“Come and See”: An Intercultural Exposure for the Young People

RELIGION AND PUBLIC SPACE- YATRA 2016

Madras Diocesan Youth Rally and the Inauguration of Christa Yuva Jathrothsava

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(Paper presented in the Bishops' Council of the Communion of Churches in India (CCI), held at Shimla from 21st to 24th of May 2016.

Building Peace Communities: Towards an Alternative Church in India – the Role of the Bishops

In the world of human experiences of except in and through the community; ancient experience of living in a hunger and hatred, fear and the threat of the 'Christ-community'. He envisioned community is to share common interests violence, one can also find the life in the God, who has been engaged in an and build security within their habitat. abundance of joy and fulfilment. With a ongoing dialogue with humanity. As we Sustaining in kind of life human or special reference to the Indian open ourselves to one another we also animal even nature become partners and open ourselves to God. Pope John Paul co-sharers of the community life. community, our country stands unique II, in an Inter-Religious Prayer Meeting However, there has been a consistent because of her multi-religio-cultural, at Assisi, gave this normative principle, transition towards a compartmental and linguistic and ethnic realities. The 'what unites is divine; what divides is nucleus life with a sense of insecurity, 'manyness' is not the weakness but is a not.” In this context, I dedicate this living in a sense of bonding and weaving great strength of our nation. The article as a tribute to Dr. M. M. Thomas which would have created responsibility difficulty is that in the name of God, at his birth centenary celebration. for one another and for conviviality and horrendous atrocities have been hospitality for the sake of 'the other'. Our extreme knowledge and wisdom, committed in the history over against The larger interest of community modernity and technology alone will discovering humanness 'of God' or creates a sense of belonging, protection, not save us. We need to humanise identity, security and hence a 'fuller life'. 'Godliness in human'. ourselves. We become more human and The modern India has witnessed of late humane when we find a place in our However, as a result of the narrowing of quite a few visionaries who focussed hearts 'for the other', especially for those a community, the sense of communalism more on the well-being of the humanity. who are from other religious or cultural is heightened, breeding intolerance and Dr. M. M. Thomas was one of those sons traditions or social conditions. Hence, animosity towards the other has been of India who engaged throughout his life the world demands a concrete vision increased. Besides the indifference in discovering the divinity on human where people of all walks of faiths will generated from ethnicity, culture and face, further, in building a 'boarder-less work together to build a culture of peace religion which are the roots of the community': in other words, building and a conflict resolution. problem, the political, economic and human communities across these national conflicts in each of the region Communities within Community: The boarders that pertinently divide us and also intensify the unrest. The migrant Community is characterised by ethnic degrade us from the level of humanity. communities are the added resource for or racial faith or ideology, class and His thesis was that there was no salvation the conflict in a community, as they caste, creates borders and walls. The become the target of violence. 04 July 2016 The culture of peace: an alternative concept but a concrete expectation of a transformation. This effort breaks the community: After a long domination of new social order. Such hoped 'culture' defensive barrier towards transformation the focus on globalisation in the fields of was not static but rather dynamic, it is to true humanity. marketing, management and even not an abstract but a value, based on religion, non-violence became a new reality. The call for a new 'culture' Hostility to Hospitality: Hospitality is spirituality for the building up of an acknowledges that through the process an alternative culture to hostility. alternative community. Between the 8th of globalisation, societies have Religions and ethnicities encourage Assembly of World Council of undergone a dynamic cultural change. either hospitality or hostility. Terrorism, Churches at Harare (1998) and 9th We are confronted today with a violence and destruction are the nature Assembly that was held Porte Allegro multiplicity of overlapping and and results of hostility. Acceptances, (2006) a decade of overcoming violence competing cultures, with an explicit inter-dependence for relatedness are was declared. Violence poses not only struggle for cultural orientation. signs of hospitality. an ethical but also a political challenge 2000 years old pilgrim Church believes in the world, stands as an obstacle for the With the emergence of 'culture' of violence through the media, wars which that peace is the decisive axiom of the building up of a human community. proclamation of the Gospel. The At the launching of decadal have come down to the domestic front, the use of violent means has become Churches' mission has derived the commitment, the Central preaching of Jesus with the content of Committee of the World more and more acceptable mark to establish ethnic social or the message of peace and reconciliation. a national identity to Non-violence has been the regulative gain a social principle of peace to the modern Church recognition. even to the extent to be called as 'peace- Church'. Community and non-violence are leading axioms to live the Christ- values like mutual aid, discipleship, service, love, peace, justice and suffering. In this way, peace and non- violence are the fundamental components of 'being' and 'becoming' of an Indian Church. Church in India does not imitate the model of the European Church as the ethos of the Indian Church springs up from the discipleship of Cross but not on wars and supremacy.

Christ becomes the unshakable pillar of faith that inspires the church to gather Council of Churches (1999) stated: “We In an effort of building up of strength from His resurrection towards will strive together to overcome the community necessitates 'openness', by building such communities that spirit, logic and practice of violence. We which a community is transcended. blossom hope after hope in the will work together to be agents of This effort creates new space for the continued pilgrimage in line to the post- reconciliation and peace with justice in 'other'. In accepting the other, a resurrection message of “Peace”. It is in homes, Churches and Societies as well community is manifesting her humility this context the church as the people of as in the political, social and economic and is prone to be encountered by the God belonging to one family; join in structures at global level. We will other. In the process of this celebrating and rejoicing in Christ the cooperate to build a culture of peace that 'connectedness', a community unmasks encompassing love of God that inspires is based on just and sustainable the concrete reality of a particular us to know that the church is not a communities”. community. While retaining the limited community of Christians alone. identity, one becomes inclusive, towards Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu's colourful We often hear the call for a new 'culture' enlarging the wider community for image of God's family belong to all, a 'culture-of dialogue', a 'culture of life', togetherness. “because in His family all not some are and a 'culture-of silence'. When the insiders, none is an outsider. I, if I be World Christian Body used the tenet of A culture of peace must be rooted in a lifted up, will draw all – black and white, 'culture-of peace' as a life source for the spirituality that affirms life in relation to yellow and brown and red, rich and building up of the community, the the other. This encourages embracing poor, educated and not educated, 'culture' was obviously used not as a and be enriched with a cultural beautiful and not so beautiful, Christian, July 2016 05 Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist, “the Bishop is in the Church and the societies. Therefore, non-violence woman, men, gays, lesbians, and so- Church is in the Bishop”. The Bishop remains a central axiom for 'Peace- called straights, all belong, all are held in brings by his authorization to ministry, Church' ecclesiology, since the a divine embrace that will not let us go – to the anointment of the Holy Spirit, the Churches' engagement in discipleship is all, for God has no enemies and, least of symbol of unity of the people of God. a visible witness and testimony of the all my enemies are not God's enemies.” He has to seek out the people find anticipation of God's Kingdom. This Therefore we, as the Communion of avenues to relate and promote dialogue principle of 'peace-experience' and Churches we must rise to give a credible with them presenting his positions in 'peace-making' agenda alone will keep witness affirming our joy and faith in transference, un-aggressive, cohesive the Church in India alive and become an Christ towards building communities of and diplomatic way. Ideologically instrument for the building up of an hope in a broken and violent world, to Bishops are heralds of the faith as alternative community, the community the glory of God with the promise of authentic teachers, who are endowed of Shalom, the peace and wellbeing. Peace extended by the Resurrected with the authority of Christ. Lord. ______Therefore the Bishop is called to give The changing world demands the more time and attention to the Bibliography Christological (faith articulated in development of leadership, renewal of 1) Enns, Fernando The Peace Church Christ), Ecclesiological (life and witness the congregations that brings new life and the Ecumenical Community: in and through the Church) and and proclamation of the Gospel for the Ecclesiology and the Ethics of Non- Sociological (the translation of the faith expansion of the Kingdom of the God. Violence. Tr. Helmut Harder, Geneva, and life in Christ towards the A Bishop is a person to whom people of WCC, 2007. transformation of the society) functions God can turn as a friend, a counsellor of the church. Bishops are called to and a colleague, not absolute in himself 2) Emmanuel Clapsis, ed., Violence devote themselves to their apostolic but enhanced maturity with a divine and Christian Spirituality: An office as witnesses of Christ to all. They grace because of his spiritual life. It is Ecumenical ConConversation, Geneva, carry out this mandate in the power of not the power and authority but prayer WCC Publication, 2007. the Holy Spirit by teaching, sanctifying and submission. It is not for selfish 3) Mathews George Chunakara, ed., and shepherding the community. It is enrichment but to give selfless love to the Building Peace on Earth: Report of the often misinterpreted that the 'Episcopal people of God bringing dignity and International Ecumenical Peace Charism' is seen in the unique authority integrity to the call of God to bring C o nv o c a t i o n , G e n e v a , WC C that they receive through the ages in Glory and fragrant witness to God and Publications, 2013. governing the church but as 'Charism' is God alone. Bishop as the leader not only seen in the compassionate life of the i n t h e s p iritual sphere but also as a guide 4) Samuel Kobia and others, eds., The good shepherd. Furthermore, a Bishop in society must keep the peace as central Ecumenical Review, Vol.57, No.2, April is not 'living icon' (usually referred by axiom towards building the community. 2005. “Building Communities of Peace: the Eastern Orthodox) but a symbol of a An Asian Contribution”, Geneva, The context of the Church has shifted good shepherd. A Bishop thereby exists WCC. not apart from or above the Church but from the Western ethos (16th century) to within the Church, as Cyprian referred our own pluralistic and secularised 06 July 2016 (Bible Study presented in the Bishops' Council of the Communion of Churches in India (CCI), held at Shimla from 21st to 24th of May 2016.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagaraja, Bishop in Jaffna Diocese, Church of South India

Together Towards Fullness of Life: A Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace

