directors on a regular basis. Virus Decease to intercede for healing from the pandemic COVID free Church, Nation and • Likewise, the collection of the World. The concept of PTO as • Prayer in individual or family aforesaid compositions and the follows: circles that we all may adhere real stories will be completed to the COVID-19 protocol by the missionaries. The Concept compositions are to be sent PTO is a well-known acronym, • Sharing prayer requests with to the Mission Director of the which stands for ‘Please Turn each other respective Diocese. Over’. It is an invitation for continued exploration and • Composition of short prayers, • Mission Directors will translate learning. The meaning of ‘PTO’ is prayer songs, prayer drawings/ (if needed) the collected hereby metaphorically transformed paintings etc. materials into English and for our use, to mean “PRAY IN send to the Synod Mission TEARS FOR OTHERS”. COVID-19 • Identifying, reporting, and Department through email and is a pandemic spreading sharing of real stories of mark a copy of the same to the everywhere and creating havoc in people’s agonies and struggles Diocesan Bishop. the normal life of all people, their from the mission fields families, and communities. Amidst • Synod Mission Department this unprecedented crisis, we must • Collecting, addressing, and will make soft copy and hard continue to pray diligently and responding to these stories in copy of the compositions in a without any hesitation for healing mutual empowerment. timely manner for the future around the world. Therefore, a reference and to be made wakeup call, or a rejuvenation Modus Operandi available through publications. is need amongst us, so that we • Sending the PTO details and can engage in the mission of God schedules to the Bishops • After receiving people’s stories during this critical time. We must through email and mark a of their lived experiences remind ourselves that COVID-19 copy to the Mission Directors and challenges, the Synod is not the end of the story, rather, of each Diocese Mission Department will try an opportunity to be more alert their best to do the needful in our day-to-day life. Thus, we • Mission Directors will translate in consultation with the will experience a great deliverance the prayer points in vernacular Synod Officers, alongside the soon by the grace of God. With this languages and send to the respective Diocese. hope and faith, consider this as an Diocesan missionaries

Schedule Sl. Nos Prayer points: focus Date of Prayer Reading 1 Cochin Diocese, Nation, and the World 1-8-2020 Matt: 6:5-15 2 Coimbatore Diocese, Nation, and the World 2-8-2020 Ps: 91: 1-16 3 Dornakal Diocese, Nation, and the World 3-8-2020 Is: 43:1-10 4 East Kerala Diocese, Nation, and the World 4-8-2020 Gala: 6:1-10 5 Jaffna Diocese, Nation, and the World 5-8-2020 Josh 1:1-9

www.csi1947.com October 2020 23 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

6 Kanyakumari Diocese, Nation, and the World 6-8-2020 Ps 23:1-6 7 Karimnagar Diocese, Nation, and the World 7-8-2020 Jere 29: 10-14 8 Karnataka Central Diocese, Nation, and the World 8-8-2020 Lk 4:16-21 9 Karnataka Northern Diocese, Nation, and the World 9-8-2020 Phil 4:4-9 10 Karnataka Southern Diocese, Nation, and the World 10-8-2020 Ps 55: 1-23 11 Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese, Nation, and the World 11-8-2020 Gen 1: 1-13 12 Krishna-Godavari Diocese, Nation, and the World 12-8-2020 Rev 21:1-8 13 Madhya Kerala Diocese, Nation, and the World 13-8-2020 Lk 10:25-37 14 Madras Diocese, Nation, and the World 14-8-2020 Ps 46: 1-11 15 Madurai-Ramnadu Diocese, Nation, and the World 15-8-2020 Habu 3:1-19 16 Malabar Diocese, Nation, and the World 16-8-2020 Mk 4: 35-41 17 Medak Diocese, Nation, and the World 17-8-2020 Ps 121:1-8 18 Nandyal Diocese, Nation, and the World 18-8-2020 Hos 14: 1-9 19 Rayalaseema Diocese, Nation, and the World 19-8-2020 1 Jn 2:1-17 20 South Kerala Diocese, Nation, and the World 20-8-2020 Ps 42:1-11 21 Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese, Nation, and the World 21-8-2020 Lam 3:22-26 22 Thirunelveli Diocese, Nation, and the World 22-8-2020 Gen 18:16-33 23 Trichy-Tanjore Diocese, Nation, and the World 23-8-2020 2Ki 19:14-9,20:1-7 24 Vellore Diocese, Nation and the World 24-8-2020 Dan 9:1-19 25 CSI Synod Secretariat, Nation, and the World 25-8-2020 Heb 13:1-19 26 Church of North India, Nation, and the World 26-8-2020 Jn 16:16-33 27 Marthoma Church, Nation, and the World 27-8-2020 Rom 12:1-21 28 NCCI, Nation and the World 28-8-2020 Matt 22:34-40

National Missionary Organizations-NMSI, and CCA, WCC and 29 29-8-2020 Phil 2: 1-18 Seminaries-UTC, TTS, KUTS, KTC, ACTC & Nation, and the World

30 Ecumenical Partners, Nation, and the World 30-8-2020 Jn 17:1-26 31 Governments, Health Care Professionals, Police dept. etc. 31-8-2020 Ps 40: 1-17

Pray in Tears for Others was an burden on our heart for the well- month, PTO- Pray in Tears for open invitation to all to pray for being of everyone. Everyone from Others will sustain forever! God each other in the severe situation everywhere across the Church of will never ever forsake us! of a pandemic. It was a missional South India have taken part in the wake-up call to pray together, August 2020 PTO. It was strong PTO organized by the Department stand together, and act together faith and hope in the gracious God of Mission and Evangelism, C for the well-being of everybody who heals and saves everyone. S I Synod along with Dioceses’ during the time of any crisis. Emphatically, it was the complete Mission Departments. Furthermore, it was a prayer trust upon God who answer the movement to rejuvenate everyone prayers and loves everyone. Even Rev. Maxcin John in everywhere to intercede for though a special month- long Director, Department of Mission COVID free Church, Nation and prayer observance - August 2020 and Evangelism, CSI Synod the World. Tears signify the PTO was concluded in the same www.csi1947.com 24 October 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

