Rethinking Ecclesia Being and Becoming Christ Communities: Towards a Borderless Church EDITOR’S DESK To tell or not to tell…

One is often in a dilemma whether to tell remain in their oppression. Many a time, bring goodness and blessing even to the or not to tell something. We are worried our comments or our silence bury the enemy. “If only my master would see the as to what the other would think, as to truth, and along with-it justice, and in prophet who is in Samaria! He would whether our relationship or friendship turn allow injustice and falsehood to cure him of his leprosy” (v.3). In her, we would get affected. We are also afraid to triumph. It is not something which we have an example of the sincerity and tell the truth or to share our experiences. consciously want to do, it is an internal innocence of a child who overcame We are worried that telling the truth dilemma or a struggle, as Paul caricatures limitations, crossed borders, moved might lead to problems for us or might his inner struggle or dilemma and beyond borders venturing into new result in misunderstandings. We dread to turmoil, when he says “For I have the horizon of freedom. She exemplified an tell the unpalatable truths. We are desire to do what is good, but I cannot expression of goodness, depicting the hesitant sometimes to tell things that we carry it out. For I do not do the good I borderlessness of goodness. know for sure are true, when we are want to do, but the evil I do not want to The good news of the possibility of called to tell the truth and to expose do. This I keep on doing. Now, if I do what healing was understood differently by falsehood, corruption, unrighteousness I do not want to do, it is no longer I who the protagonists. To Naaman it gave a and injustice. When we are called to be do it, but it is sin living in me that does it” new hope; it gave an assurance of getting t o r c h b e a r e r s o f t r u t h , s e e k (Romans 7:18-20). cured from the uncurable; he looked righteousness, to be a movement for “To tell or not to tell” - the Bible gives us forward to becoming whole again. For justice, we tend to keep quiet, become some guidelines: In the story of Naaman the King of Aram, it gave an opportunity silent. Instead of telling the truth and (2 Kings 5), commander of the King of to exhibit his power authority and wealth: making the corrupt, unjust and Aram, we meet a little girl who decided to ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels unrighteous fearful and tremble, we tell the good news to Naaman - that she of gold, and ten sets of clothing were to bring pain to those who experience knew about a prophet Elisha, who was a be given for the healing. His arrogance injustice and corruption. man of God and who could heal his came to the fore, as he wrote a letter to At the same time, we tend to very ailment. The young girl knew that her the King of Israel, which read “With this casually tell or speak about things that master Naaman was suffering from letter I am sending my servant Naaman we do not know clearly, have not leprosy, an incurable disease. She was a to you, so that you may cure him of his u n d e r s t o o d f u l l y , o r h a v e n o t slave girl ministering to Naaman's wife, a leprosy” (v. 6). comprehended in its entirety. Thereby, captive from Israel, but to tell the truth The good news that the little slave girl we trigger gossips and hearsays which, at and share the good news, this little girl announced in Aram became a threat to times, result in ruining reputations and rises above the racial, hierarchical and the King of Israel. When he saw the letter, landing others in trouble. We tend to tell gender divides. She sends the good news he panicked, tore his robe and lost his the half truths as though they were to Naaman probably through her mind. “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back completely true. Things without any mistress. Though she was small and a to life? Why does this fellow send basis or foundation are alleged to be slave, she was willing to share what she someone to me to be cured of his true, as though written in stone. In doing knew: an opportunity of healing for her leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a so, we add insult to injury and render master. She believed or wished that the quarrel with me.” (v.7) The King of Israel those who are unjustly oppressed to goodness that came out of Israel would

November 2018 03 was unaware of the fact that was known Elisha exhorts him to hold on to the truth dead” (v.9). They kept the matter to to an Israelite captive girl taken to Aram. that was revealed to him and go in peace themselves discussing what rising from Being the king of Israel, either he did not (v.17). If one follows the narrative further, the dead meant. realise that the source of healing is Gehazi the servant of Elisha makes use of “You should not tell anyone” was always the Lord and that Elisha, the the chance to collect two talents of silver conditional; they were urged to keep it to prophet of the Lord, was God's in two bags and two sets of clothing. At themselves, reflect on it in its entirety. instrument of healing, or he also times people who do nothing to bring The transfiguration of Jesus, his underwent a dilemma, an internal about transformation, tend to cash in conversation with Moses and Elijah, the struggle or turmoil regarding whether he and reap the benefit for selfish gains. meaning of the voice from heaven could should tell this to the commander of Gehazi exemplifies those who try to use only have been understood in the light of A r a m . H e m i g h t e v e n h a v e the circumstances to their own t h e p a s s i o n , c r o s s , d e a t h a n d contemplated, that in helping the advantage and try to corrupt the good resurrection of the Son of Man. When commander of Aram to become whole, news. things are understood only partially or the army of Aram would be benefitted, Thus, the good news of healing incompletely, we tend to misconstrue and in turn become a greater threat to announced by the girl was used by and misinterpret them. Only when one Israel. different people to fulfil their own enters into deeper reflection, in depth Elisha reminds the King of Israel of the agendas. It was interpreted according to analysis, do we begin to understand their presence of a prophet in Israel. “Why their position, place and authority. The significance from different angles and have you torn your robes. Have the man truth of liberation and healing gave hope perspectives. When we speak out of our come to me and he will know that there is to one, while another used it to show his transformational, transfigurational a prophet in Israel” (v.8). When Elisha own power and authority, to yet another experience, we should wait until asked Naaman to go and wash seven it brought perplexity, panic and troubled complete examination, analysis and times in the Jordan so that he may mind, and another strove to make reflection are available to us. Only the experience restoration, cleansing and business out of the good news. Truth and truth in its entirety will help us to wholeness, Naaman was affronted. He liberation bring about a clear division in understand the transformational was reminded of the rivers in Damascus, the community. We are called to speak significance of the truth. but then the servants of Naaman out or tell the truth in love, to announce When we wait patiently until we are given brought sanity to him: “If the prophet and experience the vision of truth and the grace to understand the meaning had told you to do some great things, liberation in all its fulness. and discern its different nuances in order would you not have done it? How much In the New Testament, on the mount of to arrive at different interpretations and more then, when he tells you wash and transfiguration, the disciples witnessed a their intrinsic relationships, then we be cleansed?” (v.13) The truth is always spiritual spectacle - they were witness to understand the truth in its entirety. 'To simple yet profound. In its simplicity, Jesus's conversation with Moses and Elijah tell or not to tell' – when we encounter truth encounters us in all its complexity (Mark 9). They heard a voice from heaven, incomplete knowledge, half-truths and and profoundness. When Naaman but they could not comprehend the depth, hearsays that need to become clearer, it dipped himself seven times, he was meaning and significance of the event. is important to wait until we observe the restored and was made whole. They murmured on building three tents to unravelling of its significance and On becoming whole and experiencing hold on to the dynamic transfiguration meaning. Therefore, we need to pray for transformation, Naaman offers oblation experience for ever and make it static and wisdom to know what is to be told and and gifts to the prophet who refuses it permanent. Only three of the disciples had what is to be kept to oneself, and the politely saying, “As surely as the Lord the privilege of experiencing Jesus' wisdom to discern the difference lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a transfiguration. They indeed wanted to between the two. In line with the Serenity thing” (v.16). The good news that the share it with the other disciples. They were prayer: Lord give me the courage to tell little girl proclaimed not only brought wondering how to describe and translate the things that need to be told as they healing and wholeness to Naaman, but the transfiguration experience into are; the serenity not to tell the things that also liberated his thought and mind as he pictorial and metaphorical language. But need to wait until they are understood in pledges his allegiance to the one God of Jesus tells them that they had not even their entirety; and the knowledge to the whole world (v.15). Naaman, on comprehended and understood the discern the difference between the two. having experienced the truth of transfiguration event in its entirety and put Rev. Dr. D. Rathnakara Sadananda liberation, asks the prophet's forgiveness paid to their aspirations by ordering them for the duty that he owed his king of “not to tell anyone what they had seen General Secretary-CSI bowing down in the temple of Rimmon. until the Son of Man has risen from the

