Lent A time of Transformation TRANS VISION 2019 Expanding the Horizon of Youthfulness

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www.csi1947.com 2 February 2020 L power toface thechallengesof prayers helpedJesusto attainthe of God.Fastingcoupled with practise thevaluesof reign the newvigourtopreach and Satan. Hisfastinggavehim overcome thetemptations of spiritual enlightenmentto gained strengthandtheneeded the fortydaysafterhisbaptism, Jesus Christ,ashefastedfor pointer totherestoflife. season shouldbeconsideredasa the restofyear.Instead,this and ceasetoleadasimilarlifein with thefastingforfortydays greed? Wearealwayscontent mentality, malechauvinism,and communal mindset,casteist of socialmedia,bigotry,pride, activities, excessiveuse/misuse fasting asabstainingfromimmoral fast. Whyarewenotconsidering fail tothinkbeyondfoodwhenwe the Lentenperiod,butwenormally certain times,orfoodfor many ofusisdenouncingfoodfor nurturing oftheirfaith.Fastingfor a highlyimportantaspectinthe followers ofJesusandhasbeen one ofthespiritualfeatures Christ. FastinginLenthasbeen of theliberativeactionsJesus faith andpartakeinthelegacy to bloomandblossominour is atimewhenallofusarecalled spring forth’whichmeansthatit before Easter.Lentmeans‘to a seasonoffastingandpraying the ChurchofSouthIndia,itis the world.ForChristiansin Fast unto Justice! faith ofChristiansacross seasons inthelifeand ent isoneoftheimportant but manyof ouractions,mainly vendors. Wemayfastand pray, was occupiedbytheJewish space providedforthe‘gentiles’ up thewhipmainlybecause the cleansing ofthetemple. Jesus took of thefastingJesuswas the Testament thatthecontinuation and peace.WeseeintheNew in tunewithjustice,equality selfish amotiveiftheyarenot and salvationcanbecometoo dimension too.Personalcleansing but theyhaveacollective personal choicesandexperiences, fasting andprayerarenotmerely These verseslucidlysuggestthat raises thepertinentpoints: Prophet IsaiahinChapter58:6-7 eventually resultedinliberation. of fastingthatJesushadobserved the routineworldlylife.Thekind own livesthatitisdifferentthanof future andreiterationabouttheir Christians tohaveavisionabout lenten seasonshouldbeatimefor would behisachievement.The what hewasgoingtodoand temptation, aclearvisionabout your ownkin?” and nottohideyourselffrom cover them, when youseethenaked,to into yourhouse; and bringthehomelesspoor with thehungry, Is itnottoshareyourbread and tobreakeveryyoke? to lettheoppressedgofree, to undothethongsofyoke, to loosethebondsofinjustice, choose: “Is notthisthefastthatI

Have ameaningfulLentenseason! from us. to takeupafastthatGodexpects The Lentenseasonshouldleadus church andbecomesaltinsociety. to gooutofthefourwalls Fasting andprayershouldhelpus Jesus overcamethattemptation. in thefourwallsoftemple!But miracle andthushewillbetiedup Jesus willbeforcedtorepeatthis places onhearingthis!Eventually, More peoplewillgatherfromother will compelhimtojumpagain. But peoplewatchingthismiracle the groundwithoutanycasualty. divine power,Jesuswilllandon goes likethis:becauseofhis been thescenario?Myimagination of thetemple?Whatwouldhave asking Jesustojumpfromthetop would bechallengedbySatan, Have youeverimaginedthatJesus mentality. hour iscleansingsuchkindofa the peripheries.Theneedof to ‘others’andkeepthemawayin to occupythespacethatbelongs having thepharisaicelements,try Adv. C.FernandasRathinaRaja General Secretary,CSI. February 2020 www.csi1947.com 3 EDITOR’S DESK Bible Study Friendship and Communion of People in Faith. (A Bible study during the 36th Session of the Synod of the Church of South )

leader or a worker, one of Moses’ intervention to rescue the most difficult thing – to some weaker persons, recorded A maintain love and unity, in Bible. In the first event, when friendship and fellowship. It can Moses saw an Egyptian abusing be both long term and short term. a Hebrew, he was overcome by When there is a lack of trust, a passion for his fellow Hebrew, grace, generosity of spirit and the quickly murdered him and buried ability to respect and recognize him. Second time, when he others, there is divisiveness, saw two Hebrews engaged in a rancour, back-biting, resentment, quarrel , one of whom is beating internal politics and a lack of the other, he takes authority in coordination. We must always put his hands, and tries to arbitrate the interests of the group (people) among them. Moses acts as a above those of any individuals judge in a polarized world filled in the group. We must care for, with aggressors and victims. His and inspire others to care for, the intervention as an individual on common good. behalf of the abused parties only shows that the protection he When Bible says, ‘Love your God’, offers is as much a protection he “Love your neighbour’, it is said needs. Where there is no justice, in a social context. When the nothing can be done. Without people were suffering from the authorization or appointment, tyranny of the Pharaoh, Moses his role is presumptuous, his teaches them that the only way to authority is