PTO is the Need of the Hour: The Responses from the Synod Officers and the Chairperson regard to the August Most Rev. Dharmaraj Rasalam, 2020 PTO, The CSI Moderator of Church of South In Synod Officers and the India has exhorted us at the Synod Mission and Evangelism beginning of this triennium, in Department Chairman have all activities of Synod, we need to highlighted the relevance of the Pray, Plan, and Act. PTO is the PTO (Pray in Tears for Others) as it rightful initiative towards this end. is the need of the hour. We continue to dwell upon the haunted by the CORONA Virus, Lord to guide us in all activities of “Prayer is the basic essential the pandemic situation. All are the Synod. Pray in Tears for others aspect of Mission and for the in a fear situation because of will touch the lives of many people Church growth” highlighted by the this pandemic. We can’t recover which will witness the love of Most Rev. Dharmaraj Rasalam, by ourselves. But God is with Jesus Christ, said the Treasurer. Moderator, Church of South India us who is the answering God to during his message in regards our prayers and God will help us “It is very important to uphold to PTO. He further added that and recover us. So, let’s continue our fellow-beings in our this is the time for those who are to pray in confidence and faith” prayers”, stated Rt. Rev. Dr D. in participating in the mission Deputy Moderator emphasized the Chandrasekaran, Chairman for and Evangelism must stand in need of prayer. the Department of Mission and the sense of more responsibility Evangelism, CSI Synod. He added in prayer and intercession for “PTO is the new initiative of that God will hear our prayers. whole world and for the Church. the Department of Mission and We must pray in Tears. Our tears In connection with mission, as Evangelism CSI Synod to pray signify the intensity of prayers. narrated in Mathew 9:37 and Luke to God in tears for others in the God has definite action plan for 10:2, Lord Jesus Christ asked his context of COVID-19”, said Adv. C. everything. What we need to do disciples to pray to God who is the Fernandas Rathina Raja, General that pray to God, turn from the master of the harvest to send more Secretary, Church of South India. wicked ways and God will heal the laborers to the vineyard as harvest He further stated that Pray in Nation by considering our tears is plentiful but laborers are few. Tears for Others is the need of because tears themselves are The opportunities, the challenges hour. Nowadays, we are suffering prayers too. As written in Psalms and the needs are plentiful. out of the virus outbreak. Some 56:8 and Psalms 46: 3, praying in Presently, the need for prayer is of our dear ones and near ones tears have significant role in our effectively relevant not only for the passed away. Now we are forced to life. All the Dioceses of Church of Church but for the whole world. live with this situation. Through South India has enthusiastically All missionaries are supposed to PTO, we are encouraged to pray in participated in the PTO in more constantly pray for others since tears for others. Definitely, God commitment and passion towards the prayer is the first step of will hear our prayers, said General gospel for other’s well-being, Mission, Moderator said. Secretary. Bishop has specified.

“We began our prayer with great “Church of South India continues August 2020 PTO has organized faith and confidence in prayer to be an effective instrument of by the Department of Mission answering God” said Rt. Rev. Dr God’s Mission to have greater and Evangelism, CSI Synod Reuben Mark, Deputy Moderator, peace, fuller life and closer trough the Dioceses’ Mission Church of South India while fellowship”, stated by Prof. Dr Departments. It was a month- he was delivering his greetings B. Vimal Sukumar, Honorary long prayer observance to pray in in terms of PTO. Furthermore, Treasurer for the Church of South tears for others in the situation of prayer is all about our faith India. He further added in the COVID-19. matter and commitment to present-day context, there are so others. Todays special situation much of uncertainty and anxiety, Rev. Maxcin John made us to look to the Lord in but the need is there more ever Director for the Department of specific one-month prayer to look before to proclaim the Gospel and Mission and Evangelism, to God because we were being share the love of Christ. As the CSI Synod. www.csi1947.com October 2020 25 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