Warm greetings to all of you here captives and recovery of sight to the in considering every problem of justice.” present for the Bishops' Council of the blind, to let the oppressed, to proclaim So from the Oxford gathering in 1937, a Communion of Churches in India the year of the LORD's favor” (Luke 4, paradigm of justice for the ecumenical (CCI). It is a pleasure and an honour to 18-19 - NRSV). This afternoon, I wish movement has been established as its be with you this afternoon to present this to reflect on how the Busan WCC core witness, which endures to today. paper on the overall theme of this assembly in 2013 has interpreted As such it was appropriate that the first gathering, “Together towards Fullness Christ's proclamation of ministry by the General Assembly of the three churches of Life: Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. offer of an invitation to Christians and held at Shantigiri, Aluva held in 2004 Thank you for this invitation to people of good will everywhere to join took to heart that the unity of churches deliberate with you on this meaningful together towards fuller life in a should manifest at the level of people's subject that is of great relevance to the pilgrimage of justice and peace. In struggle and every effort should be made church at large. offering my reflection, I also wish to to make that unity visible. reflect on my own journey as a bishop of We meet under the auspice of the The WCC assembly's statement to the CSI and invite your reflection on what Communion of Churches in India churches affirmed that the pilgrimage of this ecumenical gathering of bishops in (CCI) as the visible organ for common justice and peace is 'grounded in God's India may contribute to the WCC's expression of the life and witness by the own mission for the world and the international program around our founding Churches, the Church of example of Jesus. Following Jesus theme. North India (CNI), the Church of South means meeting him wherever people India (CSI) and the Mar Thoma Syrian Time and again the churches have been suffer injustice, violence and war. To Church (MTC). These churches reminded that their call is a commitment experience God´s presence with the recognise themselves as belonging to the for a common journey/pilgrimage, a most vulnerable, the wounded, and the one Church of Jesus Christ in India, journey that invites us all to testify with marginalised is a transformative even while remaining as autonomous our lives, a journey into God's purpose experience; Alive in the Spirit, churches, each having its own identity of for humanity and all creation. Early in Christians discover their deepest power traditions and organisational structures. the ecumenical movement, Reinhold and energy for the transformation of an Niebuhr put the matter strongly: “It is a unjust world, joining with other faith The CCI, through its various ministries, dangerous theology … which does not communities and all people of good will affirms as the crux of its unity the recognise how dialectically the kingdom as companions on the way'. The WCC ministry of Jesus Christ who came, as he of God is related to the sinful world in has provided many follow-up materials proclaimed at the synagogue of every moment of existence, offering to help the member churches to join the Nazareth, “…to bring good news to the both judgment and a more excellent way pilgrimage of justice and peace. poor, … to proclaim release to the July 2016 07 But I am not aware that the assembly has diocese. So he stood up against the sometimes fear we overlook in our haste offered any special guidance for bishops wrongdoers, was attacked, and his dear to be seen doing works of justice. For about what it may mean for an wife was murdered. The violent attack before we hear God's plan for justice to individual bishop or an ecumenical shattered him, and he was not able to be done in God's name, Isaiah reminds fellowship of bishops to be in ministry continue as bishop in his diocese. The us that we need to be equipped to together towards fuller life in the reality of the world's hostility to God's squarely face the sin and evil of injustice pilgrimage of justice and peace. Today I justice and peace was a life-threatening that turns humankind away from and want to share with you as a bishop on and shattering reality for this bishop, against God's intention for justice. what it may mean for bishops of our three churches in India to take up this theme. Later this year I will mark the tenth anniversary of my consecration as a bishop of CSI. A short period before the announcement about my selection as the candidate for consecration was made I spent a few days with the Bishop of the Krishna-Godavari CSI Diocese in India (the present Moderator). On the last day of my visit we were running late to catch my flight back to Chennai, so we were rushing to reach the airport on time. However, the driver stopped the vehicle at a bridge. The bishop's secretary, who was sitting beside the driver, turned back to speak to me. What he then said forced me to think more deeply about whether I was willing to face the personal cost of suffering that may confront me as bishop. At the time, the Jaffna diocese was caught up in an increasingly bitter struggle to shape its purpose and identity. and one of those closest to him wanted How then may we as bishops be to prepare me for what I was about to 'together' in the face of the world's So what the bishop's secretary said to me face in being consecrated bishop. hostility to our calling to justice and had an immediate impact. 'Sir', he said, peace? What does it mean for us as The order of these events has a striking 'this is the place where our former bishops to be 'together towards fuller life' congruence with the magnificent call bishop and a former moderator of CSI, when there may be forces at work in our and blessing of the prophet Isaiah to an Bishop Ananda Rao Samuel was churches that seek to destroy life with unremittingly lonely, tough prophetic attacked in the early morning while unjust acts of violence? These are heart- vocation in Isaiah chapter six, and the returning from a watch night service breaking questions for us to struggle harsh, painful truth in Isaiah chapter with his wife. The car was stopped and with. I found myself overwhelmed by five that injustice in Israel and Judah has set on fire. His wife died instantly. Not the forceful violence of these questions been masked by the deceptive illusion of long after this tragic incident the bishop when I awoke after days in a coma in the justice within the social reality of God's retired from his position. I don't think intensive care ward of a Colombo people. The claim that Yahweh is he could take in what had been done to hospital in 2011 after a night-time exalted by justice (Isa. 5:16) sits in the his wife. He later took up Christian attempt on my life by a group of middle of Isaiah 5, while all around is an Medical College (CMC) chaplaincy.' unknown assailants on the road from extended exposé of Israel's life Jaffna to Colombo. My brother bishops, The bereaved CSI Bishop had been characterised by injustice. The latter is I have no simple theological phrases or loved by his diocese as a saintly person, unremittingly dark, yet in being named comfortable words to reassure you that but he had a problem with a couple of it is brought out from its dark hiding the reality of sin and evil is not painful, officers in the diocese that had place into the light of God's judgment. terrifying, and overwhelming. It is all of misappropriated funds. The bishop There is a profound truth in this these. And if we are to be on a pilgrimage stood for justice and fairness in the ordering of event in Isaiah that I 08 July 2016 of justice and peace, we will be marked that Jesus' self-giving love unto death is not testimony for scientific minds of the by the wounds of the world's hostility at one with the character of God. As 21st century; it is not about 'evidence' of and suffer the same god-forsakenness Christ's pilgrimage carried him to a resurrected body. The miracle of our Lord suffered on the cross. 'About Jerusalem and a violent death, so our resurrection is God in Christ's forgiveness three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a pilgrimage as bishops will place us on of the disciples' abandonment and loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lemasabachthani?" this same journey. And in our betrayal of him in the trauma of the (which means "My God, my God, why humanity, we may be overwhelmed by cross, (which was a traumatic loss for the have you forsaken me?")' (Matt. 27: 46). our fear, pain and trauma at the world's disciples) and his acceptance of them in death-dealing violence when it enters their failures and weakness. While their We make the grave theological error that the life of our churches. How shall we trauma is terrible to endure, they are not Niebuhr warned against so many years hold true to the journey with justice and terrible people. The resurrected Christ ago if we assume that the reality of peace in the face of our fear, confusion lifts the veil of the disciples' shame from injustice and violence is outside the and frailty? St. Luke ministers to our their eyes. He breaks open their shame church, that injustice is only 'in the need to understand how the church may and self-loathing in breaking bread with world', and if we assume that the embrace the trauma of death in a them. So they 'see' with their hearts. wounds we are to heal and transform are missional pilgrimage of justice and This is what renews their mission of also outside the church. I have an peace in his account of the disciples' forgiveness and opens up for them a unsettling suspicion that this assumption journey to Emmaus after Jesus' death. large horizon of the common good, the has crept into the WCC theme, at least as work of justice and peace. Their hearts it is interpreted on their website. The The Emmaus story is a narrative are renewed in love, and their relationship tenor of many WCC assembly disclosure about how Christ comes to with Christ is restored, put right, and statements implies a dualism where the those who have suffered trauma. But made just. This is fundamental: justice Churches 'together' are to make a why do the disciples not recognise and peace are the embodied character of pilgrimage through the world Christ? This is Luke's affirmation about God, and have their being as a gift of addressing its injustice and violence. the terrible price of war and trauma, that God's self-giving love in Jesus Christ. But Walter Brueggemann cites Mark God may not be visible to us, even when 15: 36 – 39 to help us avoid this error. near. Christ may be still unknown to So God in Christ equips we who are Brueggemann points us straight to Jesus' human seeing and hearing. In the days bishops and Christ's church to be suffering and violent death by and weeks of my recovery from multiple wounded healers. This is the fullness of cr ucifixion, and the star tling wounds suffered during the attempt on life we may share together in the discernment by the Roman guard at the my life, this was also my experience. breaking of bread, in our study of scene, who says, 'Truly this man was a None of what happened made sense. scripture, and in the sharing of our son of God.' How is it that the disciples My memory of what happened was journeys. I am grateful for this who have followed Jesus closely have fragmented, my heart was grief-stricken opportunity to share with you, my abandoned him and still fail to and my thinking was at best confused. brother bishops, something of my understand what God is doing through For Jesus' disciples, the Emmaus journey. And my story would not be Jesus, and this outsider of a soldier journey is Luke's way of measuring the complete if I failed to share with you the knows? 'Jesus authority is known by the devastating impact of trauma on the blessing God has bestowed upon me soldier because of Jesus' self-giving love. participants and witnesses to Christ's from the experience of trauma I was It is his self-giving that tears apart the old violent crucifixion. This is profound: subjected to by forces of violence in our world and makes a new one possible. It Christ is present with the disciples on the world that violated me and my vocation is the embrace of death in a missional journey, but unseen, and unseeable due as a bishop of CSI. Today I testify that way. He does not save himself. It is this to their trauma. Christ is walking beside on the night I was attacked, I was that discloses his real humanity, his his shattered followers by God's protected by an angel in the form of an profound divinity, his utter authority. initiative, even when we are too frail and all-night bus driver whose arrival on the The soldier sees clearly that Jesus weak to recognise his presence with us. scene interrupted the plans of my authority is not marked by his fullness, assailants. I was nurtured by the loving But Christ does not judge the disciples but by his emptiness (cf. Phil. 2: 5 – 6).' care of my wife and daughter. I received for their lack of sight or insight. He medical care from professionally Our pilgrimage as bishops on the path of listens. He teaches. He accepts them. qualified and competent specialists and justice and peace is not to be marked by Christ accepts them as they are: hopeless nurses. I was held by the prayers of my the fullness of our privileged positions as and helpless. And He joins with them in diocese, and international friends, and Jesus' chosen disciples, but by our breaking bread. This is the healing strengthened by the spirits of the saints emptiness as those like the Roman guard grace that allows them to see what had of the church. And finally the Word of who is able to discern the profound truth been hidden. What do they see? This is