04 November 2018 Luther's Reformation

Introduction: Let us be proud that we provide them forgiveness and the triumph have witnessed the 500 years celebrations over the sin. Forgiveness and receiving of Reformation. The theology of Martin new worth before God made possible to Luther originated through his personal humanity through faith in Christ. Fighting struggle, originated from the Holy to gain the victory over sin is everyday Scriptures, and traditions of the Church exercise through faith in which every also had their own influence. Luther individual ought to involve. defined theology as concerned with Grace Alone: Human-made formula acquiring knowledge of God and (through works + donating a large sum of Rev. Dr. Bellam Sunil Vara knowledge of human being. Christ is the money) to obtain Salvation was negated Kumar is an ordained subject matter of theology for him. by Martin Luther. Grace would be no Philosophical thinking of human being he pastor of CSI Rayalaseema longer grace if our salvation is on the basis used as immanent categories. Philosophy D i o c e s e o f A n d h r a of works. If it is right there is every is blind in knowing God's attitude towards Pradesh. After completion possibility for human boasting. Luther on human beings and what God wills to do of M.Th in the Theology these lines reiterated that the works we do with humanity. God created human a n d E t h i c s . H e w a s are the fruit and not the root of our beings in their primal perfection, but in its d e p u t e d t o A n d h r a Salvation. He strongly believes that fall into sin, under the power of death, and Christian Theological through faith in Jesus Christ because of as freed through the sacrificial death of College as the member of God's grace and Christ's merit we will be Christ and received the pardon. the faculty. He Completed made righteous before God. D.Th from Senate of The nailing of the 95 theses at the castle Scripture Alone: God's word challenged Serampore by 2014, he door in Wittenberg on 31st October 1517 Martin Luther's faith. Word of God was had done his B.D, M.Th, by Martin Luther led to the Reformation. available in Latin till Luther's day and and D.Th studies at United An individual could lead to reform of the Priests only had accessibility over the Theological College, Church. Let us know his theology and Scripture. Then it translated into Germany. ethics and use the same in our context. Bangalore. Reformation revolves around the Faith Alone: Faith is human attitude restoration of the Bible to its rightful worked in and through the Holy Spirit. position. Luther and the other reformers According to Luther, faith is a powerful laid emphasis on the ministry of the Holy tool in our hands, it grasps the power of Spirit in understanding the Scripture. Both God and his mercy in Christ, and faith helps are very important issues for Luther that us to rest on Christ's own righteousness. how we read the Scripture and how we Faith is the starting point to build eternal respond to what it has to say in our living relationship among God-Christ and day to day context. The common people Human beings. Faith is a tool to make us were denied access to the Scriptures. righteous because it grasps Christ. Faith is Church's hegemony over the Scriptural the only channel that unites believers with interpretation is questioned by Luther. For Christ. Faith further capacitates believer to him, the Scripture interprets in itself in receive God's mercy. Faith makes the heart place of the Church's authority. In this pure, what one ought to be before God. process no mediator is necessary. Faith remains the source and fountain of Infallibility of the Scripture sanctions good works. Faith in Christ, God absolute authority on every individual and transforms a sinful human being like God. on every matter of our faith. Luther is the Faith in Christ functions in believer which leader who provided liberation of

November 2018 05 Scripture from the clutches of Clergy is still valid. God: God's character is, he reveals himself and reveal who we are through his works in creation. We human beings carry within us a conceptual notion of God and of the divine being. God is the provider of knowledge of himself to human beings. God is the giver of all good, willing to help who calls on him in time of need. God created human beings as ethical/moral being. Human reason is incapable to know who the real God is. God's mercy reaches to every human being it is for Christ's sake. God declares because of Christ's sacrificial death on the Cross, the unrighteous to be righteous transcends all human Righteousness through Christ can be foundation for one's moral life. Luther understanding and reason. God's act of described in the present tense only as supports 'Natural Law' concept which justification of a sinner includes within it a having just begun, but its culmination explains that law known through nature, divine, "as if". God's justification has an / perfection lies in the future. Waiting in human wisdom and personal experience. eschatological dimension. The term this process is a condition. Justification by His unique slogan is, "good human being Martin Luther used in this connection, putting one's faith in Christ- means produces good works rather than good interim, in between, and meanwhile. God forgiveness of sins and new being. works do not make a good man". For Luther, as the divine power, present in every Because of Christ, on account of the Christian ethics is built on the theological human being as an angry demanding beginning of God's creation in us will affirmation that God is gracious, holy, parent. Human beings are righteous in continue. forgiving and always willing to accept God's sight with a passive righteousness, humanity through reconciliation. Luther we are human in the vertical sphere of Martin Luther's Ethics: Luther's ethics primarily emphasizes the individual. For our lives only because of his mercy, revolves around the Law and Grace as him, spiritual morality precedes morality favour, and love, because he created us Paul's teaching. Human salvation is not through action and further he re-creates us in Christ. based on human works, human merits but God's grace alone which we receive Present Context: These are all a few Christ: God's free grace for Christ's sake by individual faith in Christ.The whole issues that make Luther's' struggle that will make human being righteous. Luther Church during his days depended on leads to reformation what does it mean reiterated that Christ personally is the human merit and human efforts. He to our context. The philosophical change sinner's righteousness, who crucified, replaced human efforts with God's grace is in the form of Humanism need to be risen and ascended into heaven. as a channel for salvation. Faith in Jesus addressed in our context. The rise of Incarnate Christ is capable to make Christ through God's grace you will be Nationalism as political change is needed himself one with human beings; justified is his prominent slogan. For to be addressed in our context. At righteousness becomes human being's Luther law help us to realize how guilty present in the Church ritualism is own and makes them righteous before we are before God. Luther abolishes the gradually growing need to be addressed. God. For him, human righteousness traditional belief of the Church that one Clerical supremacy and Papal authority is Christ's righteousness, and our can earn or achieve salvation by one's are slowly growing is something to be righteousness consists in God's mercy. own good works. Every individual is free addressed. We need to choose between Our faith in Christ made one, that human from everything at the same time they the theology of glory and the theology of being in God's judgment participates in are the servants of all. Servanthood of Cross. Luther's self-understanding of a Christ's righteousness. Christ revealed Jesus is our starting point to serve the saved sinner; that human being is saint God's characteristics. Christ fulfils the law community. Individual piety and close also a sinner simultaneously need proper in relation to us in two-fold ways- Christ interpersonal relationship with the teaching in our Churches. fulfils the law outside of us; Christ fulfils Creator God would be used as the the law in us through the Holy Spirit.

06 November 2018 Children in the Church

Introduction: The scripture affirms families are groomed in day-care centres, children as the heritage from God, heirs of there are children who are groomed in God's Kingdom, arrows in the hands of the orphanages. Further, children are forced warrior, so on and so forth. However, are into child labour, child abuse, lack of children recognized as the heritage from educational opportunities, female feticide, God within the Church? Does the church early marriages, victims of sexual abuse, realize them as the heirs of God's child trafficking, and organ-trade so on Kingdom? Is there a space for children in and so forth. Children contexts within the the church to voice their opinion? The context are safe and secure on one hand Rev. Beena Priyadarshini is administrative body of the church and struggle and suffering on the other. an ordained Minister of the compulsorily consists of woman and The present year is recorded as the most Karnataka Diocese of the youth, why not children on the role? The violent year for children in Syria which Church of South India. church always looks at children as the witnessed more than 50% of child future of the church negating their causalities. Brutal cases of Rape and presence. Predominantly, the church sees murder of girl children in India has children as a disturbance in the church and increased by 82% in the current year, various justifying strategies are framed to about 80% of children, especially girl keep the children out of worship to children are victim of child trafficking, a maintain the peace and solemnness of the child dies every ten seconds due to a worship. Thus, it is judicious to evaluate combination of under-nourishment, the role of the church in the life of children, impure water and easily preventable and also role of children in the church and diseases, the statistics are alarming and emphatically affirms that children carry the the situation is worsening each year or at image of God, they are unfathomable gift the best not improving over the years. to the humanity, and they are God's These millions of children are trapped in chosen partners in the work of the creation an intergenerational cycle of disadvantage and instruments of Gods reign. The child- that endangers their future and the future likeness in children remind us constantly to be liberated from so-called adult- centeredness and help us to learn to trust, undoubtedly, to share without an account and to love without conditions. Children and the Context: Children's context could be viewed as contexts within context. We witness children experiencing multi-faceted situations. On one hand, we have children burdened with academic and career pressures, and on the other, we have children yearning for education. We have children struggling from obesity, parents spending lavishly to buy everything the child demands, but we also have children suffering from malnutrition and utter poverty. Most of the children of the upper class and upper-middle-class