Ecumenical Church Organizations’ Response on PTO regard to the August and hunger. We know that it has Christian Conference of 2020 PTO, there were exacerbated ethnic, religious and Asia (CCA) In pertinent responses from class tensions and tested the Greetings from the Christian the Ecumenical Churches and capacity and ability of governance Conference of Asia (CCA) Organizations. It was the source of to adequately address this many- headquarters. encouragement for the Missional sided pandemic. engagements of the Church of Many thanks for your message South India. The main responses Yet, we also know the tremendous of 29 August 2020, sharing are as follows: power of the Church of South India’s faith and witness since World Council of Churches its founding nearly 75 years ago. (W.C.C) We know that, with ecumenism Thank you for your message and in its very DNA, the church has the prayers of the church for championed a bold, engaged, the World Council of Churches. utterly relevant Christian faith, As you, your fellow CSI Synod working to address poverty and members, and all in the Church of hunger, class and religious South India conclude your month division, not even shying from the of prayer for a COVID-free church, steepest ecclesial challenges of nation, and world, we, in the our day. We are so grateful that worldwide fellowship of the WCC CSI remains a hub of ecumenical write to share your commitment solidarity and an indispensable information with us about an to “Pray in Tears for Others.” We witness to Christ in today’s India. initiative of the CSI Synod that earnestly join your lament for the India and the world need its CCA has been observing a month- untold suffering occasioned by witness and work. long prayer chain, “PTO” (‘Pray in this pandemic, we join hands in Tears for Others’) for a COVID free your petition to the Lord for mercy One hundred years ago, at the Church, nation and the world. It Tranquebar Conference, V.S. is indeed a very unique initiative, Azariah pointed to the essential and we very much value this noble character of Christian ecumenical gesture of CSI at this critical time. fraternity when he said “We believe that the challenge of the present It is really heartening to know that hour... and the present critical the CSI Missionary Community situation in India itself, call us to all over India has been praying mourn past divisions and turn since this morning (29 August to our Lord Jesus Christ to seek 2020) for CCA leadership and the in Him the unity of the body entire CCA fellowship including expressed in one visible Church. its member churches, councils, and staff members as well as for Grace, mercy, compassion: What the forthcoming CCA General we ask of the Lord we must also Assembly. show to one another. So, in this time of grave peril and real The world has been facing an suffering, we unite with you in unprecedented crisis during the and compassion, and we pray for prayer to strengthen our bond, past eight months. The number strength and courage for the whole renew our courage, and serve all of impacted people and those who synod. humanity with the example and have lost their lives in more than power of Christ’s love. 190 countries continue to increase Of tears we have plenty. We daily. As Christians, we turn to know that the coronavirus has Yours in Christ’s love, God in times of crisis, fear and taken an enormous toll on India’s uncertainty. We pray for God’s people. We know that it has also Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca love, mercy, and blessings to dwell caused tremendous economic Interim General Secretary in us and beseech God’s guidance dislocation, physical dislocation, to face the challenges posed by the www.csi1947.com 26 October 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News current situation of coronavirus each other and we thank you pandemic. for being an example of showing the way. We pray for your safety Let us continue to pray and be and protection. We pray that God strengthened that: will protect you in your ministry. “He has delivered us from such Our heart goes out with every a deadly peril, and he will deliver missionary in every diocese of the us again. On him we have set Church of South India. I thank our hope that he will continue God for the leadership of CSI and to deliver us as you help us by the leadership of the CSI Mission your prayers. Then many will Department. give thanks on our behalf for the your family are safe and well. gracious favour granted us in May God bless you all answer to the prayers of many.” (2 We are deeply grateful to CSI Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV) Rev. Asir Ebenezer Department of Mission & General Secretary, NCCI Evangelism and to CSI Missionary Again, I take this opportunity to community for your valuable extend our profound thanks to the Church of North India (CNI) prayers. It is very encouraging to missionary community praying “Warm Greetings from The Synod hear about PTO – Pray in Tears for us today, and the Department of the Church of North India. for Others initiative. I believe this of Mission and Evangelism of the is very appropriate in the given Church of South India Synod for Thank you so much for informing time and situation when the their meticulous plan of organizing us through mail dated 27th August whole world is suffering and going the month-long prayer - ‘Pray in through challenges. Please be Tears for Others’; the Church, assured of our continuous prayers nation and the world. May God and solidarity. USPG stands Almighty continue to accompany alongside CSI during these difficult you. times.

Yours along the journey, With prayers and every blessing,

Dr Mathews George Chunakara Rev. Davidson Solanki General Secretary, CCA Regional Manager: Asia and the Middle East National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) 2020 for “PTO” (Pray in Tears for The Department of Mission and “Thank you very much for your Others) initiative in this outbreak Evangelism is grateful to all the prayers for NCCI and for me. This of Novel Corona Virus Pandemic. Ecumenical Church Organizations is a great strength in our ministry. for their perennial support and We will uphold you in prayer. As We, as the Church of North India encouragements in connection our nation, we are faced with a lot appreciate and thankful to CSI to the PTO. It was a month-long of challenges and intimidations. Missionary Community for your prayer observance in the month of We see violence everywhere in the prayers. We will surely uphold the August 2020 which is named as name of religion. In this context, current global situation of Corona “Pray in Tears for Others (PTO)”, we need to commit to pray for Virus and CSI Synod in our daily organized by the Department prayers. of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Synod along with Dioceses’ Yours on Christ’s Services Mission Departments in every Diocese of the Church of South of Rev. S. Dennis Lall India. General Secretary CNI Synod Rev. Maxcin John Director for the Department of United Society Partners in Mission and Evangelism, the Gospel (USPG) CSI Synod. “Warm greetings to you from all of us here at USPG! I hope you and www.csi1947.com October 2020 27 News CSI Synod Dept. of Pastoral Concerns Clergy Koinonia in Karnataka Northern Diocese part of the programme spoke about how pastors can classes on what is COVID 19 on Capacity Building serve as missionary pastors in the and how it impacts the immune As of Pastors in Christian religiously plural context in India. system of our human bodies. Ministry, the Pastoral Concerns He said that Jesus had given She encouraged pastors to teach Department of the Church us both pastoral and missional members of their congregations of South India (CSI) and the commission to serve His people. and their neighbours to strengthen Karnataka Northern Diocese Pastoral ministry is not only for the immune system of human (KND) jointly conducted the the people those who are chosen bodies to combat against this Clergy Koinonia of the KND on to live inside the fold but also for virus spread. A session that was September 18 and 19, 2020 at the the people those who live outside devoted to sharing the ministry All Saints’ Church Compound, the fold. The present context of experience of the pastors in Dharwad. The main theme of the COVID 19, urges pastors to have the context of COVID 19 was Koinonia was “Pastoral Ministry both pastoral and missionary a good time of learning and in the Context of COVID-19.” Rt. vision to minister people more understanding each other. The Rev. Ravikumar James Niranjan, meaningfully. cultural program arranged by the the Bishop in KND, inaugurated pastors and laity was a time of fun the Koinonia. In his inaugural Mrs Rita Dhawale, who is an and fellowship. More than sixty address, he spoke about the expert in counselling, conducted pastors have participated in the prophetic vision of the prophet classes on the psychological retreat program. Mr Vijayakumar Isaiah that is mentioned in the issues people face in the context Dandin, the Secretary of the book of Isaiah chapter six. He of COVID 19 with the support Diocese, has welcomed all guests mentioned that Isaiah’s prophetic of Biblical references. She and the delegates and expressed vision was missionary one and the advised pastors to involve in their gratitude to the officers of the church is called to practice this the psychological needs of the CSI Synod. missional vision in its daily life families to overcome their anxiety even in the midst of this pandemic that created by this deadly Rev. Dr Prinstone Ben, context. Rev Dr Prinstone Ben, pestilence. Mrs Sandhya Solomon, Director, Department of Pastoral the Director of Pastoral Concerns, a Microbiologist, conducted Concerns, CSI Synod.