July 2016 09 God in scripture spoke to my wounded body and soul, and I knew the saving grace of our saviour and lord, Jesus Christ. In this experience of God's unconditional grace, my vocation as bishop was restored to me and my calling was renewed with new life and a new horizon of hope and imagination. I could say more of this at another time. What is important for our reflection as bishops is to pay attention to how God may form us for the ministry of shepherd of Christ's church. When the sin and evil of the world break your heart and violates your body and mind, Christ's healing presence may be known in the breaking of bread. When your minds are dulled by the burden of unjust powers, Christ draws your attention to God's word in scripture and speaks a word of hope and promise. When your the scriptures provide a very clear- possibility. But the new possibility can human efforts are exhausted and you are headed understanding of injustice from only emerge through Yahweh's word of unable to help yourself, Christ comes as Israel's experience of exodus and exile judgment on the sinful behaviour of the a companion to walk beside you and and the new Israel born of God's religious, commercial and political renew your passion for justice and righteousness in Jesus' crucifixion and elites. Each 'woe' voices Yahweh's peace. The pilgrimage journey together resurrection. The true nature of justice resistance to the self-seeking truth towards the fullness of life is grounded is founded on the character and purpose claims of the power elite amongst in the traditional and time-honoured of God. This is the great claim of Isa. Yahweh's people and protests against spiritual practices and means of God's 5:16: 'But the Lord of hosts is exalted by their shameful betrayal of Yahweh's grace of our faith: prayer, worship, faith justice, and the Holy God shows himself goodness to them. Each 'woe' voices an sharing and pastoral companioning. holy by righteousness. alternative truth about who Yahweh is to that believed by the religious and Isaiah declares that the spiritual power This is fundamentally important. The political elites, breaking open the of God's judgment is the only power that church is given the whole armour of attempt at divine legitimation for their can unmask injustice. And God's God to address the spiritual and hierarchy and their ongoing acts of judgment on injustice in chapter five is material realities of sin and evil, yet too injustice. often we rely on the professional and harshest for the people of God, who secular knowledge of western culture's have abused their calling and turned This is the new work of Yahweh. The Enlightenment thinking to shape our away from God. The political, painful truths declared in the 'woe' understanding of injustice and planning economic and social reality of the life of sayings are that God-given structures our strategies for works of justice and God's people in Israel and Judah are on have been corrupted (vv. 8–10), self- peace. It requires something spontaneous view in this chapter, and the judgment indulgent behaviours feed a culture of and unreachable by human effort and Yahweh announces on those called to be despair and death (vv. 11–15), and thought alone. It requires weakness more God's people strips away the mask of religious piety has created a moral than strength, and we aren't very good at their hypocrisy: 'he expected justice, but vacuum that breeds self-aggrandizement weakness. It requires a very personal saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard and feeds injustice (vv. 18–23). These kind of surrender, and we aren't very a cry!' (v. 7b). painful truths are resonant today in the deep injustices embedded in Indian and good at trusting God. In India and Sri What follows voices Yahweh's lament Sri Lankan society, and in our society's Lanka, the burden of this colonial through a series of 'woe' sayings (5: 8 – belief in the priority of economic and world-view still weighs heavily on our 30) that break open the closed and social progress over justice and peace as struggle to grasp more fully the life that hopeless circumstance of injustice and God's gifts for the fullness of life. And is God's being in justice and peace. Yet exploitation of the poor with a new 10 July 2016 the challenge for us as church leaders is our vocation? How can we nurture make yourself comfortable. Put down to return again and again to God's justice and peace in our hearts from the anything you are holding. Breathe spiritual gifts to the Church for the wounds of our suffering born as a result quietly and come to silence. wisdom and hope we need to address of our faithful, prophetic leadership in Become aware of your responses to my these painful truths which surround us the Church? presentation to you. Recall any moment in our societies and may violate our I have not come to speak with you today that specially touched you. Repeat being as bishops and as Church. with easy answers to what justice means quietly to yourself two or three Community and mission are both about or to give empty promises about how to thoughts, emotions, or convictions that love and emptiness of our own agendas. mount a successful program for peace. I were particularly strong. Allow one to Only those who "forsake all" for the sake have come to ask you to struggle with emerge that holds your attention most of love can reach a city not built with me to understand the questions that may strongly, and hold it quietly. hands. It is the unknown that defines have overwhelmed you as a bishop our existence. We are constantly seeking Now reflect on how that thought, because such questions address you out not just for answers to our questions, but emotion or conviction speaks to you. of the world's violence and the depth of for new questions. We are explorers. What does it say to you? human sin and evil. I have come with But these spiritual disciplines of prayer, my unsettling questions to this Next, listen to what Christ who desires worship, faith sharing and pastoral fellowship of bishops in trust that my for you to be together with others in companioning are also the practices experience and CSI Bishop Samuel's fuller life is saying to you about your where we as bishops may too easily be experience are not unique. I have come pilgrimage in justice and peace. caught up in holding on to our fullness, in this way because I know that I have Finally, how will you respond to Christ's and perpetuating the old order of power experienced a depth of God's intention for your fuller life in a and self-made security. How then may faithfulness in the midst of the most pilgrimage of justice and peace? we take these hard-won truths from my painful violence I have ever endured, Perhaps, you may take a pen and paper encounter with the world's violence and I trust that this grace is available to or an I-pad and write a few notes for about what it means to be emptied us all, as brother bishops, as brothers in yourself. before the throne of grace? How may Christ. we as an ecumenical fellowship of So let me ask you to sit in silence with me for bishops continue to know the justice of a few moments. As we sit in silence, please God that restores us to life and renews

Children of IX and XI Standards, belonging to CSI Churches or Studying in CSI Institutions (Schools and Boarding Homes) are encouraged to register for Peter Cater Scripture Knowledge Exam to be held in January 2017. The Synod level competition is held based on the Scriptures mentioned below. The Exam can be written in English or in Regional Language.

IX Standard: Old Testament: Book of Exodus New Testament: St. John's Gospel Psalms: Ps. 27 (Memorize Complete Chapter) XI Standard: Old Testament: Book of II Samuel New Testament: St. Mark's Gospel Psalms: Ps. 66 (Memorize Complete Chapter) Last Date of Registration: 30th October 2016 Registration Fee: Rs. 25/- per head.

Kindly send the D.D./ Cheque in favour of 'Hon. Treasurer Church of South India, Chennai' to the Director, Department of Pastoral Concerns, CSI Synod, No#5 White's Road, Royapettah, Chennai-14. For further details please contact the Director- 09677018919

July 2016 11 (Bible Study presented in the Bishops' Council of the Communion of Churches in India (CCI), held at Shimla from 21st to 24th of May 2016.

Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas is an ordained minister in the Mar Thoma Church, currently serving as the Vicar of the Primrose Marthoma Church in Bangalore. He has his Doctorate in Communication from the Edinburgh University and a rich experience of teaching or more than a decade at the United Theological College, Bangalore. Unity: Competing Colleagues Becoming Complementing Comrades

Acts 3:1-11 last scenes in which they appear together of him following Jesus. But then Peter The Acts of the Apostles, which had a before this incident is in the last two wanted to know what will happen to the narrow circulation till it became popular chapters of the Gospel of John. What other disciple. The future reward of the with St Chrysostom's homilies in the we see there is startling! co-believer seems to have become an fourth century AD, is also called the obsession for Peter. Jesus appears to Peter and John (assuming that the Acts of the Holy Spirit. It portrays how have responded angrily to Peter by disciple described as the one whom the early church was growing together in asking how a different future or reward Jesus loved is John), on hearing the news the midst of rapid growth and diversity for John should become an issue for him of the empty tomb and the possibility of and also the struggles in its emergence as in following the same Lord. Jesus' body being stolen, started off a unified and unifying church. It together and ran (John 20:4-9). The last chapters of the Gospel of John elaborates the joint mission journeys However, one ran faster than the other thus suggest Peter and John as either while not hiding the differences of and hence reached the tomb first. But he hesitant colleagues or suspicious opinion among the leaders and even the did not enter the tomb. Peter who came competitors! But they had become parting of ways of the missionaries. The running later went straight into the tomb complementing comrades through the selected narrative displays how two without waiting for the other to join experience of the Pentecost (Acts 2). As competing colleagues had become him. The two disciples portray a picture disciples sat together in one place and complementing witnesses in the face of of one outsmarting the other! They prayed together, they were given the human misery and an intimidating were going to the same destination but outpouring of the Holy Spirit which world. This, in turn, invites us to not together. Their body language made them part of a united movement. evaluate our experience of and efforts at does not indicate togetherness or The Holy Spirit transformed them to be church unity at various levels in different accompaniment. They are not on the a community which was characterised parts of the world. same page! by their unity, common resources and 1. UNITY IN WALKING oneness in mind. The second instance where Peter and TOGETHER The narrative portrays how Peter and John appear together is in the last After the experience of the Pentecost, John were going to the temple for prayer chapter of the Gospel of John (John we see Peter and John walking together, and how they brought another one to 21:18-23). Peter was confronted by Jesus standing together and witnessing worship God with them. If we go by the and was re-commissioned. Peter was together (Acts 3-4). This is an example Canonical framework of the bible the willing to accept martyrdom as the cost and invitation to unity.