disputable, no less get freedom was to Love God and than an encroachment than the the fellow brothers and sisters. one he thinks of him. Jesus will reiterate the same in the fierce Roman oppression. In the first episode, Moses kills Prophets were teaching these the Egyptian because the Hebrew words in their context. Love, in Egypt had lost his civic status, Rev. Dr. John Samuel friendship, fellowship will have the rights or obligations one might Ponnusamy has been to be determined in their social appeal on behalf of the Hebrew. serving as the Principal setting. The collective unity, In order to protect his people, of the Gurukul Lutheran love among the members of the if he is to follow the unforgiving Theological College in community, will be necessitated Kenite Lamech, who want to Chennai. He is an Old by an external factor. The book of avenge seventy and sevenfold Testament scholar and a judges will show how the tribes (Genesis 4:24), If that Is the case, well- known orator, who come together again and again Moses might have to kill all the has his ordination from the in order to confront a common Egyptians for the sake of his Church of . enemy. Judges were leaders who people. In the second episode, brought the people together to Moses tries to bring the necessity keep their freedom alive. of unity among the Hebrews, the right state of mind that should be Moses engaging with his people: exhibited, where one Hebrew will There are atleast three events of not rise against the other Hebrew. www.csi1947.com February 2020 4 The story does not tell us how land. Moreover, he asserts the be given to your servants as our rights are got or from where rules worker’s rights to the fruits of possession. Do not make us cross of conduct derive their authority. their labour. For Moses, Moses is the Jordan” (Num. 32: 5). only in an interim place. He will In the third event as narrated go to Egypt only to come out of Moses was instantly alert to in Exodus 2:11-22, Moses is Egypt. He will walk towards the the danger. The two tribes were trying to defend the rights of the promised land only not to enter putting their own interests above women who were vulnerable in into it. In the meanwhile, Moses those of the nation as a whole. that situation. Moses has not engages in the potential conflicts They would be seen as abandoning given up his passion to defend the happening around him and tries the nation at the very time they suffering ,it is the women. Moses to defend the weak. Moses does were needed most. There was a still feels that he should take not belong to any one. But he war – in fact a series of wars – to up the role of defender, but this understands about himself that be fought if the Israelites were time, his action seems to convey he belongs to every one. The to inherit the promised land. As that he is more successful. He daughters of Reuel simply said, Moses put it to the tribes: “Should secures the use of the well for after all his deliverance from the your fellow Israelites go to war the daughters of Jethro. We shepherds, “An Egyptian delivered while you sit here? Why do you suspect that the shepherds are the us” (Exodus 3:19). discourage the Israelites from habitual offenders, because Reuel crossing over into the land the questions the early return of his Moses resolving in a crisis: The Lord has given them?” (32: 6-7). daughters. He implies that it takes Israelites were on the last stage of a longer time to water the flock, their journey to the promised land. The proposal was potentially because we presume others were They were now situated on the disastrous. Moses reminded the regularly permitted to take their east bank of the Jordan, within men of Reuben and Gad what had turn before these women. They sight of their destination. Two happened in the incident of the not only appropriate the women’s of the tribes, Reuben and Gad, spies. The spies demoralised the turn, but also rob the fruit of their who had large herds and flocks of people, ten of them saying that work. Those shepherds were the cattle, felt that the land they were they could not conquer the land. only party who had the first rights currently on was ideal for their The inhabitants were too strong. over water. purposes. It was a good grazing The cities were fortified. The country. So they approached result of that one moment was to Like the freedom of speech and Moses and asked for permission condemn an entire generation to right to free country, safe water to stay there rather than take up die in the wilderness and to delay defines a livable environment. their share in the land of Israel. the eventual conquest by forty Every one aspires for the right They said: “If we have found years. “And here you are, a brood to the available resources of the favour in your eyes, let this land of sinners, standing in the place of

www.csi1947.com February 2020 5 terrible consequences of what they had done by, in effect, creating a religious centre outside the land of Israel. It would split the nation in two.