Admission to M.Th. & D.Th. Courses THE FEDERATED FACULTY FOR RESEARCH IN RELIGION AND CULTURE (FFRRC) An Ecumenical Post-graduate and Research Centre (Affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College)

Applications are invited from eligible candidates (II Class / Grade B both in aggregate and respective discipline in which the candidate seeks to study) for admission to the Master of Theology / Doctor of Theology courses for the Academic Session beginning in June 2021. Master of Theology Doctor of Theology Old Testament Old Testament New Testament New Testament Christian Theology Christian Theology History of Christianity History of Christianity Pastoral Counseling Pastoral Counseling Religion Application forms may be obtained on payment of Rs.500/- by Demand Draft, from Registrar, FFRRC, Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, P.B.No.287, Kottayam 686001, Kerala. The last date of receiving application will be 10th December 2020. Candidates must submit their Senate Transcript along with the application form. D.Th. application forms should be submit- ted to the office on or before 02 Jan 2021. Fr Dr Jose John, Advt Registrar, FFRRC. www.csi1947.com 28 October 2020 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News

‘Shaping Peace Together’ he LCP (Building Local young people shot their own video How do we combat this? The Capacities for Peace) and later collaborated and edited climax of the short film beautifully Tprogram of CSI-SEVA have by the team of young experts. showcases the need for being been training young people in the The song for the virtual choir supportive and helping those in Church of South India over the was written and composed by the need. The short film encourages years to look at conflict situations young people of MKD themselves us to be that light, to guide those and work beyond the walls of the away from the power of darkness! Church. These young people along Shri. Oommen Chandy, the Ex As it just takes a moment to be a with their diocesan youth groups/ Chief Minister of Kerala, shared light. movements of CSI planned and his greetings through the zoom executed a weeklong observance session, which was organized This short film was scripted, for this year’s International day by these young people. He also directed, edited by the young of Peace (Sep 21st) on the theme, encouraged young people to people of Madhya Kerala Youth ‘Shaping Peace Together’ by expand and take up similar movement. YouTube Link: https:// conducting various programs initiatives in the future as youtu.be/ioRz_UvY5xI and activities despite difficult well. The Rt. Rev. Thomas K. pandemic times. Oommen also gave his heartful 3. Expression of thoughts greetings to the team of young through Essay writings – These young people adapted to people. Around 150 people took Malayalam and English the new normal by conducting part in this zoom session, towards English topic: Role of Church in effective programs and activities the end of the session the video of Shaping Peace in a post COVID through online platforms and the virtual choir was premiered. World. mechanism by respecting YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ and following the COVID-19 fAfVnCeGGsM Malayalam topic: “Samakalika precautionary measures. Madhya Lokathil Ningalkku Kerala, Krishna Godavari, 2. Short film – Minutes of Peace Samadhanam: Oru Punar Karnataka North, Karimnagar The short film portrays the story of Vyakhyanam”(Reinterpreting and Dornakal were some of the a millennial generation. No matter “Peace be with you” in Today’s diocese which organized events where we are in the world, and no World) as part of observances for this matter how peaceful the place we important day. The series of events are in, truth reveals that we are As most of us started to become were organized and implemented haunted by what happens around idle at home day by day due to the throughout the month of us. We fall into this vertigo of incessant lockdown measurers September 2020. restlessness without even noticing by the government. The idea of it. We are trying to find answers essay writing in order to rekindle The key events of this year’s to these seemingly challenging the thoughts of the writers observances were: problems. seemed very much practical and

I. Madhya Kerala Diocese 1. Virtual Choir The concept of virtual choir was conceived by the youth of Madhya Kerala wanting to include other young people from the entire 12 districts of the Madhya Kerala Diocese (MKD). Due to the ceaseless spread of the virus and the restrictions, these young people were not able to come together and shoot. In order to combat this crisis situation and the song and track was sent to a total of 48 young people, 4 from each of their 12 districts. These www.csi1947.com October 2020 29 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA needy for the situation we are perspectives and enlightened young people participating in this at. The response from the young the team of organizers. A total particular event. people throughout the diocese of 8 young people participated was also surprising as a total in this event throughout the “Peace follows the intensions of 33 young people actively and diocese. English and Malayalam ‘we’ rather than ‘me’.” enthusiastically participated. essays and Photography Link: ~ Deva Prasanna Rani https://drive.google.com/drive/ “Let us encourage each one folders/1muVZFWpb3JiaIW7wHD “Everywhere I have sought of us to act with compassion, IOpOviIgpAD1cB Peace and not found it, except mercy and forgiveness towards in a corner with a Bible” each other. Encourage people II. Krishna Godavari ~ Susmitha to enlarge their perspective on Diocese the current situation so that 1. Online Zoom Session “At the end of day, you can they are not just focusing on Beloved Bishop in Krishna only be at peace when your the problem, but looking beyond Godavari, Rt. Rev. Dr George intentions are good, and your to see the glory od God amidst Cornelious Tantepudi, spoke heart is pure” difficult times, guiding us to the young people on this ~ Harshitha Joy towards a solution” ~ Sharon Mariam Abraham

“We do not know what is going to happen after COVID-19, but we believe in God who knows everything” ~ Miriam Liz John