November 2018 07 of society. This indeed reflects the is concealed and goes unheard in the the world is healed by the grace that is dreadful pinnacle of the evil in society background. The degree of abuse and pronounced by the oppressed, and human ignorance in caring for victimization from being a little girl, to neglected, bruised and the exploited. children, to protect them and treat them be kidnapped, trafficked, sold as a slave The church is obligated to God's with dignity. and a definite target of sexual assault covenant, the covenant of love, justice, defines her state of vulnerability. This is It is at this context the church is and compassionate care for the needy, the horrendous condition of every girl obligated to protect children from especially, vulnerable children. children who are kidnapped, trafficked mental, physical, psychological and According to Walter Brueggemann, a and sold as a slave in sex markets. Their spiritual harm, and also engage in well-known Old Testament scholar, the childhood is trapped; the future is genuine advocacy that voices out the human/church obligation is rooted in a unknown and left with no help. But injustice inflicted on every child. But is sense of divine commitment to the most despite her pain and traumatic the church truly being a space that is vulnerable in society. Proverbs 17:12 experience in an alien country she chose child-friendly, child-oriented, child asserts that it is better to meet a she- to love and forgive her subjugators. advocate and child centred? bear robbed of its cubs than to confront Instead of hate and vengeance, she a fool immersed in folly. The wisdom extended compassion and healing. teacher expresses that foolishness is Instead of advocating for her personal Child advocate Church: In the more dangerous than she-bear; the justice or revenge, she exhibited God scripture, the birth of Moses and the mother bears are affectionate, conscious virtues that came instantaneously birth of Jesus envisage a liberative and protective, devoted, strict, sensitive and in her without resentment. If it would have transformative world. In other words, attentive to their young ones. They see been an adult instead of a teen slave girl at according to scripture, the birth of a to it that nothing could harm their cubs child is a process of liberation and when robbed they go out of their way to transformation. However, in the protect them. We as the church, created patriarchal society, birth off every child in the image of God are called to go is not celebrated or envisaged as the beyond she-bears in protecting and process of liberation. The birth of girl extending our love to children and child is considered to be a curse on the engage to defend them with limitless family. The girl child grows with the passion. While we engage in such experience of discrimination and activity we will be able to encounter God humiliation within the family and the conscious attitude that was found in the society. Her journey of discrimination little child bring healing and restoration begins long before a girl child is born or to the whole of humanity. even conceived, her struggle continues A Child-friendly Church: Among the through infancy and childhood where that point, it could have been difficult for vows during the child baptism, the she is always given least preference. She Namman to find healing, but this girl church as a family promises to provide a is stereotyped to be useless and child was able to empathise with her better environment for the children to helpless. Negating the girl Child has masters suffering and therefore wanted be groomed in the faith and tradition of been quite strange, invisible and socially to help. Her unique act of compassion the church. We, as the church, are accepted. It is in such context, God led to complete transformation of her blessed with a promising generation unveils the history of girl children oppressor. In the latter part of the story that could carry forward the mission of participating with God in God' after Namman dips into the river of God with all complete innovation, transformative mission and breaks the Jordan, we see Nammans flesh is commitment and vision. The church is social stigma imposed upon them. restored like the flesh of a little child. In other words, Namman becomes like the a l s o e n t r u s t e d w i t h a g r e a t e r In the healing of Namman, we see a little girl, a transformation in consciousness. responsibility to make an envisioning tender young age unnamed girl playing He chooses life instead of the usual spoils of pathway to our children in all aspects. It a pivotal role in restoring health to her war which also includes the liberation of has a big mission of nurturing authentic master. In the narrative, predominantly, captive children. She becomes the faith in our children that they may grow the girl is seen as a kind-hearted, reason for border-crossing peace and up with strong radical and social values compassionate and loyal towards her sends a strong message to the and becomes disciples' of Christ. master. However, her predicament of oppressors that greatness, power and Therefore, the church needs to be a being kidnapped and abused as a slave authority do not bring healing, instead place that gives importance to the

08 November 2018 voices of children and provide a safer social structure in bringing liberation to behaviour of the Disciples and also place to be nurtured in faith. the least, uplifting the oppressed and angered with the society which still proclaiming respect and dignity to all treats and talks ill about single parent In the Scriptures, we read God's children. Jesus radically overcomes the child as it was in his childhood times compassionate commitment towards religious obstacles in embracing wherein he was also a victim. The anger children, which is deliberately seen children as full and equal participants in of Jesus breaks the expectation of the through imposing laws that demand the eschatological reign of God. people i.e. children being touched, and primary importance for children. One of moves beyond to embrace them and the pivotal task to do something Conclusion: Mathew 19:13-15 & Mark affirm them as the inheritors of the significant for the future generation was 10: 13-16 records an incident wherein Kingdom of God. Jesus was consistently to nurture and help them in sustenance, Children were brought to Jesus to enquiring the moralistic tradition of the and also socialize and recruit its young experience the touch of Jesus but the temple and was confronting them. Girl into peculiar memories and hope. Thus disciples sternly warn them and try to children are being victimised due to the ancient Israel sustained its revolutionary keep them away from Jesus. According patriarchal tradition, orphaned/single identity by inculcating its young into its to Mark' Gospel, Jesus was indignant parent children are humiliated due to peculiarity. This sustenance of faith is with the attitude of the disciples and moralistic tradition. Jesus grew up as a thought through the exercise of said to them to allow the children to victim of both these tradition. Thus, he “questioning and enquiring” (Exodus come to him. It is important to inquire was battling against these traditions. 12:26-27), and the parents should be about the reason for disciples' untoward The church that has Christ as the kind enough to give an answer. Jesus, behaviour and Jesus' unpleasantness. foundation should continue to inquire being groomed in such tradition Both the gospels record this incident and question the existence of such engages in the ministry of “questioning after a brief teaching about divorce by tradition in order to establish a space of and enquiring” at the age of 12 in the Jesus. Further, the texts in both the love, freedom and dignity for the temple, bringing amazement in the face Gospels says people brought little children, and to grow in the faith of of the scholars, elders and priest in the children not the parents. It could be Liberty, fraternity and equality. Children temple. Most often elders demand presumed that the children brought to in the church are co-workers and co- children to follow religious customs and Jesus were the victims of divorce, and partners in God's liberative and traditions without enquiry, but here is a could have been a single parent child. transformative mission. God who creates space for child's Disciples would have been moralistic in freedom of thought and encourages seeing the children as a consequence of children to engage in the questioning of sin. Divorce is an evil for the moralistic faith, and through such enquiry church, hence children are also establishing a generation that journeys considered to be evil and they were in making faith as its own. However, this sternly warned to not approach Jesus. was a contradicting practice in the first Jesus was an ethicist than a moralist. He century Palestine world. Children, gets furious with the moralistic unfortunately, occupied a low position in society and were regularly at risk because of their physical fragility. Unlike the children of ancient Israel, other children suffered vulnerability to a greater extent. Jesus guided by the practices of the temple of his time could have also been a victim of denial to child right, because of the social position of his parent, as he was mostly addressed as son of a carpenter. Yet, such insults and denial do not stop him to put his childhood faith into action. He continues to enquire irrelevant traditions and questions

November 2018 09 CSI - EMS Liasion Office Bible workshop by EMS in Bengaluru

The EMS Bible Workshop was held from Hermeneutics” by Prof. Philip Laryea contexts and contextual reflections in 29th September to 6th October 2018. from Ghana; visiting a few places of relation to the theme. The workshop was attended by s i g n i fi c a n c e ; A t e a m e x p o s u r e The Bible workshop method has the delegates from 8 countries namely programme, one team to the Karnataka potential to transform- breaking Cameroon, Germany, Ghana, Hongkong, Southern Diocese of Church of South monologue, insensitivity towards another, India, Indonesia, South Africa and South India; Karnataka Theological College, reflecting beyond one's political state Korea. Out of all the 19 delegates Mangalore, and another team to boundaries, etc. Such workshops should attended, 8 were women. The workshop Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, percolate to the local congregations. It was organised together with the United Madurai. is more probable that such workshop can Theological College (UTC), Bengaluru, at The participatory approach, contextual lead towards inter-religious sharing of Ecumenical Resource Centre. The reading of the text, was conceived as scriptures in the days to come, something Principal of UTC Rev. Dr. Ch. Vasantha Rao “Bible Sharing” that takes seven steps: India is experiencing, that can stand as an warmly welcomed the delegates in the Opening prayer or song; Listening to the a n t i d o t e t o g r o w i n g r e l i g i o u s community worship service and Rt. Rev. Bible text; giving voice to the biblical text; fundamentalism and communalism across Dr. Royce Manoj Victor introduced the Meditation in silence; Sharing insights; the globe. workshop theme “Reading the Bible Acting together; Closing with prayer or through the Eyes of Another” in his As CSI-EMS liaison officer, I express song (emphasis applied). Through such preaching. By the end of the workshop, sincere thanks to the EMS- Commissary an exercise one could understand the every participant was awarded a Secretary-General Dr. Kerstin Neumann; context of every participant, context- participant certificate. Dr. Gabriele Mayer, Head of Department specific listening and reflecting that of Gender, and Intercultural Education; A formal introductory session with a resonates with the biblical text. The Dr. Bernhard Dinkelaker, EMS Former symbol affirming “fullness of life” from Biblical texts used for reflections were St. General Secretary; Rev. Solomon Paul individual's context was a novel way of John 14, Book of Ruth, St. Mark 9, Benjamin, Liaison Secretary for East Asia introduction. Rev. Dr. D. Rathnakara Galatians 3 and St. Luke 24 respectively. and India; Ms. Regine Nagel, India Desk; Sadananda, CSI General Secretary, had Five academic papers on different Rev. Dr. D. Rathnakara Sadananda, CSI gifted shoulder bags for the participants, themes were presented, which was General Secretary, and Rev. Dr. Ch. which was distributed at the time of followed by small groups discussions. Vasantha Rao, Principal & Staff, UTC; all introductions. Two to three sub-themes were framed the Participants. The Bible workshop had included a out of such discussions. Such an exercise Rev. Dr. Praveen Perumalla, public lecture on “Mother Tongue was helpful to understand diverse CSI-EMS Liasion Officer