The Reubenites and Gadites made it clear that this was not their intention at all. To the contrary, they themselves were worried that in the future, the rest of the Israelites would see them living across the Jordan and conclude that they no longer wanted to be your fathers and making the Lord sure he and they have understood part of the nation. That is why even more angry with Israel. If you the proposal and they are ready they had built the altar, not to turn away from following him, he to stand by it. He extracts from offer sacrifices, not as a rival to will again leave all this people in them agreement to , a double the nation’s sanctuary, but merely the wilderness, and you will be the condition, both positive and as a symbol and a sign to future cause of their destruction” (Num. negative: If we do this, these will generations that they too were 32: 14-15). Moses was blunt, be the consequences, but if we Israelites. Pinhas and the rest of honest and confrontational. fail to do this, those will be the the delegation were satisfied with consequences. He leaves them no this answer, and once again civil What then followed is a role escape from their commitment. war was averted. model in negotiation and conflict The two tribes agree. Conflict has resolution. The Reubenites and been averted. The Reubenites and First Moses separates the people Gadites recognised the claims Gadites achieve what they want from the problem by making of the people as a whole and the but the interests of the other tribes it clear to the Reubenites and justice of Moses’ concerns. They and of the nation as a whole have Gadites that the issue has nothing propose a compromise. Let us been secured. It was a model to do with who they are, and make provisions for our cattle negotiation. everything to do with the Israelites’ and our families, they say, and experience in the past, specifically the men will then accompany the Quite how justified were Moses’ the episode of the spies. other tribes across the Jordan. concerns became apparent many Regardless of who the ten negative They will fight alongside them. years later. The Reubenites and spies were and which tribes they They will even go ahead of them. Gadites did indeed fulfil their came from, everyone suffered. No They will not return to their promise in the days of Joshua. The one gained. The problem is not cattle and families until all the rest of the tribes conquered and about this tribe or that but about battles have been fought, the settled Israel while they (together the nation as a whole. land has been conquered, and with half the tribe of Manasseh) the other tribes have received established their presence in Second, he focused on interests their inheritance. Essentially they Trans-Jordan. Despite this, within not positions. The two tribes invoke what would later become a a brief space of time there was had an interest in the fate of the principle of Jewish law: , an act is almost civil war. nation as a whole. If they put their permissible if “one side gains and personal interests first, God would the other side does not lose.”[1] Joshua 22 describes how, become angry and the entire We will gain, say the two tribes, returning to their families and people would be punished, the by having land good for our cattle, settling their land, the Reubenites Reubenites and Gadites among but the nation as a whole will and Gadites built “an altar to them. This is quite the opposite to not lose because we will be in the the Lord” on the east side of the Korahrebellion. There, the whole army, we will be in the front line, Jordan. Seeing this as an act of argument was about positions, not and we will stay there until the secession, the rest of the Israelites interests – about who was entitled war has been won. prepared to do battle against to be a leader. The result was them. Joshua, in a striking act of collective tragedy. Moses recognises the fact that diplomacy, sent Pinhas, the former they have met his objections. He zealot, now man of peace, to Third, the Reubenites and Gadites restates their position to make negotiate. He warned them of the then invented an option for mutual www.csi1947.com 6 February 2020 For a long time now—to this very collective spirit became weakened day—you have not deserted your gradually. In the beginning, when fellow Israelites but have carried they had to lead the battle, they out the mission the Lord your God ask which tribe should lead. gave you. Now that the Lord your When the responsibility felon the God has given them rest as he tribe of Judah, they led the battle promised, return to your homes collectively. Towards the end, It in the land that