“…From all these stumbling blocks, man always rise again with extreme strength even thought the small shadows of these pandemic exist. How much ever man rise, a peaceful mind is always needed. This auspicious day. He reiterated the 3. Photography peace, calm and purity occur need and importance of peace About 32 young people from from how the role of church in this contemporary world. He different parts of the Krishna lights upon the human race.” even encouraged young people to Godavari diocese participated and ~ Annuja Mary George take up similar initiatives towards showcased their talents through creating peaceful societies. Rev. their radical photography skills. These are some of the words taken Ch. John Nischal Kumar, Director These young people made their from the essays, this surely gives of Youth, CSI-Synod also shared expression meticulously through us strength and hope in this his views on the theme shaping their art and conveyed the pandemic situation. peace together and Rev. N. Vincent message loudly. Raj Kumar, Youth Director – KG 4. Expression of the theme Diocese shared his greetings to You can view the pictures through through photography – Sub the group, he even shared the this link: https://photos.app.goo. theme: A new dawn wonderful responses received gl/dMfo36qQsmTNQdG66 Photography was another from young people in the different event which ensured people’s events conducted. III. Karnataka Northern participation and in turn show Diocese case their talent and expression 2. Quote Writing 1. Expression through Drawing through the given theme. The The youth from the Krishna Children between the age of 4 diocesan youth movement Godavari Diocese organized a to 15 years showed their talents decided to modify the theme a significant event where young through drawing on two themes bit to ‘A new dawn’ to make a people were invited to show their “Shaping Peace Together” and little more interesting for the talents through writing quotes on “Combating Climatic Changes”. participants. The responses the peace day theme. There was These children were ignited to from young people gave new surprising response of over 30 think of various ways of reflecting www.csi1947.com 30 October 2020 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News

You can view the pictures through this link: https://photos.app.goo. gl/vXD6S3DBfiDaYnTdA

IV. Dornakal Diocese 1. Song on the theme – kaliginchu deva nee shanthi ni (O, Lord give your peace to us) This song reiterates that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the peacemaker and He will restore peace and hope amidst these chaotic situations around us.

A brief description about the song,

“Lord, let there be (your) peace and come to take away our unrest, on the theme through their work questions on Google forms. The There is no peace, there is no of art. Totally 27 children of main intention was to make them integrity in the nation. different age groups participated. analyse and help them understand An expert in the field - Mr. Daniel various principles of peace Oh, king Jesus, give rest to our Dhara assessed arts of children initiation. country by giving your peace to and gave useful comments and us.” added points for improvisation In the introductory part, the too. Those comments / points for youth presented a power point The lyrics to this meaningful song improvisation were attached to the presentation with the factual was written by the Late Rt. Rev. certificates along with attractive information of the issue and then Vadapalli Prasada Rao, former prizes in order to encourage the questions for discussion were Deputy Moderator and Bishop in children. given to the participants. Dornakal Diocese.

In order to ensure the concept of The opinions and comments The young people in the diocese eco-friendly, the diocesan youth from the Panel of Experts added shared their thoughts on how made use of high-quality recycled more weightage to the session. we can make Peace. They are paper for certificates, handmade Mr. Manohar Hosea, Senior encouraging us to help one other papers for writing the comments Advocate, who is actively involved especially our fellow neighbours and paper bags to distribute the in human rights’ issues presented in whatever possible way we prizes. his valuable views on the case could. This small action can help with human rights perspective, the nation to overcome from this 2. Case study – Peace and wherein he stressed the need for pandemic situation. Harmony inculcating the human values in A zoom session was conducted the lives of the youth. Song link: https://www.facebook. on the 20th of September com/100024470598338/ 2020, around 20 young people Mr. Shivanand Shettar , Head videos/793869938105352/ participated in the event. The of Gandhian Studies, Karnataka overview of the session was to University, Dharwad, threw light V. Karimnagar Diocese reflect on the theme of IPD-2020. A on the sociological aspects of 1. Zoom Session case study was undertaken based the case where in he stressed The program started at 11.30 am on recent communal violence issue - “ Conflicts are inevitable in a on the 21st of September with an which took place on 11 Aug 2020 society but how we try to resolve opening prayer by our Diocesan in K J Halli, Bengaluru which and bring change is the most Ministerial Board Convener was the talk of the whole nation. important thing”. The expert’s Rev. Purushotham. After that, The youth were stirred to reflect opinion gave a wider perspective a small introduction about LCP on various aspects of the issue on the discussed case to the (Local Capacities for Peace) by asking them poll question, participants. and its interventions in conflict solving puzzles and answering to transformation, later a video was www.csi1947.com October 2020 31 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA

make others to live in the same To Conclude, let us get through way. Show them love and share this difficult catastrophe, by peace everywhere. coming together as a peacebuilding community, peacebuilding Desmond Tutu once said that, “if country, sitting at our corner you want peace, don’t talk to your of the Earth. Even though we friends, talk to your enemies”. God may not be able to stand next to gave peace not to talk about it, but each other, we can still dream he gifted us to enjoy, we should together and spread compassion, enjoy the peace by sharing it with kindness and hope in the face others and making others to live of the Covid19 pandemic; stand in freedom. A total of 76 young together and use this pandemic people participated in the zoom problem to fight against hatred session. and discrimination and shape peace together. played about 2019 peace day 2. Photography and 3. Painting celebration. A total of 40 young people from Our sincere thanks and different parts of the Karimnagar appreciations to the LCP youth After which beloved Deputy diocese took part in this event. from various dioceses: Ms. Ansu moderator of CSI and Bishop These young people shared their Sara Oommen, Mr. Rohit Tera, in Karimnagar, Rt. Rev. Dr K. artwork through Drawing, painting Ms. Rachana I Malekar, Mr. Reuben Mark thandrigaru shared and through their Photographic Sandeep Jason, and Ms. Uharika his message, in which he said skills. The peace day theme was Sharon and every single youth that during Peace Day everyone given to these young people, member from each diocese who talks about peace among nations, it was wonderful to receive took efforts to plan, to improvise organizations and people. But such wonderful responses from and to execute and also to those the major thing is that everyone young people of the Karimnagar participants from each of the should question themselves, diocese. Few of the artwork dioceses who actively participated whether one is living in peace and were even displayed during the despite difficult times. sharing it with others? In general, abovementioned zoom session. As we share many things which are part of encouraging these young Praveen Daniel S materialistic like properties, gifts, people gifts and mementos were Program Executive – LCP money and many more, but we do distributed. CSI - SEVA not share peace as frequently as materials. Sharing of peace should You can view the pictures through be starting right within our family, this link: https://photos.app.goo. if you live in peace then you can gl/ANkD7CufsQJosVdi6