10 November 2018 CSI - EMS Liasion Office EMS Bible Workshop Team Exposure to Karnataka Theological College, Mangalore

The Evangelical Mission in Solidarity shared greetings and the whole team was Principal of the Institute, Mr. Chetan R., (EMS) Bible Workshop team had visited felicitated. An interactive session with received the team warmly and explained Karnataka Theological College (KTC), KTC students was organized followed by the work. The team highly appreciated Balmatta, Mangalore, from 6th to 8th an interactive session with the KTC for the creative work of the institute. October 2018. The team had consisted of Principal and faculty. The theme of Later, the team visited the printing press seven theologians coming from 6 “Reading the Bible with Eyes of the of KTC. Rev. Sagar, KTC faculty, was countries across the globe. They were Other” was discussed exploring into the helpful in guiding all the tour. warmly received by the Principal of KTC contextual reading of the scriptures. The The team humbly acknowledged warm Rev. Dr. Hannibal Richard Cabral. The discussions were meaningful, drawing hospitality extended by the Principal Rev. team was comfortably accommodated at attention to include folklore traditions in Dr. Hannibal Richard Cabral and staff, Sahodaya, KTC, Mangalore. the reading of the scriptures. student community. On Monday 8th October 2018, the ems KTC Principal had arranged an exposure Rev. Dr. Praveen Perumalla, team took part in the KTC chapel service, visit to “Hebich Industrial Training CSI-EMS Liasion Officer where Rev. Dr. Bernhard Dinkelaker Institute,” Balmatta, Mangalore. The

EMS Bible Workshop Team Exposure to Asha Nilaya; CSI Boys 'Boarding Home, and CSI Girls' boarding home in Karnataka Southern Diocese

A team of seven persons, coming from six experience of visiting Nisarga was the children of three homes and formal countries, had visited the Karnataka meaningful. interactions with the respective wardens Southern Diocese, Mangalore, from 6th to and staff of the homes. The hospitality On Sunday 7th Oct' 2018 the team took 8th Oct' 2018. This team was from extended by the homes is acknowledged part in the CSI Shanthi Cathedral Harvest Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) by the team; great amount of work put-up Festival Service, Mangalore, where Rev. Bible Workshop. The team visited Bishop, by the wardens and staff in smooth Dr. Bernhard Dinkelaker shared the Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj, Bishop, functioning, the constructive growth of greetings. On the same day afternoon, Karnataka Southern Diocese, on 6th Oct' each home was highly appreciated. Words the team visited Asha Nilaya, Special 2018 noontime. The Bishop had warmly of greetings, exhortation, and prayers Home, Udupi; CSI Boys' Boarding Home, received the team and arranged a formal were offered by the team. Thanks to Udupi; and CSI Girls' Boarding Home, meeting with the Diocesan Officers. Bishop Mohan Manoraj, Officers of the Mulki. All the three wardens of the Bishop Emeritus C. L. Furtado was also Diocese, Rev. Dr. Hannibal Richard Cabral, respective homes Mrs. Prasanni Soans, present in the meeting and on behalf of Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, General Mrs. Clarible Ambler and Rev. Shashikala the Karnataka Southern Diocese he Secretary of CSI, for making the exposure Anchan had received the team warmly, welcomed the EMS team. There was a time to the Diocese, Children Homes in explained the work among the children, of interactions to strengthen the particular, very meaningful. Thanks to Rev. and they had shown the infrastructure partnership. The EMS group was Ebenezer Jathanna for accompanying the explaining day to day activities of the felicitated, which was followed by a team and doing the translation for the inmates of the homes. fellowship lunch. At evening a tour to visit team. Nisarga, a beach house of the Diocese, was There was a good time of cultural Rev. Dr. P. Praveen Prabhu Sudheer, organised. It was a rainy day yet, the interactions between the ems team with CSI-EMS Liaison Officer

November 2018 11 Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Green School Training Program at Dornakal Diocese held on 5th October 2018

The CSI Synod Department of Ecological Concerns organized a training for teachers and clergy of Dornakal Diocese on Green School Programme on 5th October 2018 at CSI Cathedral, Dornakal. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vadappally Prasada Rao, Deputy Moderator and Bishop of Dornakal Diocese inaugurated the programme. Rev. B. D. P. Ravindra, Secretary and Mr. K. J. Shubhakar Ashirvadam, Treasurer offered felicitations. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad ,Hon. Director of Ecological Concerns and Mr. Sharath kumar took classes. They explained the significance of GSP and motivated teachers and clergy. Rev. Solomonraj, Convener of Ecological Concerns health, cleanliness, principles of eco- Babu - Iam inspired very much. I would of Dornakal Diocese coordinated the justice, small stories and suggestions. like to introduce this programme in my programme. The total number of Ecological guidance from bible also he pastorate. We want to implement participants- One hundred and twenty eight. explained. 3. P. A. Rajakumari (D. D High planting in our church premises and will All the participants expressed their wonderful School) - This was a very useful program bring awareness from biblical issues. experience during the closing session. for me as a teacher and I will teach my 9. Rev. R. Reddy - Green School program Following are some of them: students. This programme brought is very useful. Today we came to know the 1. Mrs. Norah Prithviraj - As a teacher I awareness to the children that how ecological concerns from the biblical found the Green School Program useful. I important to keep their surroundings perspectives. God loved the world. was impressed by the Methodology of clean.4. Mona Robert (D. D High School) - 10. Rev. Israel Prabhu - The first session teaching like Encouraging students to Both the sessions inspired me. From now was very good and the wonderful ask the question, asking them to observe onwards I would like to go through the thought given by Prof. Mathew Koshy things, not to give an answer to all the Bible, keeping ecology in mind. I was very enlightened us and learned to read the questions etc.. Points given on health was much impressed with the significance of Bible from an eco perspective. too good. Truly an eye-opening program tigers, as they are treated as guards of the Prof. Dr.Mathew Koshy Punnackadu 2. M. M. Manorama ; GSP thought many forest. The water is the main resource to Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological Concerns, things ex; how to make a better society all living beings it should be used CSI Synod and how to live in the society, Mathew sir carefully and we have to educate the has given so many instructions about people regarding this too.5. Rev Sunil Sreedhar – It was a great program and we got valuable information. God created this world we've to protect all creations. 6. Rev. P. Charles Surendrababu - Dr. Mathew Koshy's speech was very useful as he has explained everything from the Bible. 7. K A Dyva Kumar - This program was excellent. Because Mr. Mathew Koshy told a lot of information about the environment. The second session also was good . 8. Rev. P. John

12 November 2018 Exchange Program and the Pastor's Refresher Course at Aizawl, Mizoram

Telugu Region clergy Conference EMS Bible Workshop Team Exposure to Asha Nilaya

Bible Workshop by EMS Held in BengaluruCSI EMS

EMS Bible Workshop Team Exposure to KTC Green School Training Program at Dornakal

Green School Training Program at Krishna-Godhavar

Green School Training Program at Karimnagar Green School Training Program at Medak Diocese

Good News for Creation and Ecological justice, be placed at the top of the agenda Eco Bishops, Africa Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Green School Training Programme at Karimnagar Diocese