12 July 2016 Walking together becomes possible only prohibited from entering into the subjectivity and empowerment rather by keeping pace with the other. temple! Moreover, he was more than than the throwing of a pittance to the Walking together is an imagery of forty years old (Acts 4:22). If forty years begging bowl of the beggar. When Jesus togetherness and unity, a caring concern symbolically represent a generation, the sent the disciples on a mission he for the other as a complementing issue of generations of people who are pointedly told them not to carry the partner rather than having the urge to disadvantaged at birth becomes an purse so that they will not start outsmart the other. What do these important and urgent issue for all distributing money to the people nor 'hesitant colleagues who became worshippers. Our response to those who collect from them either! (Luke 10). emboldening partners' walking together are born differently abled and those of The role of money, wealth and financial mean for the United and Uniting different origins in terms of race, concerns in furthering or fracturing churches and for the Communion of ethnicity and caste assumes great church unity needs to be recognised and Churches in India today? significance in this context. dealt with. The united stance of Peter and John is The gaze of the apostles on the lame In addition to sharing their deficiency of not only an invitation for the churches to man is distinct and challenging in silver and gold, the apostles said what be united, but it applies equally to various ways. Firstly, they did not ignore they do have. They had the power of particular churches. If we go by the him. They did not zoom him out from Jesus. They stood and spoke in the name tradition, Peter and John may represent their gaze as irrelevant. Secondly, they of Jesus. This is another challenge for diversity in terms of generation, did not look down upon him as an object ecumenism today. Many a time we tend formation and temperament among the of charity. They looked at him intently. to think that human unity to address disciples of Christ. If they could keep Their gaze was that of care, love and issues of justice and alleviation of pace with one another in walking respect. They considered him as a misery in itself is the end! Should we together, it raises hope for a united subject of interaction. Thirdly, and compromise on the name of Jesus while witness in the midst of the plurality even perhaps more importantly, they asked standing together with someone who within a particular parish or diocese, or him to look at them. Peter and John may not consider it relevant? Should denomination or church itself. But is the looking intently at the man and asked Jesus be the casualty for our intra-church fellowship that glorious him to reciprocate! The apostles stood involvement in care and justice today? What about intergenerational together and willingly subjected to the ministry? For Peter and John, Jesus was conflicts within the churches? How do gaze of the vulnerable minority at the the subject of their conversation! we experience unity at the local margin! They were willing to stand Salvation is not just health or justice congregation? scrutinised for their unity and witness alone! They had a story to share and had even when it was not mandatory. It is something to dispense which money 2. UNITY IN GAZE Peter and John went to the temple for such responses that make the church as could not buy. They were united to stand prayer but they saw a lame man at the a community which raises anticipation and speak in the name of Jesus! and expectation outside the church Beautiful Gate. The apostles were 4. UNITY IN GRIP confronted with the misery of the buildings and mission compounds! Peter and John extended their hand to world. Rather than going into the 3. UNITY IN GAB the lame man and thereby offered temple they stopped and saw him. Their Peter and John told the lame man that themselves and their solidarity. Their gaze fell on him. The unity of the they do not have silver or gold. They grip had transformed him. Their churches is not just for the cause of joint have not started their conversation from fellowship facilitated him to leap up and worship or doctrinal affirmations but a condescending position. Instead, they praise God! Instead of extending their also to address the misery and injustice shared their deficiencies and hands to the begging bowl, they took his that exist and abound in the world. vulnerabilities. Interestingly, both the hand and raised him up. A man who apostles and the lame man had the never could hope anything more than a A lame man was not experiencing the deficiency of the same thing; money! few pittances got not just a limb but the unity in his body. He was disadvantaged The apostles, however, knew what they freedom and right to the hitherto by birth. When an accident of birth don't have (perhaps, also what they don't prohibited sanctum sanctorum! becomes a determining and even want) and also what they have. They discriminatory factor, it is a matter of The lame man is no longer cast out of went about their mission and ministry great urgency to address such issues the temple. He gained the eligibility as a not relying on the power of money and rather than rushing for worship! The sign of the eschatological age when the made it clear to the lame man that he lame man was excluded from worship lame will leap like a deer (Lxx text of Isa should not also base his expectations on and religion by established laws and 35.6). The lame man was unable to gold and silver either. The apostles conventions (Lev 21:17-20, 2 Sam 5:8). serve as a priest as per the existing initiated a vis-à-vis relationship He was allowed to sit outside the temple statutes (Lev. 21.18). The empowering (through the eye to eye contact) of and to receive some pittance but solidarity of the apostles in the name of July 2016 13 Jesus made his full participation strengthening (Acts 3:7; Cf Acts 16:5) witness of the United and Uniting possible in the temple cult. The word indicates the strengthening of faith. Our churches encouraging and emboldening used for perfect health, wholeness, to acts of solidarity should strengthen the others to join them is the challenge of which the man is restored (3.16) may be other in faith too; otherwise, they may ecumenism in the twenty-first century? a cultic word, used to describe remain partially healed. Our church 5. UNITED AND UNIFYING unblemished animals suitable for use in unity should strengthen all participants SOLIDARITY sacrifice (Zech 11.16). He is made in faith. So also, the fellowship or unity eligible to be a priest and a sacrifice! of the two disciples brought in a third The unity in walk, speech and solidarity one to the union. How far is the life and of Peter and John enabled the lame man The word used to suggest his to leap up and praise God. It emboldened his knee and brought unity in his body. In turn, the healed man's clinging to Peter and John emboldened them to speak boldly to a crowd of surprised, suspicious and opposing people. Peter and John along with the healed man stood united as a witness in two ways. Before the adoring and amazed crowd Peter and John did not try to garner glory or to focus attention on themselves as powerful people. Instead, they stood united for the glorification of Jesus. They did not want to be the centre of attraction. At times, unity efforts can also aim at conglomeration for power. It can bring more power to the church leaders, prestige and privileges from the secular and political forces on the basis of the combined strength of the united churches! The apostles preached to glorify God rather than themselves. To the threatening and intimidating opposition, 'the uneducated and ordinary' (Acts 4:13) Peter and John stood their ground countering the coercion with their conviction that they would listen to God and speak rather than being silenced by the opposition. They may have been a minority but their witness was mighty! The boldness of the grassroots ('uneducated and ordinary') level believers will be the touchstone of the united witness for the glory of God. The boldness of the vulnerable minority is our call too! This is the last scene in the Bible we see Peter and John together. They fade from the biblical pages as united and uniting witnesses inviting us to join them in our times.

14 July 2016 COUNCIL FOR WORLD MISSION

COUNCIL FOR WORLD MISSION ASSEMBLY – 2016 17 to 24 June 2016. JEJU ISLAND. SOUTH KOREA.

he 5th Assembly of 32 member communities around the globe such as Assembly began with a grand opening churches of COUNCIL FOR World Communion of Reformed worship followed by public reception TWORLD MISSION was held Churches, CEVAA, UEM, WACC, to the delegates and invitees by the on Jeju Island, South Korea from 17 to CANACOM and partners from the hosts, the Presbyterian Church in 24 June 2016 at Lotte Hotels and resorts. context of South Korea had joined in Korea. This was followed by theme The Moderator, the Very Rev. Pamela this assembly and celebrations. p r e s e n t a t i o n s , s u b - t h e m e presentations, regional meetings, Tankersley presided over the Assembly Prior to this Assembly, pre assembly working group meetings, stories from proceedings. The Rev. Dr Collin I. orientation programs were conducted the regions, greetings from leaders of Cowan, General Secretary, CWM for all the regions at different places various ecumenical bodies, Korean conducted the business sessions. The from January to May 2016. The 32- cultural night, inter-cultural night, Presbyterian Church of Korea under the member youth delegation had their pre elections, adoption of statement from leadership of the Rev. Dr Young Nam assembly meetings from 14 to 17 June Youth Assembly, adoption of Chai, the Moderator PCK, had hosted 2016 at Jeju Island. the Assembly. Assembly statement, daily morning Assembly Program: and evening worship and installation The theme of the 5th Assembly was of the newly elected officers and the “Healing: Hope in action.” The The Assembly program included Directors. quadrennial Assembly was attended by Immersion – Orientation, visit to a 129 delegates from six regions U.S. Naval base as a mark of solidarity The Rev. Dr Collin I. Cowan, the consisting of 32 member churches. with those who are protesting for peace General Secretary of CWM delivered Besides the 129 delegates from 40 and justice, worship in local churches his address which was provocative and countries, leaders from the Ecumenical and fellowship get-togethers. The propelled the CWM into the future with July 2016 15 specific strategies. at UTS, Philippines and Rev. Philip The CSI delegation, which was led by Vinod Peacock Assoc. Professor of the General Secretary of CSI, the Rev. Theme and Sub Theme Presentations: Theology, Ethics and Social Analysis, Dr D.R. Sadananda, included Mr. H. Rev. Dr Heidi Hadsell, the President of Bishop's college, Kolkata conducted Arthur Sadhanandham, Dr. Elizabeth Hartford Seminary and Professor of soul-stirring Bible studies on the themes John Zachariah and Mr. Moses Dayan Social Ethics presented the Keynote 'Healing the broken body: Hoping for Kodali. address on “Healing: Hope in action”. renewal', 'Healing Relationships: The Rev. Dr. D.R. Sadananda chaired Hoping for a new Spirituality' and Rev Dr. Vuyani Vellam, Assoc. the session of the Rev Dr. Vuyani 'Healing towards Future: Hope for Professor and the Director of the Centre Vellam, a sub theme presentation. Mr. Tomorrow' respectively. for Public Theology, University of H. Arthur Sadhanandham presented Pretoria, Rev Dr. Mitri Raheb, an Elections: (2016 to 2020) stories from the Church of South India. internationally acclaimed author and The participation and contribution of The Rev. Dr. D. C. Haia Darnei from the speaker, Rev Dr. Grace Ji Sun Kim our delegation in the post presentation Presbyterian Church in India was Assoc. Professor, Earlam School of discussion was very noteworthy. elected as the Moderator and Mr. John Religion, USA presented on the sub George Ellis was elected as the The Assembly in the end adopted the themes 'Healing the broken body: Treasurer. 12 Board of Directors were Statement from Youth Assembly and Hoping for renewal', 'Healing elected and Dr. Elizabeth John adopted the Assembly Statement. The Relationships: Hoping for a new Zachariah (CSI) is one of the Directors Presbyterian Church in Korea, the staff Spirituality' and 'Healing towards elected from South Asia region. The members of CWM office had made F u t u r e : H o p e f o r To m o r r ow ' newly elected officers and the Directors wonderful arrangements for the entire respectively. were installed in the evening of the last program. The stay and the food were Bible Studies: day. exceptional and delicious. Dr. Jennifer S. Leath, Asst. Professor of The General Secretary CSI will Religion and Social Justice, Colorado, represent the Church of South India in H. Arthur Sadhanandham. Dr. Revelation Velunta Asso. Professor the Annual General Meeting of the Member, Assembly CWM - 2016 of New Testament and Cultural Studies CWM.

ev. D. C. Haia Darnei has been elected as the new Moderator of Council for World Mission (CWM). Rev. Haia hails from the RPresbyterian Church in India. He is the first Moderator of CWM elected from the South Asia region.

r. Mrs. Elizabeth John Zachariah has been elected as the Director of CWM and Trustee CWM (UK). Dr. Elizabeth hails from the Kollam- DKottarakara Diocese and is the Medical Superintendent of the CSI Boys Brigade Mission Hospital in Kundara (Kollam, Kerala) and is also an Executive Committee Member of the Church of South India Synod.