www.csi1947.com 32 October 2020 Dept. of Ecological Concern CSI Synod News

School Twinning Initiative (STP) Getting Momentum meeting with the Church successful schools will also responsibilities of each partner of South India (CSI), The wish to engage in the process and to share their experiences. A Oxford Diocesan Board of of a broader education and Education (ODBE), the United cultural engagement to 9. The key to a successful Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) understand the respective pilot is good, clear, regular and the partnering Schools was contexts more fully. communication. The OBDE, held at 3 pm on 15th September the CSI Department of through Zoom. 3. Whilst all the schools involved Ecological Concerns and in the STP are church schools, USPG should be kept regularly The overall purpose of the School run by the CSI, and the informed of progress and any Twinning Programme is to Diocese of Oxford, explicit significant developments. provide opportunities for mutual sharing of the Christian or any learning and transformation for faith is not appropriate. 10. That schools involved in Students, Teachers and school twinning share experience and communities within the schools 4. There will not be any direct interests and work towards of the CSI and ODBE through an financial transfers or a bilateral understanding of exchange of ideas and practices exchanges between schools. shared goals and objectives around environmental issues Schools will not raise money around environmental including energy conservation, for any projects or activities concerns. environmental protection and within any of the schools tackling climate change. The involved in the twinning 11. It is anticipated that the proposed Covenant covers a pilot project. If any schools or other pilot may involve teacher programme for two years. If the organisations would like to exchanges and visits. This can pilot project is successful, the STP contribute financial resources, only take place following full will be expanded substantially then they should channel it to consultation with the three within the CSI and the Diocese of USPG partner bodies. Oxford. This pilot phase involves ten primary schools from the CSI 5. All communication between Expected outcomes Green School programme and ten teachers and pupils must As a pilot project, it is crucial that from the Oxford Diocesan Board of occur within the proper all partners work hard to build Education (ODBE). authorised channels of the trust and healthy relationships schools and overseen by the and regularly review progress. The two years’ pilot will run until designated lead teacher/ It is anticipated that individual the end of March 2022, unless it is Headteacher. students and teachers will terminated by mutual agreement deepen their understanding of before that date. The following 6. No teacher or student should environmental issues and broaden principles were accepted and engage in contact with pupils their geographical and cultural decided to launch the programme or teachers outside of regular knowledge and understanding on 19th January 2021 school communication of the world through contact structures. with their twinned school. That Core Principles of STP this will entail mutual learning, 1. The key purpose and outcomes 7. All schools should be aware of exchange of knowledge and deeper of STP will be to promote and adhere to the safeguarding relationships between students mutual learning, strengthen policies of their twinned & teachers. It is also hoped that relationships and promote school and ensure that the the twinning will also strengthen an exchange of knowledge relevant teachers are also fully institutional ties between between students and informed. educational establishments within teachers. the CSI and the Diocese of Oxford. 8. Lead teachers in the project 2. That knowledge exchange and are actively encouraged to The roles and responsibilities of mutual learning will focus meet regularly (maybe twice- the Partners especially on environmental termly), to reflect on emerging CSI & ODBE: Each school select concerns across the outcomes, methodology, a teacher/staff as the designated curriculum, however, to be time frame and the roles/ lead teacher for this programme. www.csi1947.com October 2020 33 News CSI Synod Dept. of Ecological Concern

During this pilot phase, this periodic meetings, follow up and and recommendations of Learning may be the Headteacher in case learning review, provide input and Review, a future plan of action will of ODBE. That lead teacher has objective feedback where required. be developed regarding the next the primary responsibility for It will also provide support where phase and expansion. developing a good relationship with appropriate to facilitate the their counterpart and overseeing planning, implementation and Most Rev. Dharmaraj Rasalam, all aspects of the communication monitoring of the programme Moderator of CSI Synod, Adv. between the respective schools. activities. Fernadas Rathina Raja, General USPG will facilitate the twinning Secretary of CSI Synod and process and be a link between the Learning Review Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad, CSI and ODBE. It will promote At the end of the two-year pilot, Honorary Director of CSI Synod, open discussion and dialogue, and a joint learning review will be attended the meeting representing accompany both Partners through conducted. Based on the findings the CSI Synod.

S.No CSI School Oxford School

1 CMS Lower Primary School, Ennooramvayal Holy Trinity Church of England School Marlow 366 pupils 355 pupils Headmaster: MR. SABU PULLATTU Headteacher: Julie Field

2 CSI English Medium Aided Primary School, Eluru. Great Rollright C of E School. 75 pupils 104 pupils Headteacher: MRS. M. GRACE DEEVENA Headteacher: Michelle Hastings

3 CSI Nursery and Primary School Ootty Grazeley Parochial C of E Primary 278 pupils 200 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. ASHA JEYAPAUL Headteacher: Celia Thatcher

4 CMS Lower Primary, Urakam Marlow C of E Infant School 270 pupils 180 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. LEEMOL. C. VARGHESE Headteacher: Sharon Reynolds

5 CSI Bishop Joseph Memorial High School, Katrapally St Peter's C of E Middle School, Windsor 247 pupils 257 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. ANCY MARIAM DAVID Headteacher: Andy Snipp

6 BEM Lower Primary School Payannur Shinfield St Mary's C of E Junior School 560 pupils 360 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. JACQUAILINE BINA STANLY Headteacher: Sue Runciman

7 CSI Vestry Nursery and Primary School, Musiri Trinity St Stephen C of E First School, Windsor 175 pupils 148 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. P. CHITRA Headteacher: Louise Lovegrove