Moses the servant became one man to fight for the of the Lord gave you on the other people, Israel. In the beginning, side of the Jordan. (Joshua 22: they went to battle together. In 1-4) the end the same tribe betray Samson to live peacably. In the This was, in short, a model middle of the book, atleast, Gideon negotiation, a sign of hope after was able to gather 32000 men for gain. If you allow us to make the many destructive conflicts in war. But God showed that 22000 temporary provisions for our cattle the book of Numbers as well as a would leave even before the war and children, they said, we will not standing alternative to the many began. However, Samuel brought only fight in the army. We will be later conflicts in Jewish history the people together. There was no its advance guard. We will benefit, that had such appalling outcomes. interfere of the Philistines all the knowing that our request has been days of his life. granted. The nation will benefit by Note that Moses succeeds, not our willingness to take on the most because he is weak, not because This is a time if divisiveness. demanding military task. he is willing to compromise on the People are being divided on integrity of the nation as a whole, various reasons. Hatredness is Fourth, there was an agreement on not because he uses honeyed imbued into the hearts of people. objective criteria. The Reubenites words and diplomatic evasions, Collective spirits are eroding day and Gadites would not return to but because he is honest, by day. This must be replaced by the east bank of the Jordan until principled, and focused on the the spirit of love. By the spirit of all the other tribes were safely common good. We all face conflicts friendship. By the festivals and settled in their territories. And so in our lives. This is how to resolve celebrations of unity. Through it happened, as narrated in the them. the demonstrations of peace for book of Joshua: nature and humanity. We must Conclusion: The people of Israel focus love in our context. Our Then Joshua summoned the had to be united. The people love of God and neighbor must be Reubenites, the Gadites and the had to be reminded of their more localized. Relativisation of half-tribe of Manasseh and said responsibility to be together. love may lead to negation of love. to them, “You have done all that Whenever they were divided, Love will conquer all evil. God Moses the servant of the Lord they became weak and became will be with us in our love for our commanded, and you have obeyed a prey to the powerful. The book brothers and sisters. me in everything I commanded. of judges even explain how this

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“.....(not) Be Subject to the Governing Authorities...” (Romans 13:1): A Parenesis of Resistance When the “Constitution is in the Cage”

ations are born into the Fraternity, assuring the dignity hearts of poets, they of the individual and the unity prosper and die in the and integrity of the nation”. The “Nhands of politicians” complex articles and regulations that follow these preamble -Muhammad Iqbal- statements, in toto, confirm and affirm the fundamental values of Context of Constitution the Constitution as a document Discourse of the social contract. The just and unbiased pragmatism of The people of India, with all these doctrinal philosophies by its multiplicities of identity the legislature, executive and expressions, are in a decisive point judiciary as the democratically in their life to redefine what really ordained agencies of, for and by constitute them to be called as the the people determine the sacrality people of the great democracy of and sanctity of this Constitution in the world. The very distinct idea of its contextual manifestations. The India, as a democratic and secular very insight of the people of India republic, believes in the values resolving to adopt a democratic of equality, justice, fraternity process to assign political agents and liberty as her constituting time and again to safeguard principles to govern herself for the the foundational ideology of progression of her children. The the nationhood as detailed in very reality of Indian Constitution the constitutional preamble, that gave shape to the wider intrinsically explicate the power understanding of nationhood of the people to also resolve among the many nations of the into the modes of rejection and world has received and accepted resistance when the constitutional Rev. Joseph Samuel hails the aforesaid moral doctrines as morality is hijacked by forces that from the Madhya Kerala the governing mantras for the strive against the constitutional Diocese of the