The CSI Synod Department of Ecological 1. Dr. N. Veena – “It was literally very useful my response towards nature and its Concerns organized a training for for every one of us. Learned about the belongings. The morning session inspired teachers and clergy of Karimnagar importance of nature. The sessions were me more. I'll definitely make our campus Diocese on Green School Programme on very thought provoking”. 2. B. Ebby - I clean & green. 7. J. Jeeva Rathnam - I 4th October 2018 at CSI Church realised the significance of all creations. I'll personally understood the biblical basis of Hanamkonda, Warangal. Dr. Mathew definitely follow the six principles. Thanks Ecology and how to practice in our daily Koshy Punnackadu, Hon.Director of for the wonderful service of the Ecology life. How danger if we neglect God's Ecological Concerns of CSI Synod Department. 3. B Bizapathi - “Today's creation. 8. K. Jaya Raju - I was greatly inaugurated the programme. Dr. Mathew program was useful in my teaching field. influenced by this program. I promise to Koshy Punnackad and Mr. Sharath kumar Now I have decided to plant trees in our carry out the things I have learned from took classes. They explained the surrounding areas”. 4. S. Susan Daniel - this program. 9. Rev. Y. John – I was significance of GSP and motivated Many pastors and teachers of various inspired by the biblical interpretation of teachers and clergy. Rev. Ramulu schools were benefitted by this awareness ecology, eco-theology, the principles of Emmanuel, Convener of CSI Karimnagar program conducted in our Telugu region ecology & the need for planting a sapling . diocese coordinated the programme. we are grateful to CSI Synod Department. 10. Rev. Dr. Sudheer Karunakar - We the The total number of participants- One 5. Rev. R. Jeeva Rathnam - I would like to church should transform the people into hundred and eight. All the participants establish eco clubs in our village schools. an eco-friendly lifestyle. expressed their wonderful experience This training was very much useful to live Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu during the closing session. Following are an eco-friendly atmosphere. Thanks for Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological some of them: this good training. 6. Dn. Y Deepak - This Concerns, CSI Synod program gave us new insights to improve

Green School Training Program at Krishna-Godhavar Diocese The CSI Synod Department of Ecological 1. N Lydia Hemalatha - The class was much influenced by his speech. I am Concerns organized a training for teachers inspiring and motivating . The director sir encouraged to do GSP. 7. G. Rathakumari and clergy of Krishna Godavari on Green gave us a valuable message and - I learnt so many things from this School Programme on 6th October 2018 explained the facts in a very pleasant program. How to save nature. I'll try to at All Saints CSI Church, Vijayawada. manner. He explained the significance of implement those things in our school. In Rt. Rev. George Cornelious T., Bishop of the wonderful creation of God; wild the second session also I learnt how to Krishna Godavai Diocese inaugurated the animals, plants, trees & fields in a very maintain diet. It was also good. 8. B. programme. Mr. G. S. Sudhir, Secretary, systematic way. 2. Mrs. P. N. P. Jyothi - Naveen - “Will implement these Rev. V. I. Rathna Raju, Treasurer of the “The program was very interesting. The programs in our schools. Try to provide diocese and Bishoppamma Mrs. Jashua human relation with nature is wonderful. awareness to the urban people about the Kumary offered felicitations. Dr. Mathew We can know many things from nature environment because they damaging Koshy Punnackad, Hon. Director of when we seek or when we knock”. 3. P more comparing to the rural people”. 9. Ecological Concerns and Mr. Sharath Sudharao - “Mathew sir spoke about Rev. K. Vivekanand - “I'm very much kumar took classes. They explained the some chemicals which are very impressed and learned new thoughts significance of GSP and motivated dangerous. He explained the relation and learned how to work also. I'll do my teachers and clergy. Rev. EBS Nath, between Bible and ecology”. 4. K level best”. 10. Rev. K. Ashok - we learned Convener of of Ecological Concerns of Sandhya - “We want to stop plastic bags so many things apart from Bible & Krishna Godavari diocese coordinated the and save water and Power. Both the related to Bible. Our churches have a programme. The total number of sections were very useful”. 5. V. Suneetha great responsibility to implement this. participants - Ninety four. All the participants - “This program was very much beneficial Prof. Dr.Mathew Koshy Punnackadu expressed their wonderful experience to us. Surely I'll teach all this things to my Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological during the closing session. Following are friends also”. 6. B. Salini - The morning Concerns, CSI Synod some of them: session was very impressive. I was very

November 2018 17 Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Green School Training Program at Medak Diocese held on 3rd October 2018

Synod to conduct some more sessions in our diocese”. 6. Rev. M. Vijayakumar - “As a pastor, I would like to introduce the eco-concerns studied here in my church”. 7. Shyamala Kumari - “The classes really motivated me and helped me to understand the ecosystem. God created a beautiful world but we are destroying it. Yes, we should protect our water, air, soil and trees”. 8. Rev. T. Emmanuel Satyam - “We will use the wonderful ideas we got from this training programme in our sermons and do plantation in our church compounds”. 9. Mrs. Lucy - “The sessions The CSI Synod Department of Ecological purpose for their existence”. 3. Mrs. were very practical and studied the Concerns organized a training for Elizabeth - “I came to know the hidden relationship between the Bible & the teachers and clergy of Medak Diocese on secrets of ecological disasters. Every part environment. The way of teaching was Green School Programme on 3rd of the session was very useful, thought-provoking”.10. K. Hepsheba - October 2018 at CSI Diocesan Office, informative”. 4. Rev. P. Sanders Kumar - ”We learnt that how everything in the Secunderabad. Rev. U. Daniel, Ministerial “In this program, we learnt the principles universe is interrelated. It was very useful Secretary of the Diocese inaugurated the of eco & intrinsic values of nature and for us. If we care about nature, nature will training programme. Bishop A. C. responsibilities of human beings. As a care for us”. Solomon presided over the programme. presbyter, we need to encourage the Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad ,Hon. people. This program helped us to Prof. Dr.Mathew Koshy Punnackadu Director of Ecological Concerns and Mr. change our attitude and mindset towards Hon. Director, Dept. of Ecological Sharath kumar took classes. Dr. Mathew the creation”. 5. Rev. P. Jeevan Kumar - Concerns, CSI Synod Koshy Punnackadu presented the six eco “This program was very excellent. We are justice principles and the theoretical thankful to Synod for inviting us to the basis of Green School Programme. Mr. green school program. We request CSI Sharath Kumar explained the significance of GSP and motivated teachers in Telugu to join the GSP audit. Rev. M Jayanand and Ms. Sukanya Prakash coordinated the programme. The total number of participants- Ninety-four. All the participants expressed their wonderful experience during the closing session. Following are some of them: 1. Mrs. M. Esther Vijaya Kumari - “Learned how the environment affects our health. To live healthily we need a healthy environment. This was very informative”. 2. Mrs. Veenagopal - “The sessions were interesting, informative about various aspects in the environment which have a

18 November 2018 Dept. of Ecological Concerns, CSI Synod Good News for Creation and Ecological justice, be placed at the top of the agenda Eco Bishops, Africa

Don't pray for rain, the Bishop responded explained the eco activities of the CSI the test." The answer of Jesus can be to the call of another Bishop requesting Synod. Rev.Dr.Rachel Mash, ACSA Enviro paraphrased in a different way. I made the prayer of the congregation for rain. Convener introduced CSI as the active the universe and I know its rhythm. Any The Bishop continued, Dear Bishop, don't Eco Church in the Anglican Communion. living being falling from a height may pray for rain. We have cleared all the As CSI produced so many books on Eco collapse. That is the rhythm of nature. forests enhancing the process of Bible Studies, the Hon. Director Hence do not test your God. The devil led desertification. Let us plant some saplings presented a model eco Biblical him up to a high place and showed him in and compensate the present damage and interpretation. God created everything in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. pray for rain. Bishop Zac from Uganda His own rhythm. He took six days for And he said to him, "I will give you all their explained the incident while he was taking creation. The seventh day – rest. There is authority and splendour, for it has been the morning devotion in the Eco Bishops a rhythm in creation. Human beings given to me, and I can give it to anyone I Conference organised by the Anglican disturbed the rhythm of God. If you want want to. So if you worship me, it will all be Communion Environmental Network to see the rhythm of God, you have to yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: (ACEN) steering committee from 18th to observe nature closely. In order to 'Worship the Lord your God and serve 23rd September at the Good shepherd understand the rhythm of nature, Jesus him only." It can be paraphrased like this, retreat Centre, Hartbeespoort, South spent forty days in the wilderness( a wild I have created each and everything in the Africa. On the second day Bishop Ellinah a n d u n c u l t i v a t e d r e g i o n , a s o f universe with an intrinsic value and Wamukoya, Anglican Bishop Swaziland forest).Jesus could resist the temptations purpose. You or any corporates or any and the Chair of ACEN, mentioned that as he has understood the rhythm of multinational companies have no right through Eucharist we are in full nature. The devil said to him, "If you are over this nature. Its owner is God. Hence communion with God, People and Nature. the Son of God, tell this stone to become worship your God. Luther saw the whole The Celebrant is blessing the fruit of the bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: creation of God as something which work of the people on this earth, the bread 'Man does not live on bread alone.' Jesus exists for the benefit of humans. Karl and the wine and serving to the believers. knows the rhythm of Nature. When the Barth advocated a similar theology. Barth The earth is sacred. On third day's seed finds a fertile land having water it is very explicit that salvation history devotion, Bishop Chad Gandiya, Anglican sprouts. After a particular period, it begins with the incarnation of Jesus Bishop of Zimbabwe mentioned that why produces grains. Ripe grains harvested, Christ, but not from the creation. can't we use the biblical Version John 3.16, ground and made into a powder to make Everything is created solely for the sake For God so loved me, that he gave his only bread. The journey of seed to bread is of the realization of God's covenant with begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in through a systematic process with a humanity in Jesus Christ. Bultmann held a him should not perish, but have rhythm. Forty days stay of Jesus in the similar position. God is not to be everlasting life. The disciple John wrote it wilderness helped him to study the perceived in the phenomena of nature, clear that Jesus came to this world not to rhythm of nature. Hence Jesus was not but He is known and experienced in the save individuals but to save all the ready to disturb the rhythm of nature `cave of the heart', in the inner personal creation. In Romans we are reading the which God has given. Then the devil took experience. Such theology places salvation is for all the creations. Eighteen him to the holy city and had him stand on creation in a secondary position. Serious Anglican Bishops from various countries in the highest point of the temple. "If you attention was not given to the creation Africa, Clergy and laypersons representing are the Son of God," he said, "throw theology as they did not face an different Anglican groups attended the yourself down. For it is written: "He will ecological crisis as we face today. four-day consultation of Eco Bishops. command his angels concerning you, Christianity does have a theology of and they will lift you up in their hands so creation. The presence of God makes this Dr Mathew Koshy Punnackadu, Hon. that you will not strike your foot against a earth sacred. That is why God entered Director of the Department of Ecological stone." Jesus answered him, "It is also into a covenant relationship with all Concerns of the Church of South India written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to creatures. We believe in God because