16 July 2016 COUNCIL FOR WORLD MISSION

Council for World Mission – Youth Pre Assembly 2016 A Trip to Jeju – The Peace Island

A pre Assembly youth gathering was youth delegations led the devotion. It paintings reflecting the theme, the arranged by the Council for World started with a Bhajan“Yeshu Masih Music and Drama Group performed a Mission on 14th June 2016. Youth Tere Jaisahai koi nahin” and Bible phenomenal skit reflecting the theme representatives from every region and reading in Telugu. Every day there were and they came out with the song member churches of the CWM were many interactive sessions and invited. The CWM Assembly theme this captivating programs to build and Healing is God's gift of life year was“Healing: Hope in Action”. nurture relationships. The days ended Hope in action with one The central focus of the theme is to with closing devotion. The first day was heart and one beat create awareness of how broken this very influential and made delegates to I am suffering, world is and how healing plays a vital share ideas with each other to fulfil the because creation is crying role in this broken world. This pre purpose of the program. Caribbean; Pasifika assembly came with the motto to enable South Asia; East Asia youth to represent, participate, The following two days focused on communicate and enable decision embedding the theme into the minds of Europe Region; Africa making. Youth, as a great means of the delegates and to extract the Is calling the power of God communication can take this theme into reflection from the youth delegates. The Lead us to do, justice and peace their society and their churches to program facilitated the youth to reflect And walk humbly with our God advocate healing in this shattered world. in their own ways. Writing, Art, Drama and Singing Groups were formed. The The program was for three days from writing group provided a Statement on Responding to the Theme 15thto 17th June in Jeju, South Korea. the theme Healing: Hope in Action Several presentations were made to Each day, the program started with a which was forwarded to the main make the delegates aware of how daily devotion region wise. On 15th Assembly followed by the pre assembly. broken this world is and help them to June, the South Asian and East Asian The Art group performed sketches and understand Empire in the context of

July 2016 17 mission. There is empire in every walk supremacy, human trafficking, mass creation to make world a utopia. My of our life where a person or an institute suicide, famine reflection on this is that the world needs wants to take over of the weak and form ~ Africa: Food scarcity, nature holistic healing, every person deprived an Empire, to snatch every single imbalance of his social needs to be assured of them opportunity from the marginalized and ~ Europe: Racial discrimination so that he does not turn treacherous to oppressed and to turn that into an asset. ~Pacific and Caribbean: Environmental the creation. The gospel in recent times Empire always targets the weak. There imbalance, droughts and famine has turned into the gospel of is a reality and spirit of domination in consumerism, prosperity gospel where this Empire, exploiting the creation, Pre-assembly statement – a gist we do not worship God because he is breaking the kingdom values of God. I had the privilege to contribute to the God, but rather we worship him because Lacking compassionate justice, Pre-assembly statement where every he is a God of abundance. All these forsaking peace and obliterating the person contributed from his/her own factors play a vital role in harming equality, the Empire tends to grow rich context of understanding the theme. creation and humans shoulder the and powerful, making the world a The Statement spoke about Equality, responsibility of this creation of God; gloomy place to live. The entire creation Stewardship, Church growth and dominion is not to destroy God's of God in which humans are a part is Evangelism. It concluded with a creation, but protect it as a divine gift devastated by this Empire. So there is a statement that hope is like an umbrella and to safeguard it. If every person feels need for healing, holistic healing. protecting all regions and churches from responsible and takes the stewardship in all social contentiousness. We should aiding each other and also the Healing: Hope in action help making this umbrella big, bigger environment, we can make this world a I Corinthians 12:26 says “if one member the umbrella, bigger the protection. We suffers, all suffer together with it; if one better place to live. All should be aware should all be under this umbrella who is of the Empire in every stream of our member is honoured, all rejoice together Jesus himself. with it.” This verse speaks how Bible is lives. It is true that the Empire makes us sensitive towards healing. Different Conclusion – My reflection blind to the reality of the poor lying in world contexts were placed before all There are parallel contexts in every front of us. There is an Empire in the the youth delegates to respond. They region that enable us to relate to our own Church that weakens its growth and constituted of the following: context. The centrality is to find out how needs to be dismantled. much human race is contributing to I was privileged to be the CSI ~ South Asian Region: Displacement, deteriorate the good plan of God by representative at this important Youth suppression of humanity, poverty, wrecking the environment and making Assembly. religious extremism this world fragmented. The world ~ South Asian Region: Displacement, turned from Utopia to Gehenna Moses Dayan Kodali suppression of humanity, poverty, (ordeal). Here comes healing, comfort, Krishna Godavari Diocese religious extremism soothing for the flawed world - there is ~East Asian Region: Militarization, hope in healing. A holistic healing for

ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS DEPARTMENT

Earth Bible Sermons 3 released Rev. Dr. Daniel Rathnakara Sadananda, hermeneutical approach that the Earth t h e o l o g i c a l d i s c u s s i o n s t o General Secretary of CSI Synod, released Bible project offered to read the Bible congregational pulpits of the villages”. the third volume of Earth Bible Sermons from earth's perspective. They are: The Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen presided edited by Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackad Principle of Intrinsic Worth; the Principle over the function. Dr. Mathew Koshy during the public function held in of Interconnectedness; the Principle of Punnackad, Hon. Director of Ecological connection with the World Envrironment Voice; the Principle of Purpose; the Concerns of CSI Synod thanked the Day celebration on 5th June 2016 at CSI Principle of Mutual Custodianship; the gathering. Synod Centre, C h e n n a i . Rev. Principle of Resistance; the Principle of Rathnakara Sadananda said: “The Incarnation; and the Principle of Promise. Earth Bible Sermons follow the well- By doing so, the Earth Bible Sermons Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu Hon. Director,Department of conceptualised and articulated serve the purpose of bringing global Ecological Concerns,CSI Synod.

18 July 2016 CSI-SEVA

“Let us talk Peace” Inauguration of Peace Centre in Mandapasalai, Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad

At a time when the media, both print the Church and her partners to be Chennai and Tailoring Training section and visual media, sensationalizes the promoters of the Partners in Peace with by Advocate C. Fernandas Rathinaraja , news of conflict everywhere fanning Justice Program, to train partners in Lay Secretary of the Diocese. Rev. D. further divisions among groups, Peace with Justice concept, context, Devairakkam, Diocesan Treasurer communities and peoples the CSI methodologies and formulating opened the office Block of the Peace Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad seeks to programs that sustain Peace with Centre. cultivate a culture of peace amidst the Justice, and to offer programs Leaders of different communities in people. Backed by an experience of appropriate to the context in which Mandapasalai attended the public having worked on communal harmony interested persons from all communities meeting that followed the dedication of in Mudukulatur area, the Diocese has learn to train/ work together as citizens the Peace Centre along with members of embarked on an all-important and of one country. The inauguration of the t h e l o c a l c o n g r e g a t i o n a n d unique initiative of Peace – this time programme was held on 24th June 2016 representatives from the neighbouring locating it in Mandapasalai, exactly at in Mandapasalai. pastorates. Women, youth and children the border of the ever sensitive The program will function from the participated in good number. Rev. A. Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram Peace Centre that is located in the David Jebaraj, Clergy Secretary offered districts. The program will ultimately Bungalow in Mandapasali that was an opening prayer. Rev. D. Jayasingh cover 60 villages in the areas served by renovated by the Diocese with their own Prince Prabhakaran, Director of the the 8 pastorates in Mandapasalai and its funds. The Peace Centre was Department of Social & Dalit Concerns neighborhood, all within a radius of 25 inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. M. welcomed the gathering. Rev. Asir kilometers. Joseph, Bishop of the Madurai-Ramnad Ebenezer, Director, CSI SEVA The program will seek to understand the Diocese. The Computer Training explained about the proposed activities context of conflict and Peace in the area section was opened by Rev. Asir of the Peace Centre. Rev. V. Jacob, of operation, to explore the potential of Ebenezer, Director of CSI – SEVA, Registrar of the Diocese read a portion

July 2016 19 from the Bible portion. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. co-existence. violence and terror planted and Joseph delivered the inaugural address 2. Training in self-employment constructed by external forces emphasizing the need of the hour for and income-generation skills with vested interests. people of all communities to work appropriate to the area as 2. Networks of Partners in Peace together in peace and harmony. Rev. identified. with Justice in which the value Jothinayagam , Council Chairman 3. Organizing special programs and responsibility will sustain conveyed the vote of thanks. This on Talking Peace with Justice through time. inaugural function concluded with in different locations of the prayer by Rev. Edwin Yesuraj, Deputy program area to promote a 3. Young Ambassadors who will Chairman of the Diocese and the culture of Peace with Justice be ready to serve in the services benediction by the Bishop. Rev. Stalin and counter a culture of at different cadres in different Prabhakar, local presbyter and the conflict, violence and terror parts of the country and person currently in-charge of the Peace that with which the mind is pre- beyond Centre made the arrangements for occupied. setting up the Centre and for the 4. Set up a full-fledged Regional inauguration of the same. Peace Centre with the support Rev. D. Jayasingh Prince Prabhakarn, of CSI SEVA, India Peace Director, Department of Social and Planned activities: Centre, the Henry Martin Dalit Concerns 1. Capacity building of Partners Institute and others. in Peace and Justice on conflict M. Augustine Ponraj analysis, orientations on Expected outcome: Projects coordinator different peace building tools, 1. An increased consciousness on and orienting on long-term the need to focus on Peace with CSI Madurai- Ramnadu Diocese planning for sustained peaceful Justice rather than on conflict,