Church of democratic functioning of the doctrinal. Such an unprecedented South India. He has been country. Therefore, the Preamble situation is around the people pursuing his doctoral undoubtedly and emphatically of India, especially is here to studies in New Testament declares that “we the people of stay for a few decades exactly at United Theological India, having resolved to constitute after the ascent of ‘modinomics’ College, Bangalore, under India into a Sovereign, Socialist, and shahism’ under the political the Senate of Serampore. Secular, Democratic Republic and blanket of fascism. He is an eminent speaker secure to all its citizens; Justice: and writer. social, economic and political; Dominant Politics of ‘Caging the Liberty of thought, expression, Constitution’ faith, belief and worship; Equality of status and opportunity and Fascism has emerged to promote among them all programmatically and politically as www.csi1947.com February 2020 8 a strategic adversary of democracy, the favour of corporate capitalists, so by altering the definition of an ironically within the premises of confining the life of the people “illegal migrant”, as contained democracy itself. As an ideology by imposing curfews, keeping in the Citizenship Act. In sum, of domination and assimilation, the political leaders in house the entire act single out the fascism sadistically creates ‘others’ arrests and preventive prisons, Muslim community who seeks and criminally annihilates the and more adversely curtailing citizenship from the listed out differences, dissent and diversities. the people’s freedom to express neighbouring countries, and even Even from the beginning of the and communicate with wider within the country who fails to conception of the idea of India in world by shutting down the roads provide the required documents the long era of freedom struggle and telecommunication system. to prove the citizenship as it is against the colonial masters, the The Supreme Court verdict on described in the CAA. The nation fascist forces have been gaming Ayodhya went unchallenged by witnessed protests and resistant for a divisive discourse of aiming the secular psyche of the country. demonstrations especially for a totalitarianism idea of The authoritarian approach of the by the students, secularists, nationhood. The adoption of the present central government has intellectualists, artists and more Indian Constitution, in its secular reached its aggressive peak in significantly by girls and women. outlook, was a conscious and CAA and NRC. The CAA has been We are in such a climatic context ethical enactment of the people the source of contentious debate where the democratic mandate to counteract such tendencies with demonstrations against the given to a political party for the from their resurgences. However, law spontaneously springing up right governance could be used in recent decades in the history across the country. In nationwide, against common people to divide of our nation, we have seen the despite bitter cold winter, humid the people in the name of religion Legislature, effective agency hot summer or chilly rains, a large or caste. of the constitution, bending number of people, across sections down to the nepotic politics of a of society, has taken to the streets ...be subject to the governing majority religion, which resulted to protests against the imposition authorities… (Romans. 13: 1-7) in the enthroning of the right- of the law. wing regime at the centre. The It is in the above-mentioned present manifestation of such a It is difficult to speak about the context peculiarly evidenced fascist regime, with its historically CAA in isolation, detached from in the caged situation of the ignorant, religiously maligned the other dangers it portends, Constitutional morality of the idea and economically crippled cabinet not least the National Register of India, we consider the Pauline began to play with the sanity and of Citizens (NRC), which the parenesis on the relationship sanctity of the very relevance of Union Government, despite its between the ekklesia and the Constitution. Some of their occasionally equivocal comments, empire. The apostolic advice for recent political gamings such is keen to put in force. Indeed, the submissive behaviour to a political as revoking of Article 370 which NRC and the CAA are manifestly dispensation which is inherently gave special status to the state of conjoined in their objectives evil and violent raises pertinent Jammu and Kashmir, Prohibition because they are twin tools aimed questions and doubts for the of the Muslim personal Law, at decimating India’s republican interpreters of