November 2018 19 God as the Creator is present and planting and re-planting programmes and Partnerships: promoting the establishment continues to work with the land, river and to desist from contributing to pollution, of environmental desks in every diocese, sea to give life and hope. We have been enhancing the capacity of school teachers, encouraging the inclusion of environmental taught theology which is giving confirmation teachers, youth workers and issues on diocesan websites, sharing importance to Life after Death. Give children in ecological matters, creating an challenges and successes, initiating importance to life before death also. The African Youth Eco-Movement and resource mobilisation strategies to world we live in is also important. Where encouraging budget provision for youth promote ecological justice, promoting there is no water, there is no good news. engagement in ecological justice. active networking on environmental When there is a flood, it is a bad news. issues through twinning with other Sustainability: planting indigenous and dioceses and Provinces, and encouraging The four days Eco Bishops concluded with environmentally friendly species and exchange programmes in order to learn strong resolutions and time-bound removing alien vegetation which from one another. programmes. In Theological education they degrades the environment, exploring decided to hold eco-theology trainings at ways to restore degraded land and The statement concluded with a request all levels (clergy, laity, guilds, youth), enable natural regeneration, using to the Anglican Communion. Requested popularise available ecological resources, church land productively, for example, Dioceses, Provinces, Council of Anglican include ecology in theological education for solar energy, and increasing green Provinces of Africa (CAPA), and Lambeth curricula, include ecology in liturgies, cover and bio-diversity, establishing 2020, that Good News for the creation organise refresher courses/conferences in waste management projects, including and ecological justice be placed at the ecology, make budget provision for collection and productive use of waste, top of the agenda. All of us are interested ecological activities in our Dioceses and promoting organic, climate-smart, in this and all are part of the problem, encouraging such provision in our agriculture, engaging proactively with whether in the north, south, east or west. Provinces. urban planning systems with a view to O u r C o m m u n i o n p r o v i d e s a n addressing degraded human habitation, opportunity for global witness and Other resolutions are regarding Youth and advocating for the provision of clean resources to tackle this global challenge activities, Sustainability and partnerships. water, sanitation and accessibility, together. Youth: initiating and increasing environmental ensuring that our church buildings and consciousness and awareness among Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad property provide an eco-model for the children and youth, empowering children Member, Anglican Communion, community, stop using single-use and youth to initiate or take part in tree Environmental Network Steering Committee plastics on our church properties.

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20 November 2018 Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod Krishna Godhavari Diocesan Youth Convention

The Youth Department of Krishna mission of the Church. The officers of the coping with the urban culture and the Godavari Diocese with the support of the Diocese too gave their felicitations and local language along with spiritual care is Synod Youth Department organised a encouraged the young people to take a growing concern among them. The Youth Convention for the Youth of the active part in the activities of the Church. Synod Youth Department is slowly Diocese on 16th October 2018. Around envisioning drop in centres through the Rev. Solomon Paul, The Synod Youth 700 young people from all the areas of wide network of CSI pastors located in Department Director, led a Bible Study on the Diocese came together to chart out other regions to offer space for spiritual understanding the importance of Bible in the vision for their youth activities care and counselling to meet the the lives of young people. The day also through the church and the Diocesan challenges of migrant students. witnessed vibrant singing and games Youth Department. with a lot of interaction among the youth The Synod Youth Department congratulates The Bishop Rt. Rev. T. George Cornelius, of the Diocese. the Youth Department of Krishna - Godavari who inaugurated this convention, Diocese who under the able leadership of During the day a special meeting was encouraged the young people to be Rev. Vincent Rajkumar have begun a new era also organised with the youth of the grounded in scripture to build church of ministry among the Youth. Diocese who are already migrated to and their lives. He encouraged them that other cities and states to assess their Rev. Solomon Paul, every church should have a youth needs and challenges they face as Director, Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod fellowship and must meet regularly to migrant students. Many opined that plan activities to enrich themselves in the MITHRA initiates Skill Enhancement Training Program for Rural Youth at Nandyal Diocese

The Skill Enhancement training program goals, work in a team, map their careers, assured God's accompaniment in every for Rural Youth under project MITHRA prove their leadership abilities and walk of their lives. She motivated them to exclusively concentrating on those rural become more competent in the urban make use of this training to the maximum youth aspiring to migrate to urban areas setting of life. to become competent and sure about in search of better education and their goals and purpose in life. Through Skill enhancement training for livelihood opportunities was held in the Rural Youth, this program aims to provide The training program enabled the young remote locations of Nandyal Diocese the rural youth with opportunities for people to discern and understand their from 10th to 12th October 2018. 35 participation and growth, giving them priorities and build their confidence. At young people from the rural context various life coping and employable skills, the end of the program they opined that attended this training program. help them realize their own strengths, the training was very useful and first of its The main objective of this program was weaknesses, opportunities and threats to kind in their context. to enhance the already existing skills of face the challenges and competitions of The Synod Youth Department acknowledges the rural youth in building their the modern world. This experiential all the support rendered by the Youth confidence to face the challenges they learning focuses on the understanding of Department of CSI Nandyal Diocese and Skill would face in the urban context due to self and others and promotes positive factory, the professional institute for their migration. In a context of denied attitudes and behaviour in the individual. expertise and support in sending their opportunities and hard conditions of life, The Bishop of Nandyal Diocese Rt. Rev. trainers to come and conduct this training though very talented and resourceful, Dr. E. Pushpalalitha inaugurated this program. Many such training programs our rural youth have always struggled to event and encouraged the young people are planned to reach the rural youth of CSI cope with the challenges this market to lead meaningful lives to become in the coming days. economy offers. It is in this framework, resourceful to the church and the wider the purpose of this program becomes Rev. Solomon Paul, community. She encouraged the young more meaningful in enabling them to set Director, Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod people to overcome their limitations and

November 2018 21 Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod Rethinking Ecclesia Being and Becoming Christ Communities: Towards a Borderless Church