20 July 2016 CSI-SEVA / DEPT. OF COMMUNICATION

Communicating Social Justice

A synod- level workshop on “Communicating of emancipation to achieve social justice. and Madhya Kerala Diocese presented Social Justice” organized by CSI- SEVA the communication activities of their Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director of the and facilitated by the Communication respective dioceses using powerpoint Department of Communication, CSI Synod, department of the Church of South presentations and videos. gave detailed description about the design of India (CSI) Synod at the CSI Synod the rest of the programme of the On the culmination day, the delegates from Centre in Chennai started off on the workshop, which will be focussed on the the dioceses of Madras, Madurai- 15th of June 2016. strengthening of communication between Ramnad, Malabar, Medak, Nandyal, The workshop started with the inaugural the synod communication department South Kerala, Trichy- Tanjore, worship led by Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Prasada and the communications systems in the Thoothukudi- Nazareth and Vellore Rao (Chairperson, Communication dioceses. presented the details about the Dept. & Bishop in Dornakal Diocese). communication activities of their Rev. James Cecil Victor, Director, respective dioceses using power point The inaugural function was enriched Pastoral Aid Department, CSI Synod, presentations and videos. by the presence of Most Rev. Dr. took the session on “Christian Dyvasirvadam, the Moderator of CSI, Communication: New Trends, pitfalls Rev. Sunil Raj Philip led a session on Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Prasada Rao, Chairperson, and potentials” in the evening, which layout (print and web media). The Communication Dept of the Synod, and generated effective discussions. The day's delegates in six teams redesigned Adv. Robert Bruce, the Hon. Treasurer of programme was over by 6.30 pm. newspapers as part of working on lay- the CSI Synod. out of print media. The second day of the Communication In the inaugural speech the Moderator workshop on social justice was vibrant The delegates involved in the group e x p r e s s e d t h a t t h e p r o p e r with the classes by Mr. Ashvin Dhyriam discussion in which they discussed the communication between the synod and (Good News Television, Chennai) on possibilities and procedures for the dioceses will help the church in "New forms of Communication and its strengthening the communication spreading the gospel in a more effective effective use in the Church: a critical between the Synod communication way. Adv. Robert Bruce urged the appraisal", department and the dioceses, which will delegates to be the messengers of the eventually help the process of Rev. Dr. Alfred Stephen (Professor, good work done by church in the social communicating social justice. They also Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, and spiritual fields in India. discussed the ways in which CSI HIV Madurai) on "Homiletics in the 21st policy could be disseminated effectively. Rev. Asir Ebenezer, the Director of the century from a communication The findings were presented in the CSI SEVA, led the session on perspective", and Mr. Sherry Roy plenary session. “Mainstreaming HIV- AIDS Policy: (Associate Director in Telugu film Dissemination of CSI HIV-AIDS Policy”. industry, Hyderabad) on "Cinema/films Mr. Madhukar gave the concluding He was assisted by Mr. Prem Madhukar, as an effective means of Christian speech. The workshop came to a close the coordinator of CSI SEVA in Communication: the fading stigma". with prayer and benediction. organizing the group discussions in the Delegates from the Dioceses of Cochin, workshop. He highlighted the foci of the Coimbatore, Dornakal, East Kerala, CSI Policy HIV- AIDS: stigma and Rev. Sunil Raj Philip Kanyakumari, Karnataka Northern, discrimination, gender equality, human Director, Dept. of Communication, Karnataka Southern, Krishna- Godavari sexuality and homophobia as possible areas CSI Synod.

DISCLAIMER Any Views expressed in the CSI Life belong to their respective authors and are not necessarily those of the CSI Life. The authors will be solely responsible for their views and ideas.

July 2016 21 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Training for Children's Ministry Children's Ministry'. The perpetuate Eco-Spirituality to our workshop was attended by Children. CSI, the winner of UNDP the Christian Education prize winner for her Eco-Initiatives, will Directors and VBS Directors be the first church to incorporate Eco- of all the Dioceses. Bishop themes into the VBS Material. Besides, Prasada Rao, the Bishop in 'Wings of Faith' the Sunday School Rayalaseema and Chairperson Curriculum too was evaluated and of C.Ed Department, Synod considered for revision. The General and Rev. K. James Cecil Secretary of CSI, Rev. Dr. Daniel Victor, Director of the Rathnakara Sadananda inspired the Department of Pastoral participants to inculcate the questioning A workshop was held in the CSI Centre Concerns, CSI Synod, organised the capacity in children so that they discover from 27- 28 June 2016 by the Christian workshop. The participants shared their answers to their questions and at the Education Department (Pastoral experiences of producing VBS material same time grow spiritually. The Concerns) of CSI on 'Taining for in their respective Dioceses and Regions Diocesan representatives shared about after which they the Children's Ministry Programmes in have worked out their respective Dioceses. This gave an the Common opportunity for other Dioceses to get new Theme and Sub- ideas and inspiration from one another. Themes for VBS 2017 for CSI. 'Precious Creation' Rev. K. James Cecil Victor is the theme for Director, Pastoral Concerns, 2017 VBS and the CSI Synod. objective is to

22 July 2016 ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS DEPARTMENT

World Environment Day Celebrations of CSI Synod 2016

The there- day celebrations of World farmers lost their crops and many were December. Each Diocese should plant Environment Day 2016 of CSI were compelled to commit suicide. Diversion at least 10,000 saplings. held from 3rd to 5th June 2016 at CSI of Pennar river in AP resulted in water The Director of Ecological Concerns Synod Centre, Chennai. It was scarcity in other areas. Water is God's assured the gathering that the organised jointly by the Departments of gift to all creatures. Hence it is nobody's Department of Ecological concerns will Ecology, Youth and SEVA of CSI monopoly. Water from Mullaperiyar monitor the implementation of the Synod and took innovative and unique Dam in Kerala is God's gift to the people projects and will extend maximum help decisions to implement the following of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Hence any for the implementation. projects in their Dioceses. 120 members effort to tackle the issue amicably will be participated and agreed to monitor or highly appreciated. The Church of The Most Rev. Dr. G. Dyvasirvadam, implement the decisions taken during South India strongly supports the Moderator of CSI, inaugurated the the three day WED Celebrations. proposal of Kerala Chief Minister to three days workshop on 3rd June at CSI settle the issue amicably. The CSI synod Synod Centre. The Rt. Rev. Thomas K. 1. CSI Synod in collaboration with requests all the dioceses to start as many Oommen, Deputy Moderator of CSI, Centre for Science and Environment rain water harvesting units as possible in and Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, General (CSE), a public interest research and their area. Secretary of CSI graced the function advocacy organization located in New with their esteemed presence. Mr. C. R. Delhi, will help the Schools in 23 3. The CSI objects to any move to Neelakantan delivered the keynote Dioceses scattered over five states in obstruct the flow of water, river water address. Ms. Ranjitha Menon and Mr. South India to become Green Schools . diversion, inundation of forest lands Malcome presented the Green School The aim for 2016-2017 is 1000 schools. and the displacement of Adivasis in the Projects. On the second day, Rev. Asir The Green School programme moves name of development by constructing Ebenezer and Rev. J. Solomon Paul gave beyond theories and concentrates solely dams. Rivers are the dynamic face of leadership for the workshop. Rev. Sunil on action. It is an environmental landscape, God’s gift to the World, Raj Philip, director, Department of education programme directed to nourishing life in abundance, like the Communication, offered felicitations. sensitising students to the environment veins of the human body. Hence the On the third day, Environmental Day through thought-provoking activities. It Church of South India strongly worship with Holy Communion service will improve the educational standard condemns any move from any sector to was conducted. Bishop Thomas K of the School. Study and teaching will construct a dam in Athirappally in Oommen was the preacher and become interesting. The academic Kerala. River is an organism and its Celebrant. Bishop Thomas K. Oommen results of the Schools will also improve. rights can never be ignored. presided over the Public meeting held In a way it will improve the quality and after the Service. Mr. Chandra Bhushan, standard of the School. 4. The CSI requests all the Dioceses to Deputy Director of CSE delivered the implement Waste Mangement WED message. Rev. Dr. D. R. Sadananda, 2. As Water scarcity is a serious problem programmes in their Dioceses. Rev. Asir Ebeneser, Rev. J. Solomon Paul in all the states, we request the state and Dr. Mathew Koshy addressed the governments to take up rain water 5. The CSI requests all the Dioceses to gathering. harvesting seriously with immediate promote renewable energy in the effect. People in many places of institutions of the Diocese. Prof. Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka Hon.Director, and Tamilnadu are craving for water. 6. The CSI requests each diocese to Department of Ecological Concerns, Due to the scarcity of water many plant as many saplings before CSI Synod.

Mission Exposure to Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Department of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Synod, is organizing a Cross Cultural Mission Exposure to Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 1st- 10th October 2016. Candidates who are interested may apply. Last date for receiving applications along with the endorsement of concerned Bishops is 5th August 2016.

For detail contacts: Rev. S. Christopher Vijayan, Director, Dept. of Mission and Evangelism, CSI Centre, No. 5 Whites Road, P. O. Box No. 688, Roypettah, Chennai- 600 014, India. Contact no.: +91 44 2852 2566 (off), +91 94434 47011 (mob) Email ID: [email protected]

July 2016 23 CSI-SEVA

“Living in unsafe world, filled with violence” say children

“We are to be protected in all places as CSI Child Protection Policy held on and role of Church in the promotion every space in this world is turning out 10th June 2016 at Asirvad Centre, CSI and protection of child rights. These to be very unsafe and filled with violence Ramakrishnapur Pastorate Medak inputs will form the bases for the today.” Diocese and 19th June 2016 at SCMI proposed CSI Child protection Policy. House, Bangalore, Karnataka Central Rev. James Cecil Victor, Director, CSI “We are not safe in our neighbourhood Diocese respectively. Children of Coal Pastoral Concerns and Rev. Solomon as there are anti-social activities like Mine workers par ticipated in Paul, Director, CSI Youth Department incidences of drug and alcohol Ramakrishnapur consultation and facilitated the Ramakrishnapur and addiction in our surroundings.” children from a home run by Karnataka Bangalore consultations respectively. Central Diocese for the children who Mrs. Aruna Stephen and Ms. Anisha “We are made to sit in different places in were once involved in rag picking on the shared sessions on Child Abuse and our Sunday school.” streets participated in Bangalore Child Rights. consultation. “We are made to cook our own food sometimes.” Through these workshops we listened to Mr. Daniel Solomon Raja the children's knowledge and perception Co-ordinator, Children made the above observations of child rights, their understanding and CSI Girl Child Campaign. during the two one-day consultations on context of child abuse and the relevance