8 OCPM Girls' Higher Secondary School, Madurai Burghfiled St Mary's Primary School. 60 pupils 210 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. N. MARY Headteacher: Antony Gallagher

9 CSI Aided Primary School, Bhadrachalam Little Marlow C of E Infant School 24 pupils 79 pupils Head Teacher: MRS. MAHITA VANI B Headteacher: Katie Healy

10 CSI PRIMARY SCHOOL (ENGLISH MEDIUM), Nandyal The Mortimer Federation of St John's and St Mary's 117 pupils 384 across federation (168 Infants, 216 Juniors) Headmaster: MR. P. RAJA SEKHAR Executive Headteacher: Nicola Sumner

www.csi1947.com 34 October 2020 Dept. of Ecological Concern CSI Synod News

CSI guidelines for STP details about the other school and schools, share sustainable values This is a set of guidelines introduce the students studying in like water conservation, energy produced by teachers in the that school. conservation, reducing waste, CSI Green School Programme reusing waste, ecological problems on Communication with Oxford After that, the Coordinator can ask they are facing etc. schools. each student what they want to communicate with them. They will The Coordinator has a As the students are from primary consolidate all the comments and responsibility to read the letter schools, they may not write send them to the other school. first before sharing it. letters. Hence the designated lead teacher/Coordinator has to write The following matters could be The Coordinator should ensure letters through emails for the included in the letter: students that personal needs, request for students to introduce themselves, their anything, nasty remarks etc. must ambitions and goals, the cultural be avoided The Principal/Head Teacher to background of their place, salient announce about the twinning features of their schools, what type Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy programme to the students of the of values they want to highlight Punnackad senior-most class in the primary in their future life, which type of Honorary Director, Department of school. They will explain the eco programmes/projects in their Ecological Concerns Green School Training Programme Goes Online

he CSI Synod Department of From the feedback form we got marked excellent and others good Ecological Concerns organized the following information 1) Can 5) The overall duration of the Ta three-day online GSP you pass on your new expertise training - 30 marked excellent orientation course for the School to your students and colleagues? others good 6) The structure of the teachers from 15th to 17th September Thirty-seven teachers marked training - 32 marked excellent and 2020. The Centre for Science and Yes 2) The training’s methodology the rest good. Environment gave leadership for the and efficiency - 34 teachers programme. Thirty-nine teachers marked excellent 3). The quality Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy from 39 schools participated in the of materials, e.g. presentations, Punnackad training programme. The thirty- videos etc - 35 teachers marked Honorary Director, Department of nine schools were from Andhra, excellent 4) The balance between Ecological Concerns Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. theory and activities- 15 teachers

Green School Programme: One Earth - One Home Programme ne hundred and seventy- includes expert talks on wildlife four teachers of the CSI and biodiversity, virtual nature OSchools joined in the trails, radio programs and much dedicated WhatsApp group created more. Principals and teachers will for the smooth implementation be in charge of implementation of the “Oru Bhoomi Oru through the dissemination of Bhavanam” Project. The CSI Synod content material and checking on Department of Ecological Concerns students via WhatsApp and phone is in partnership with WWF-India calls. A one-day conference, “One for the “One Earth - One Home” Earth Educator Congress”, is programme. This programme will mandatory for the teachers. provide students of Class 1-8 and their families an opportunity to Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy reconnect with nature and build Punnackad Cover Painting by: green knowledge and skills, all in Honorary Director, Department of Rev. Santhosh the safety of their homes. Content Ecological Concerns www.csi1947.com October 2020 35 News CSI Synod Dept. of Ecological Concern

‘The Green God of the Bible’ Released Online from all the Dioceses of the CSI while World Christian Leaders Watch he Most Rev. Dharmaraj Asia) and Fr Dr P. Joshtrom Isaac eco-theological interactions of Rasalam, Moderator of the Kureethadam SDB (Coordinator, the last thirty years. He got the TChurch of South India, “Ecology and Creation” at Vatican help of Commander Tharian released the first copy of the book Dicastery) Koshy, for editing and layout, ‘The Green God of the Bible’, in turn, he guided the artist, Mr authored by Prof. Dr Mathew Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Anilkumar, to sketch the story. Koshy Punnackad at 2 pm on Raja, the General Secretary Eminent theologians, Rev. Dr 15th September 2020 through of the CSI Synod, welcomed Chilkuri Vasantha Rao (Principal the Zoom Platform of the CSI the honourable guests of the of United Theological College, Synod. Simultaneously the books function and Prof. Dr B. Vimal Bengaluru), Rev. Dr John Samuel were released at the 24 CSI Sukumar, the Hon. Treasurer of Ponnuswamy (Principal of Gurukul Diocesan Headquarters in Andhra, the CSI Synod proposed the vote Theological College, Chennai), Rev. Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil of thanks. Prof. Dr Mathew Koshy Dr Mothy Varkey (New Testament Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka. Punnackad, the author of the Book Lecturer, Mar Thoma Theological and the Honorary Director of the Seminary, Kottayam) and Rev. Dr The following dignitaries delivered Department of Ecological Concerns Jacob Verghis (former President brief felicitations - Mr Iyad Abu invited the Moderator and the of the Serampore University) have Moghli (UNEP, Nairobi), Dr Bishops to release the book. Rev. gone through the manuscript Manoj Kurian (World Council Sunil Raj Philip, Director of the and recorded a high appreciation of Churches, Switzerland), Rev. Department of Communications, of the work. This book aims Canon Dr Rachel Mash (Anglican compered the programme. The to foster a healthy theological Communion Environmental function concluded with the prayer discussion among the Clergy and Network, South Africa), Mr Dinesh and benediction of the Moderator. the teachers. The book will be Suna (Ecumenical Water Network, available online on Amazon.in. Switzerland), Mr Davidson Solanki ‘The Green God of the Bible’ is a The video of the releasing function (USPG, London), Rev. Solomon unique book intertwining Bible, is available on YouTube (https:// P. Benjamen (EMS, Germany), Creation, and eco-ministry of www.youtube.com/c/CSILIFE/) Rev. Julie Sim (CWM, Singapore), the Church in a graphic format. and on the online education Rev Sandy Sneddon (Church of This unique presentation, of the website of CSI Synod Department Scotland, Edinburgh), Mrs Athena latest trends in Eco theology of Ecological Concerns www. Peralta (Ecology & Economic in a graphic format, has no csiecoconf.com Justice, WCC, Switzerland ), comparison in this field of study. Dr Mathews George (General This book is the fruit of Prof. ~ Department of Communications Secretary, Christian Conference of Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackad’s