Seven Theological consultations in India, Theologians, pastors, activists, and 1 Dr. Matthias Zeindler: On the Road to c o m m e m o r a t i o n o f C S I 7 0 a n d practitioners from various walks of life to Jerusalem: Ecclesiological Reflections Reformation 500 came to fruition with attend, reflect and engage in meaningful from a Reformed Perspective. the final consultation from the Global discussions. 2 Dr. Sunil Caleb: Towards New forms of Ecumenical Perspective on the 24th 25th The Moderator of the Church of South Boundary-less Congregations and 26th of October 2018 at the CSI Synod India, Most Rev Thomas K Oommen, who Secretariat, under the theme “Being and 3 Dr. George Zachariah: Borderless inaugurated this consultation along with becoming Christ communities – towards a Church and Beyond the other Officers of the Synod remarked borderless Church”. The theme as in the that the theological exercise of Rev. Dr. Rachele (Evie) Vernon: seven consultation which began on Rethinking Ecclesia consultations has Rethinking theological education October 2017 witnessed a total of 130 helped the Church to find new directions presentations reflected from a) Biblical 5 Mr. Felix Weise: “Do not say anything is in the pilgrim journey of CSI. He said that perspective, b) Theological and Ethical not pure” – Rethinking ecclesia from the these explorations should continue to perspective, c) Liturgical and Missiological perspective of the Youth challenge the church and its mission and perspective, d) Prophetic diaconal also make way for newer forms of 6 Canon prof. Mark Chapman: 'Symbolic perspective, e) Empowerment and ministerial engagements with the people Identities and Borders: Reflections from Educational perspective, f) Healing and at the grassroots. Church and State’ Reconciliation perspective, g) National Ecumenical perspective and h) Global The Deputy Moderator of CSI, Rt. Rev. Dr. 7 Rev. Dr. Kyo Seong Ahn: "The Idea of 'a Ecumenical perspective by theologians, Vadapalli Prasada Rao, and the Treasurer, Borderless Church' and Its Ecumenical pastors, church leaders, practitioners in Advocate Robert C Bruce, gave their Significance” the field of social work, and other walks of f e l i c i t a t i o n s a n d h o n o u r e d t h e 8 Dr. Peniel Rajkumar: Re-Membering the life. participants who were present. Dis-membered: A New Body Politic for a The final consultation which brought this The General Secretary of CSI, Rev. Dr. Borderless Church process to an end paved way for a new Rathnakara Sadananda, who steered these 9 Ms. Grace Moon: Rethinking Ecclesia beginning within the life and work of CSI consultations also remarked how these from Liturgical and Missiologigal to capture the imagination of people for consultations has enabled the church to perspective a renewed vision and faith journey. 15 make a theological audit of CSI, create a scholarly presentations with a panel on network of theological educators who are 10 Dr. Sudipta Singh: Building life Inclusive Church was the crux of this CSI and gave opportunity for the seminary affirming communities: Prophetic consultation acknowledging the life of and the church to bridge the existing gaps diaconal occasion of Indian Church CSI along with challenging the church in in working closely with one another for the 11 Dr. Santano Pathro: Re-visioning being true to the changing context of this sake of a united mission. 'Bottom Up' Secularisation: towards country. These three days witnessed new healing and reconciliation The Global Mission partners of CSI like Theological insights and gave way for 12 Dr. Joseph Daniel: Ecclesia's the CWM, WCC, CCA, EMS, USPG, PCK, fruitful reflections on various themes that commitment to Christ community Church of England and Partner were presented alongside the meaningful formation: a call to alternative church life Theological institutions both in India and liturgy and worship that were planned and witness in a changing nation abroad had sent their representatives to everyday morning with a taste of Indian come and present papers from various cultural programs planned on two evenings 13 Dr. Bimal Charles: Who Touched Me? perspectives on 'Being and becoming after a long day's serious reflection. 14 Rev. Dr. Collin Cowan delivered the C h r i s t c o m m u n i t i e s : To w a r d s a The various topics that were presented Key note address on Being and Becoming borderless church' This consultation also during this final consultation were: C h r i s t C o m m u n i t i e s : t o w a r d s a had the Bishops of the Church of South Borderless Church

22 November 2018 On behalf of the Church of South India Rethinking Ecclesia. All the papers Godself and communicating the same to Officers of the Synod, we thank all the presented will be published and the people beyond borders. Global mission partners for sending their circulated for wider reading in the days to Rev. Solomon Paul, representatives and also the participants come as the Church continues to strive in Director, Dept. of Youth, CSI Synod who contributed to this process of finding new meanings of understanding

Dept. of Mission & Evangelism, CSI Synod “Let our lives shine, we will bring glory to the world': Young voices from Bellary

Bellary Rural Children's Enrichment Qualities for Better World”, “Church and c o m m e n d a b l y o r g a n i z e d b y Program and Junior Mission Fest were Mission”, “ Importance of the Bible in the Mrs. Nivedita Martin, the Manager of conducted on 15th to 19th October 2018 Daily Life of a Child”, “ Child Rights and C.S.I. Girls Home, Bellary, along with at CSI Girls Home, Bellary. It was the join Social Medias and Internet influences”, Bellary parishes, Teachers and volunteers. program organized by the Department “Role of Children for Friendly Family and Mission Department is greatly indebted of Mission and Evangelism C.S.I. Synod its Neighborhood”, “Enhancing Capacity to her and Rev. Hanna Niranjan, along with Women's Fellowship, of Children towards Better world: Rural Bishopamma, for her far-reaching vision Karnataka Northern Diocese. Perspective”, and “Green Fellowships and to mould the Children for the Better Qualitative Settlements”. World. Rev. Hanna R. Niranjan, CSI KND has led the program. Mr. Martin Theodre and There was a procession started from the Program was a creative and constructive Hubli Team have conducted the games venue and went rounded the Bellary venue and platform to nourish and and singings. Rev. Gona Immanuel (Area Town. Throughout the procession, cherish the youngsters towards value Chairman, BAC, Bellary), Rev. Samuel children raised the following slogans to based better world in accordance with Prasad, Rev. Ravi Joseph have led the the public, i.e.; “We want Clean India”, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It will be devotions and motivated the Children to “We want Peaceful India”, “We want fruitful and impactful in coming days. move ahead in tune with Gospel values. Green India”, “Education is Child Right”, Ultimately, there was an echo of young “Educated Child is National Asset”,” No to voices that “let our lives shine, we will Rev. Rohan Gideon (Professor, UTC Child Marriage”, “No to Child Abuse”, “ bring glory to the World”. Bangalore), Mrs. Margaret Mary No to Child Labor”, “We need Life (Bangalore), Mr. Immanuel Dayakar A six hundred participants were there Examples”, “ We Need Role Models”, “ We (Bangalore) and Rev. Maxcin John, Synod including Teachers and Volunteers. Love Each Other”, and “ We are for Each Mission Director conducted classes on “ Other”. Rev. Maxcin John, Children for Social Justice: Gender Director, Mission & Evangelism, Sensitive and Inclusive Community”, Bellary Rural Children's Enrichment CSI Synod “Character Formation and Leadership Program, and Junior Mission Fest was

November 2018 23 Dept. of Mission & Evangelism, CSI Synod We too are the partakers of Mission of God: Medical Professionals from Mysore

A Missional Retreat for Medical session on “Enhancing Capacities of (Hospital Chaplain) and 60 participants Professionals in C.S.I. Mysore Mission Medical Professionals towards Missional have attended in this retreat. Hospital was conducted on 15th October engagements”. He reminded that “being Retreat was an occasion to revisit and 2018 at the Mary Holdsworth Memorial a Medical professional is not a matter of relook into the Medical professionalism Hospital, Mysore. “Not to business, but privilege, but a matter of accountability and unlearn and relearn the things which for the maximum service, we are called and credibility”. enhance the capacities to become part of o u t a n d a p p o i n t e d a s M e d i c a l Rev. Sr. Sujatha (Diocesan Vice-President) Missional Congregation. professionals” said The Rt. Rev. Mohan and Mr. William Carey (Diocesan Secretary) Manoraj, Bishop in Karnataka Southern Department of Mission and Evangelism is also have highlighted the need of Diocese during the inaugural ceremony grateful to the Karnataka Southern Diocese dedication and commitment in the day to of the retreat. Bishop further added that as well as H.M. Hospital, Mysore. This day activities of Medical service. They have all medical professionals are Missionaries Hospital is well-known for commendable reminded that since all Medical of God since they are engaging in the nursing care to all in community. professionals are the part of God’s healing ministry of healing. Therefore, all must do ministry, they must responsible and Retreat was conducted by the Department their service in a most dedicated and accountable to God and people. of Mission and Evangelism in partnership committed way, Bishop stressed. with Karnataka Sothern Diocese. Retreat was well organized by Rev. “Medical Professionals should engage Sebastian Jethna (Mission Director, K.S.D) Rev. Maxcin John, with the community in most love and in collaboration with Dr. Suguna Santhy Director, Mission & Evangelism, compassion”, highlighted by Rev. Maxcin (Hospital Director). Rev. Anupama CSI Synod John, Synod Mission Director during his

“Not for Commercial, but passion for the service is our driving Spirit”: Bishop Mohan Manoraj

Hassan: “Not for Commercial, but Missional Engagements”. He further dedicated and submitted for the passion for the service is our driving added that all Medical professionals are meaningful healing Ministry. Spirit” highlighted by Bishop the Rt. Rev. transformers and actively serve the The Retreat was well-organized by Rev. Mohan Manoraj, Bishop in Karnataka community without any divisions and Sebastian Jethna, Mission Director for Southern Diocese during his inaugural discriminations. Through the service, we Karnataka Southern Diocese along with Ms. speech in a retreat for Medical need to declare solidarity to the most Jyothy Nirmala (Hospital administrative - Professionals in Hassan Mission Hospital vulnerable. Furthermore, attitudinal in-Charge). It was an opportunity to on 16th October 2018 at C.S.I. Redfern change is must which should be more deconstruct and reconstruct the attitudes Memorial Hospital, Hassan. Vision, inclusive and need to embrace all to give and to rededicate and renew for more Mission and compassion should work the holistic healing presence, Rev. Maxcin better service as part of engagements in the together, and all medical professionals John added. healing ministry of God. should work together for the common Rev. Sr. Sujatha (Diocesan Vice- well-being of the society, Bishop added. Retreat was conducted by the Department president), Mr. William Carey (Diocesan of Mission and Evangelism in partnership Medical Professionals are the partakers Secretary), Rev. David (CSI Hassan), and with Karnataka Sothern Diocese. in Mission of God, emphasized Rev. Sudhakar (Hospital Chaplain) have Rev.Maxcin John, Synod Mission Director attended the meeting and unanimously Rev. Maxcin John, during his talk on “Enhancing Capacities stressed the necessity of passion and Director, Mission & Evangelism, of Medical Professionals towards compassion towards service to all and CSI Synod