YOUTH DEPARTMENT

Madras Diocesan Youth Rally and the Inauguration of Christa Yuva Jathrothsava

To the Glory of God the Youth Rally invited the youngsters on behalf of the liberating and uniting ministry. 2016 of Madras Diocese was held at officers of the synod and the Youth LITE Auditorium from 10th – 12th June department to come and participate in The Synod Youth Director, Rev. 2016. Almost 1500 young girls and boys large numbers during the finale of the Solomon Paul, shared the word of God participated in this rally. The theme of festival this October in Madhya Kerala in the communion service conducted by the rally was “JESUS CHRIST: FREES Diocese. Rev. Magimainath Vinoth, Rev. David AND UNITES” (Eph 2:13.14). The Rt. Dinakaran, Rev. Anbazhagan and Rev. Rev. George Stephen, Bishop in Madras Our Bishop gave leadership to this youth Devasahayam. Mrs. Sara Karunakaran Diocese along with Rt. Rev. G. rally by interacting with the young invited the youth to see the Bible in a Christdoss, Bishop in Tirunelveli people on both the days. He challenged social perspective to serve the needy and Diocese, our Bishopamma, Diocesan the youngsters to become vision change our life style. Mr. Isaac Joe Secretary and Rev. J. Solomon Paul, oriented in life and to take up their faith challenged the youth to live like Jesus. Synod Youth Director lighted the and career seriously. Bible studies were Rev. C. Anand Antony (Director, Youth “Kuthuvillakku”, and inaugurated the conducted by Rev. Paul and Rev. Dr. Board, Madras Diocese) gave vote of great event. N.G. Mathew and Rev. Dr. John thanks. The closing prayer and One more highlight of this youth Rally Jayaharan from from the Tamilnadu benediction were pronounced by the was the Inauguration of Christa Yuva Theological Seminary delivered both Diocesan Vice President Rev. G. Paul Jathrothsava (A Christian Youth the theme addresses. Rev. Victor Dayanandan. Pilgrimage and Celebration). The Rt. Manoah, the senior pastor of our Rev. George Stephen inaugurated, Diocese nurtured our youngster to Rev. J Solomon Paul blessed and released the posters, bible receive God's power through prayer and Director, Youth Department, marks and stickers of the festival and to participate in Jesus' ministry of CSI Synod. 24 July 2016 CSI- SEVA

Local Capacities for Peace - Orientation to Young Pastors and Youth Krishna-Godavari Diocese, Vijayawada 21st and 22nd June 2016

The two day LCP orientation was Peace, the Network and its partners, the intervention does not trigger or inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. G. following which the participants were intensify the conflict. The participants Dyvasirvadam, Moderator, CSI and clubbed into groups to discuss, analyse used dramatic enactments to portray Bishop in Krishna Godavari Diocese. and present a case of conflict situation . ethical standards and values to be The Moderator addressed the Participants were able to relate to the maintained while executing the participants on what Peace and Conflict case and discuss on elements that intervention-activities. Participants mean, the Interaction between Peace were very much receptive and were able and Conflict, and how to approach to relate the learning to their Conflict with sensitive insights. 25 interpersonal lives. Young Pastors and youth from various congregations of Krishna Godavari The closing session was attended by Rev. Diocese participated in the workshop. Dr. Ramani Dyvasirvadam, President, Diocesan Office bearers and Project CSI Women's Fellowship. In her staff also participated in the inaugural address, she brought out many examples session. Rev. Asir Ebenezer, Director from Bible where conflicts were resolved CSI-SEVA) brought greetings and also through peaceful and harmonious and briefed on the Social-Action measures. She called upon the oriented programmes of CSI SEVA. Connect and Divide people in their own participants to be Peace volunteers by local situations, which were presented using flip-charts.

The second day of training session focussed on planning strategic interventions using the Do No Harm

The Workshop was facilitated and equipping themselves as agents of social organised by Mr. K. Prem Madhuker, transformation. This orientation Coordinator, CSI SEVA, Rev. Mani workshop is expected to help the Pastors Paul and Mr. Prince David, CSI SEVA. and the Youth to understand, analyse The facilitators oriented the participants and assertively handle conflict through series of sessions to understand situations in their own local situations and analyse sources of tension and of life both in the Church and Society. peace in their own contextual situations. Framework. By doing so the participants understood the concept of Implicit Ethical Message, and unpack Mr. Prince David The participants were given a brief CSI-SEVA introduction to Local Capacities for the intervention-activities to ensure that

CSI Life Advertisement Tariff CSI Life Subscription Rates Back Cover outside - Colour Rs. 8,500/- India - 1 Year Rs. 150/- Back Cover inside - Colour Rs. 7,000/- India - Life Time Rs. 3,000/-

Front Cover inside - Colour Rs. 7,000/- U.S.A. $. 30.00 Black & White Rs. 5,000/- U.K. £. 25.00

Black & White - Half Page Rs. 3,000/- Australia $. 35.00 July 2016 25 In Connection with the 70th Formation Day of CSI, the Department of Pastoral Concerns is planning to bring out a Multilingual Songs CD written and composed by the Pastors of CSI. One Theme Song in English and Four songs in each regional language (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam) will be selected for the CD. Selection of the Songs, Singers, Music and PASTORS, Production will be decided by the Department of Pastoral Concerns.

Unleash Last Date to receive the Composed Songs with Your Talents! Translation into English in a CD is 5th August 2016.

For further details, please contact Rev. K. James Cecil Victor, the Director, Pastoral Concerns, CSI Synod (Mob. +91-9677018919, E-mail: [email protected]).

OBITUARY Rev. Dr. K. C. Abraham Passes Away

With deep sorrow, we announce the demise of Rev. Dr. K. C. Abraham, a renowned Third World theologian, and an eminent ecumenical leader. He breathed his last on 12.6.2016 in Bangalore, where he had been staying and serving for the last several decades. His tenure at the United Theological College, Bangalore, as the professor of Theology and Ethics, will be fondly remembered by his students.

Dr. K. C. Abraham was a tall ecumenical leader from India, who presented his valuable insights in several international theological forums. He held several important responsibilities such as the founder of the 'Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, the Director of the South Asia Theological Research Institute, and the Director of the Ecumenical Christian Centre in Bangalore. Being an author and editor of several books, his influence in the field of theology was far- reaching. He was an ordained minister from the Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India and was considered as a humble and dedicated pastor. He was certainly an eminent scholar, a great leader, and above all a loving human being. He is survived by his wife Dr. Molly Abraham, son Dr. Ajith (California University) and daughter Ms. Liza.

Most Rev Dr. Dyvasirvadam, the Moderator of CSI, Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, the Deputy Moderator, Rev. Dr. Rathnakara Sadananda, the General Secretary, and Adv. Robert Bruce, the Treasurer of the CSI Synod, express their condolences to the bereaved family.

26 July 2016 YOUTH DEPARTMENT

RELIGION AND PUBLIC SPACE- YATRA 2016

A religious pluralistic interfaith Constructing community: The way to important. Christian obligation is not dialogue program called, 'Youth in Asia live together in a pluralist world is to only to pay attention to the word but Training for Religious Amity' (YATRA) learn to live together as a community. A also applying in our day to day life. with the theme “RELIGION AND human group has to realize and accept (Women in the society and LGBT PUBLIC SPACE, jointly organized by that it is destined to live together and the issues) the Jakarta Theological Seminary, people in the group must realize their R e c o n c i l i a t i o n a n d c o n f l i c t Communion of Churches in Indonesia mutual interdependence, both as a fact resolution: As corporate life is and the World Council of Churches, and as a challenge and the group has to inevitable to human life in this world, was held from 28th May to 11th June recognize and accept internal differences many religious thinkers have asserted 2016 in Jakarta. Youngsters from 14 of every kind at all levels, including their that religion has done great damage to different Asian countries participated right to be different. Differences should such an essential characteristic of and various Christian confessional lead to dialogue and collaboration humanity. The proper attitude to our traditions demand from each one of us rather than conflict. interreligious context is to recognize the spirit of receiving and giving. We A vision of community: Some of us and to accept the uniqueness and come together to share our gifts and to may be individualists, thinking about meaning of every religion, recognizing contribute critically and creatively. ourselves and we stick to our own that each can learn from the other. This From the Church of South India three ideologies. But can people go beyond is a process of re-discovering God beyond of us participated and presented how this and discover larger communities at the boundaries of the church and our churches contributed for the national, regional and global levels? To acknowledging the work of God in the religious harmony in the public space. feel a sense of community is to experience secular events. It is imperative to make a a sense of mutual responsibility. commitment to peace with justice by way of a common struggle towards a The world in which we live today Respecting difference: We have the reconciled human community and though we fondly call it as a 'Globalized pluralism and difference; we need to through the religious views make a World' it is pluralistic in every aspect. If develop a policy of recognition, respect, positive sign of 'common life' in their we look at the Indian spectrum, India is and acceptance of difference. Open our soil. a colorful mosaic of Religions, Cultures, hearts and recognize and also hierarchy Languages, Ethnicities, Ideologies, in the communities (master and slaves). Yatra 2016 had concluded with a theme Philosophies, Races, Tribes etc., Many Avoid this and respect the people. and group activity by holding the religions had taken birth in India which Respect develops great change in the hands and making a circle and singing includes major religions like Hinduism, society. In the religious arena this is very the song, "Draw a circle, draw the circle Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. We important as people belonging to wide, No one stands alone, standing side have learnt so much about the different cultural, linguistic or religious by side..." It was an awesome experience interreligious dialogues, societal issues groups come together as citizens of one to participants of YATRA 2016 to stand such as LGBT, women in the society, nation. firm in their faith and give their child issues, violence, rejection of solidarity to other religions to bring Justice and equality: Church is an religious rights etc. from the academic peace and justice in the world. institution to promote justice for the lectures, bible studies, discussions, poor and the Church is to be directly Thanks to the Church Of South India workshops, interactions, study of recent concerned for the poor in order to and the World Council of Churches for ecumenical and inter religious achieve social justice for all, for this is giving us this opportunity to meet documents, contextual analysis, the very essence of the Gospel message. amazing participants, to understand the exposure visits and the cross-cultural Jesus came to liberate and liberated other religions and to be the channels of experiences. A few proposals for the people from different clutches. As Peace and Justice. society to live peacefully are explained: followers of Christ’s Ministry we should 1. Solidarity with everyone and faiths 2. Promote peace with friends in the renew our call and commitment. Rev. Baktha Singh society Christian Ministry is not only praying, Miss Manjula Josephine 3. Working for peace building to prevent singing and preaching but moving Mr. Rajendran Charless the conflicts. beyond that to consider all are equal and July 2016 27 YOUTH DEPARTMENT Inauguration of CHRISTA YUVA JATHROTHSAVA and Building Capacities of Youth for Civil Services in East Kerala Diocese