www.csi1947.com 36 October 2020 Dept. of Communication CSI Synod News

27th CSI UAE Annual Youth Conference Held on Zoom Platform Connecting Youngsters from Various Emirates edition of the thAnnual Youth 27 Conference of the Church of South India (CSI) Malayalam Churches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held through Zoom Platform on 28th August 2020 with the theme, “Break the Chain”. The Conference commenced with a Word of Prayer by Rev. Varughese Mathew following an official welcome address by Mr. Joel K. George (Al Ain). The event witnessed participation from accordingly which concluded with Break the Chain of Bigotry: Break various emirates. an Intercessory Prayer led by Mr. the Intolerance towards those who Raghul Jose (Jebel Ali). hold a different opinion. The event was led by the UAE Parish Vicars and other guest Inaugural address was delivered Break the Chain of Worldly CSI Vicars; Rev. K.M. John , by the CSI UAE Youth President Indulgences: Break the chain (Vicar of CSI Church of Jebel Ali Rev. K. M. John. of worldly fulfilment and / Al Ain and President, CSI UAE satisfactions. Youth), Rev. Shaji Jacob Thomas Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director of (Vicar of CSI Church Dubai and the CSI Synod Communications Break the Chains of Prosperity Vice - President, CSI UAE Youth), presented the theme. He Gospel: Let us think and look Rev. Varughese Mathew (Vicar emphasized the negative impact forward to an alternate pattern of of CSI Church Sharjah and Vice in the society due to the COVID development in Christ and self. - President, CSI UAE Youth), Pandemic situation which Rev. Sojee Vergis John, (Vicar adversely affected our social Break the Chain of Development of CSI Church Abu Dhabi and relations, financial security, and from Above: Development from Vice - President, CSI UAE Youth), a global disaster in various range Inner self for a healthy and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip (Director, of fields and thoughts. He insisted wealthy relation in Christ. Department of Communication CSI the Youths to challenge the Synod - Guest Speaker), Rev. Byju pandemic, to raise up and face the Theme was concluded by Rev. Eapen (Vicar of St. James CNI situation through unconditional Shaji Jacob Thomas. Malayalam Church, Borivilli) and faith & courage leading us Rev. Viji Varghese Eapen (Vicar towards our mighty Lord as He The business session was of Holy Trinity CSI Congregation has promised that the crucified convened during which the 26th Dublin, St. Thomas CSI Church Lord walks with us in the valley of CSI UAE Annual Conference Belfast & CSI Church Manchester) death. Report & the Annual Reports of the year 2019 were presented The welcome singing session The Theme “Break the Chain” was and passed by the body. Election was led by Abu Dhabi Parish well defined through 5 Divisional of the New representatives to the Youth Members. The Singing Thoughts. Youth Committee were conducted team emphasized the Conference along with the selection of 28th Theme in every aspect through Break the Chain of Self CSI UAE Annual Youth Conference the melodious session. Psalms & Centeredness: Through away the Convener. Mr. Teji Jacob George the Bible Reading were chanted inner self and share yourselves to (Abu Dhabi) was elected as the by Ms. Edna Lis Libini (Dubai) the needy as Jesus shared himself Conference Convener for the year and Mr. Athul Joe Babu (Sharjah) for our sins. 2021. www.csi1947.com October 2020 37 News CSI Synod Dept. of Communication

As part of the Silver Jubilee Secretary, Mr. Benenet Yesudasan Reported By, Project, CSI UAE Youth Movement delivered the Vote of Thanks. supported the mission works in Mr. Sachin Saji Mathew (Dubai) Mr. Benenet Yesudasan CSI Katrapally Mission through compered the event. The Conference Convener sponsoring a Bolero. A Short Conference was concluded with CSI UAE Youth Movement Video was presented reflecting the a Word of Prayer by Rev. Sojee details of the project. Vergis John and Benediction by Rev.K.M.John Rev. K. M. John. President CSI UAE Youth Movement CSI UAE Youth Movement

Attention, Subscribers! ear Subscribers of the CSI Communication Department of the documentation purpose. If you Life magazine, Church of South India prepared were not able to receive a soft D the magazine every month as copy of these issues, you may We would like to express softcopy and shared on the send a request to the WhatsApp our gratitude to you for your official social platforms of the CSI number +91 9840577404 or mail continual support to the CSI Life Synod such as Facebook Group to [email protected] We will magazine, the official organ of the (https://www.facebook.com/ send pdf files of these back issues. Church of South India Synod. We groups/csisynodcommunication/) regret the fact that we were not and WhatsApp Broadcast (+91 Expecting your continual support able to send the printed magazine 9840577404) in pdf format. to you from April to September Sincerely 2020. The COVID 19 pandemic, The back issues are on print which hit across the world, now, but only in limited Rev. Sunil Raj Philip made it impossible to get the number which will be shared Managing Editor, magazine printed and circulated. with the headquarters of the CSI Life magazine But, on the other hand, the dioceses and kept aside for the

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www.csi1947.com 38 October 2020 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 policies of the CSI SYNOD. October 2020 39 Date of Publication: First week of Every Month. CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/07245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH(C)/267/2018-2020 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2018-2020

Edited & Published by Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, Church of South India Synod from CSI Centre, No. 5, Whites Road, Chennai - 600 014. Ph: 2852 1566 / 4166 40 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