24 November 2018 Dept. of Pastoral Concerns, CSI Synod Exchange Program and the Pastor's Refresher Course at Aizawl, Mizoram

The Church of South India, Department Unlike the other parts of the country Worship is integral to their day to day life. of Pastoral Concerns has organized an Elections are significantly different here They give utmost importance to the word Exchange Program and the Refresher with the intervention of MPF (Mizoram of God and Christian education. Dance Course for the Clergy of Church of South People's Forum) playing a watchdog role. and drum in the church connect their rich India with the Presbyterian Church of Aggressive campaign and illegal means legacy and tradition. Though the church India, Mizoram Synod from the 5th to the of alluring the voters is strictly prohibited is modern, yet the basic traditions are 15th of October 2018. Sixteen Presbyters in Mizoram. One interesting observation incorporated and upheld. Every church from various Dioceses, under the was that the Election Commission of has the traditional drum to play, and leadership of Rev. K. James Cecil Victor, India works with the Church, particularly men, women and children irrespective of Director of Pastoral Concerns, have the PCI for a fair and free election. age dance, and praise in the presence of participated in the Program, after a brief God. Women wear traditional PUAN to The Youth of Mizoram are the center of orientation at the CSI Synod Secretariat. the church. The discipline in individuals their activities. The Young Mizo Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, the General and community is something to emulate. Association (YMA) is the first to respond Secretary, CSI, briefed about the Another remarkable characteristic of to any crisis and they are vigilant 24/7, importance of this program and Mizoram church is – Giving. They offer voluntarily. The Role of women is highly encouraged the participants to 'walk “tithe” to God, give to the missions and commendable. Women are involved in together' to learn from one another. On for charity. Handful of Rice is unique every sphere of life, such as commerce, our arrival, the representatives of the practice through which the mission is religion, art, dance, culture and family. Synod have received us at the Airport and supported. Since the rice is sold for a Women's presence in the market and in accommodated us at the Synod subsidies price, the poor could easily the business, centers is an evidence for Conference Centre, Aizawl, adjacent to the Mission Veng, known as the Mother Church. The Program started with the meeting with the officers of the PCI Synod where CSI team was extended a formal welcome and explained the entire 10 days program. Mizoram has its own history of its land and people. Mizoram was termed as the 'Excluded Area', by the Act of 1935. With the Indian their contribution. It is said that the avail rice which is their staple food. Lay independence in 1947, it was declared a women organizations are empowered to participation in the ministries and affairs Union territory in 1972 naming the land challenge and restrict those who do of the church is an outstanding feature of as Mizoram and in 1986 it became a extravagant and lavish expenditure in the Presbyterian Church. Ordained federal state of the Indian Union. celebrations particularly in Weddings; ministers have rather limited role to play Obtaining the temporary Inner Line this is done in order to maintain equality in administration. The elders shoulder Permit (ILP) within India was a new among its people. Social and cultural life tremendous responsibility in spiritual experience for us. When we visited quite unique as women and men relate to and administrative matters of the church. Mizoram, the land was preparing for the each other in order and dignity. Women The Important observation was the general elections as the date was are well protected and respected, though absence of local church elections as the declared by the ECI on the eve of our they find limited space in the decision term of an elder is for life time. arrival there. making in the church.

November 2018 25 Our visit to the Missionary Training takes up the responsibility of alleviating The team is greatly indebted to the Centre helped us to understand about poverty and addressing the social evils Bishops, officers of the respective two important aspects. One is imparting and stigma. The members have dioceses and the Officers of the CSI theological training and the other is experienced their spirituality, traditions Synod and the PCI Synod, for providing sending missionaries to other parts of and customs, commitment to serve God us with the opportunity to be part of this India as far as Jharkhand and Utter and people, and their hospitality. Visit to educative and inspiring program. It is our Pradesh and also to the neighboring Aizawl Theological College (ATC), Synod prayer and wish that this exposure visit countries such as Nepal and Myanmar. Printing Press, Presbytery Meetings, and refresher course between CSI and Places such as the Synod Hospital, the Worship services, Community Service PCI Mizoram would continue reaffirming Rescue Home, the Grace Home HOSPICE, Centers, the Raj Bhavan and Deputy the historical connections and traditions. the TNT Centre, and so on draw one's Commissioner's Office have made an The memories of Mizoram will stay with attention to the presence of social and indelible impression about the way in us for a long time to come. health issues of the region. However, the which Mizos organize themselves, work in Rev. Paul Sudhakar church is addressing those issues through unity for the progress of their society. Their Participant- Diocese Of Madras radical engagement. Being a Christian commitment and cooperation were State, the church holds a vital position in appreciated by the Hon. Governor and the Rev. K. James Cecil Victor the administration and development of Deputy Commissioner. Director, Dept. of Pastoral Concerns, the State and at the same time the church CSI Synod

Dept. of Pastoral Concerns, CSI Synod Telugu Region Clergy Conference on worship and Liturgy

“Worship and liturgy are scriptural and times and during New Testament times was celebrating the Bi-Centenary (1818- spiritual,” remarked Rt. Rev. T. George and brought out the essence of worship 2018) of Telugu Bible Translation by Rev. Cornelius, Bishop in Krishna Godavari, at as a complete surrender to God. “It's Augustus Des Granges, the LMS First the inaugural of Telugu Region Clergy saying 'I'm not mine but thine'” said, Missionary to Vizag and Rev. Edward Conference on Worship and Liturgy held Bishop Prasada Rao. Pritchett, LMS Missionary & Bible at LMM CSI Church, Visakhapatnam. The Translator, Rev. John Vikram, the Biblical and Theological understanding conference is jointly organised by the Presbyter of LMM CSI Church narrated of worship and liturgy was led by Dr. Department of Pastoral Concerns and the history of Telugu Bible Translation. Uday Kumar, the Principal of Master's LMM CSI Church, Krishna Godavari The program concluded with closing College of Theology, Visakhapatnam. Diocese on 18-19 October 2018. remarks by Rt. Rev. Vadapalli Prasada “Since Christianity is a responsive movement Recalling the key elements in worship, Rao, the Chair Person of the department towards God, beside recognising God's Bishop encouraged the participants to of Pastoral Concerns and vote of thanks power, worshiping God becomes an take the worship and liturgy seriously by Rev. K. James Cecil Victor who encounter with God. Liturgy is a cultural form and conduct the worship meaningfully. expressed his immense gratitude to the as well as state of mind which reflect our Mrs. T. Joshua Kumari, President, Diocese of Krishna Godavari and understanding of God” was a powerful Women's Fellowship, Krishna Godavari particularly the London Mission Memorial insight by Dr. Uday. Bishop K. R. Singh led Diocese, Mr. G. S. Sudheer, Diocesan CSI Church and its committee members a session on Role of Worship in the Secretary, Rev. V. I. Ratna Raju, Diocesan for making necessary arrangements for mission of God; Rev. B. D. P. Ravindra, Treasurer have shared their greetings the conduct of the program. Secretary of the Dornakal Diocese spoke during the inaugural session. Rt. Rev. Dr. on effective use of language and symbols Rev. K. James Cecil Victor Vadapalli Prasada Rao, the Deputy in worship; and Rev. K. James Cecil Victor, Director, Dept. of Pastoral Concerns, Moderator, CSI, and the Bishop in the Director of Pastoral Concerns, Synod CSI Synod Dornakal, gave the Key Note Address. He presented the Origin and Development narrated the ways in which people have of CSI Liturgy. As the LMM CSI Church worshiped God in the Old Testament

26 November 2018 “Let our lives shine, we will bring glory to the world': Young voices from Bellary

We too are the partakers of Mission of God: Medical Professionals from Mysore 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 Krishna Godhavari Diocesan Youth Convention

MITHRA initiates Skill Enhancement Training Program for Rural Youth

Edited & Published by Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, General Secretary, Church of South India Synod from CSI Centre, No. 5, Whites Road, Chennai - 600 014. Ph: 2852 1566 / 4166 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 28