The CSI Synod Youth Department opportunities available for them confidence and also of the other organised a day's celebration for youth towards this venture. participants. in CSI East Kerala Diocese, during w h i c h , C H R I S T H A Y U VA The session began with removing the In the afternoon, a session on Goal JATHROTHSAVA, the synod youth myths & misconceptions held by the setting was handled by the Youth festival to be held this October 2016 was public in general about UPSC andCSE. Director of the CSI Synod, Rev. blessed and posters released by Bishop Various services for which UPSC Solomon Paul. J. He spoke about the Rt. Rev. K. G. Daniel. In his inaugural recruits under CSE were explained and importance of setting goals which address he urged the young people of his the participant's eligibility criteria to should be SMART, in the sense Goals diocese to actively participate in this apply for UPSC CSE, including the which are Specific, Measurable, youth festival going to be held in relaxation in age and number of Achievable, Relevant and Timely. He October 10-12, 2016 at Madhya Kerala attempts provided to SC, ST, PWD, Ex- inspired them to break the goals into Diocese. Servicemen were presented.Many short term and long term so that they inspiring stories of success stories, and always are inspired to have a time frame The Youth department of CSI Synod attitudinal changes were also showcased to reach them. He motivated them to be during this occasion held on 30th of for discussion during the session to f a i t h f u l t o t h e i r c a l l i n g a n d May 2016 conducted a Motivational inspire the young minds. Different responsibilities to achieve success as the talk to inspire the young people of the phases of UPSC- CSE (Prelims, Mains conclusion of the program, final words Diocese in preparing a road map and personal Interview's) were were shared by the Youth Director of towards Public administration and Civil explained. Few questions which were the East Kerala Diocese, Rev. Johnson Service exams. Mr. Mithun V Somaraj, asked by UPSC in CSE were taken and who spoke to them about the aims and a young and enthusiastic 2015 rank discussed with the participants, in order vision of the youth movement. holder in Civil service examinations to give them better understanding of the from Kerala, was the resource person for kind of questions being framed in the the day. The entire session was an examination. Many participants gave Rev. J Solomon Paul interactive time where many young the right answers to the questions Director, Youth Department p e o p l e r a i s e d q u e r i e s a b o u t displayed, which in turn boosted their

Rev. Dr. T. I. James, an ordained priest of the Malabar Diocese of the Church of South India and the former Director of the CSI Synod Pastoral Concerns Department, has been awarded Doctor of Philosophy (Ph D) from School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies in Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam by the Faculty of Social Sciences. His Doctoral thesis is titled “ Non-violence in Gandhian Thought: A Postcolonial Reading”. Earlier he had done his Master of Philosophy (M. Phil) in Development and Master of Theology (M. Th) in New Testament (1999-2001) from the Federated Faculty for Research in Religion & Culture, (FFRRC), Kottayam under Senate of Serampore. He has many edited books to his credit including Leadership: Talent and Training – Report of the Consultation on Strengthening Church Leadership (CSI Synod: Chennai), and A Companion to Confirmation: A Resource book for the Clergy and Facilitators (ISPCK: Delhi. He is currently working as the Vicar of the CSI Cathedral, Calicut under the Diocese of Malabar. Wife: Ms. Amitha James Children: Ajay James, Amala James and Arpitha James.

28 July 2016 EAST KERALA DIOCESE Retreat for the Spouses of Pastors, Catechists, Church Workers and Evangelists

CSI East Kerala Diocese pastors, the retreat for the spouses of pastors, Ministry” and discussions held on catechists, church workers and church workers, catechists and being a good partner of the gospel and evangelists spouses retreat and picnic missionaries. This is the first endeavour the role of the women especially the programme was successfully conducted of the diocese to have a great exposure Christian workers spouses in the church at Bishop Selvamani Retreat cum Youth for the spouses regarding their vision of and the task of evangelism. After every Centre, Kanya kumari on 16th to 19th participation in mission. Most of the session there was time for discussions May 2016. The retreat was inaugurated participants were from the village and sharing related to the taught by the Bishop of CSI East Kerala mission centres as well as urban subjects. In order to express the gifts of Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. K. G. Daniel. The background. This was really a great talents , a talent night was conducted on 18th May 2016. In memory of the retreat all participants received a Saree as gift.

We take the opportunity to thank the Women's Fellowship and Board of Missions and Evangelism of the Synod, East Kerala Employees of Trivandrum and others who had supported the programme and made it a memorable retreat for the wives of our Presbyters, different sessions and classes were led by opportunity to know each other and Catechists and Missionaries wives. We the leaders of Synod and CSI East share their experiences at their work extend our thanks to Kanyakumari Kerala. Rt. Rev. Dr. K. G. Daniel places. There was real enthusiasm in all Diocese for granting the Bishop (Bishop in CSI EKD), Dr. Elizabeth participants as they learned new insights Selvamony Retreat cum Youth Centre Ann Daniel (Bishop Kochamma CSI in all the classes. Visiting different places for this programme. I would like to EKD), Rev. Christopher Vijayan like Kanya Kumari, Nagercoil, congratulate the leaders of CSI East (Director of Mission and Evangelism Kovalam and Trivandrum was a first Kerala for organising this novel Synod), Rev. R. Justin Mony (Clergy and new experience for some of the programme. Secretary), Rev. V. S. Francis (Treasurer) participants. and Rev. K. D. Sam (Pastoral Board Rev. K. D. Sam Secretary). Most of the spouses made Different sessions were arranged on the Pastoral Board Secretary, use of this opportunity of coming for theme “Fruitful Partner for a Successful CSI East Kerala Diocese. OBITUARY Rev. Dr. P. Das Babu Rev. Dr. Das Babu, an ordained presbyter in CSI Dornakal Diocese, who was an eminent Communication scholar in the ecumenical field, passed away on 16th of April 2016. After a span of time of work in the pastoral ministry in the Diocese he shifted to Suvarthavani (Christian Radio Broadcasting Association in Telugu). For a decade (1971–81) he contributed his literary expertise for Christian Literature Society (CLS), Hyderabad. During 1983 -86 he worked as the Adviser to the Communication Department of Council for World Mission (CWM)and was invited to be the reporter of 1985 CCI Assembly, Manila. He was one of the editors for 1993 WCC General Assembly, Vancouver.

Rev. Dr. Das Babu was a versatile genius; a theologian, analyser, visionary, editor, novelist, wrote and directed many dramas, lyricist, an eloquent speaker, Bible Teacher, Commentator, translator, anchor for Telugu Christian programmes in electronic media. He had won the national award for writing the biography of Mother Teresa and State Government and National awards for his novels. He had been a member in different delegations and visited conflicting areas in the mission of conflict resolution.

Most Rev. Dr. G. Dyvasirvadam, the Moderator of the Church of South India and other officials of the Synod expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. July 2016 29 YOUTH DEPARTMENT “Come and See” An Intercultural Exposure for the Young People Come and See, an intercultural community of harmony across in solidarity in terms of service to the exposure for the young people was nationalities and ethnicities. During poor communities at Bangalore and organised in the spirit of Ecumenical their stay here, under the complete Hyderabad. partnership and mutual learning. The responsibility of the Church of South Church of South India has invited 22 India, opportunities will be created for Organizing this exposure will enable the young people for an Inter-cultural sight- them to know the richness of Indian youngsters from various cultures to seeing exposure from June 23rd to July society, its rich cultural heritage and its learn how to live together in solidarity 3rd 2016. These 22 young people are ethos theoretically and practically. without losing their own identity. They from various countries like Indonesia, learnt to accept diversity as a value. Ghana, South Africa, Lebanon, South They were exposed to the pluralistic Korea and Germany. context of religions and visited various The Socio-economic context of India religious centers for learning and also will help them to put theoretical The main objective of this Inter-cultural engaged in mutual dialogue. They visited discussion into action towards solidarity exposure is to offer a participatory local congregations in Arakonam, and nation building. learning opportunity to the youth to Guduvanchery, Chengalpet, and share and experience the variety, Madhavaram. They met and interacted This visit helped them to understand the diversity, distinctiveness of Indian with the local young people to know and richness of our nation, and also change people and society. understand the challenges faced in each their prejudices and biases towards the other's context. They visited the heritage realities faced in India and also initiate The learning outcomes of this exposure places of historic importance at mutual partnerships in terms of social are hoped to foster and inculcate in Mahabalipuram, and St. George's concerns shared nationally and participating youth from various Cathedral, Chennai and they were internationally. countries with cultural contexts, a sense exposed to the urban and rural realities of mutual respect for new cultures that Rev. J Solomon Paul in India. Director, Youth Department are so different from their own and to CSI Synod journey as co-pilgrim for evolving a They visited schools and homes of human friendly and people-centric underprivileged children and also acted

PASTORAL CONCERNS Sunday School Teachers Training Program Christian Education Department of Participants, mostly from rural training program for the Sunday School CSI Dornakal Diocese conducted a congregations, have learnt teaching Teachers of the Diocese. They said, “It training program for the Sunday School methods that are most useful and was appropriate that the training Teachers of the Diocese from 8-10 June, appropriate to today's context. Rev. T. program is held as we resume our 2016 at CSI St Andrews Church, Praveen, the Sunday School Convener Sunday Schools after the Summer Kothagudem. About 145 teachers both of the Diocese has coordinated the Vacation. We will use these new men and women from across the program with the support of Rev. methods in our Sunday School and Diocese attended the training program. Ramesh, the Presbyter-in-Charge and teach our children effectively”. Rev. K. James Cecil Victor, Christian the committee members of CSI St. Education Director, CSI Synod and Dr. Andrews Church, Kothagudem. Rev. Prabhu, Director Kids Kount, Johnson Jesudas and Rev. Karunaker Rev. K. James Cecil Victor Bangalore were the resource persons for have translated the sessions in to Telugu. Director, Pastoral Concerns, this training program. Importance of Participants have expressed their deep CSI Synod. Christian Education, Understanding sense of gratitude to the Bishop Rt. Rev. the Post-Modern Generation and High Dr. Vadapally Prasada Rao, Bishop in Impact Teaching Skills were some of the Dornakal and the Sunday School subjects taught in the workshop. Convener for organizing a meaningful 30 July 2016 World Environment Day Celebrations

Sunday School Teachers Training Programme

31 Date of Publication: 28th of Every month CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine Posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/7245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH/(C)/267/15-17 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2015-2017 CWM Assembly 2016: Jeju Islands, South Korea

Workshop on Communicating Social Justice

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 Printed by: N. Raja Singh at Mighty Rock Printers, 52, Nair Varadha Pillai Street. Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014. Mob: 99622 02158, Phone: 2860 2158 32