the sacred texts. by ordinance and the Citizen ethos. A reasonable analysis based Romans 13:1-7 is controversial Amendment Act (CAA), clearly on primary principles will show among many such troublesome showcase to the international us that the CAA, in and of itself, texts that claim apostolic origin. community the nature of the infracts fundamental rights, in The history of interpretation dominant politics of the fascist and particular the guarantee of equal of Paul’s instruction on the supremacist rule that constantly treatment contained in Article relationship between the churches attempts to cage the democratic, 14. By so doing, the law also and the governing authorities in secular, socialist and sovereign lays the foundations for a brutal Rome is vast and divided. When doctrines of our republic. assault on secularism. Though it comes to the proper stance a Repealing Article 370, in practical, amendments were made time Christian should hold toward has resulted in deleting an entire and then to the article 14 by the the state, biblical interpreters state and a democratically chosen Parliament until now none of the and political theologians argue government from functioning, alterations made to the statute either that Paul advocates unilaterally bifurcating it into has encroached on the elementary accommodation, cooperation, two union territories, opening the idea that citizenship will not be and assimilation or that Paul is a land and its natural resources for premised on a person’s faith. The counter-imperialist who advocates disinvestment and privatisation for CAA topples this vision. It does resistance and disobedience. www.csi1947.com February 2020 9 Neil Elliot considers this entire theological problems as direct reader in the context of a literary pericope as “a notorious exegetical intervening and resoluting, this dialogue between a speaker and an problem and a theological scandal” literary composition is ample and imagined “interlocutor” to whom for the people who engage in magisterial. The elaborate content the speaker responds, enabling the political processes of the of the epistle does not provide any the argument to develop its own contemporary society where the indication of the explicit intention internal momentum, logic and structural institutions become for the exhaustive production of clarity. In Romans 13:1-7, as domains of oppression. A certain this piece of the theological treaty. stated by Seyoon Kim “the Achilles’ minority of the Pauline scholarship Pauline curiosity in scripting down heel for all anti-imperial readings have rejected Rom. 13:1-7 as a this theological and practical of Paul”, Paul appears to offer a nonPauline interpolation into the summary seems more pragmatic full endorsement of the Roman letter. Rom. 13:1-7 addresses in terms of completing the will of governing authorities as servants a subject that Paul discussed God through the mission of the appointed by God. nowhere else; more significantly, gospel. The reason for writing such the apparent sense of these an extensive discourse material Richard Cassidy locates the origin verses contradicts Paul’s thought to a community whom Paul does of Romans sometime between elsewhere in several particulars not have any prior personal 57 and 59 CE in the midst of (2 Cor. 4:4, Gal. 1:4, 1 Cor. 7:31, acquaintance might be, according the relatively peaceful initial five 1 Cor. 2:6-8). Here, in contrast, the to the scholarly assumptions, years of Emperor Nero’s reign. world order is blithely approved his missional concern to press Fresh in Paul’s memory and as God-ordained. Elliot continues towards the Western provinces of that of the Christian community observes that “Paul could not have the Roman Empire. As common in Rome, however, would have ascribed such an exalted status for other epistles, Romans also been the expulsions of Jews from to Rome without being not only can be seen as a literary avenue Rome under Tiberius in 19 CE hypocritical and servile but untrue for Paul to establish apostolic and Claudius from 41 to 54 CE. to his whole theological position.” authority and to explicate his Given the return of Jews and thorough knowledge in the salvific Jewish Christians to Rome during The Common and Particular implications of Jesus’ tradition. the start of Nero’s reign, part of Context of the Passage Therefore, Timothy Johnson the rationale for Paul’s letter to sees Romans, as Paul’s letter the churches in Rome was to The epistle to the Romans is of recommendation for Paul. care for this small community of generally considered as the The diatribe, as literary and Jews and Gentiles in the midst central writing of the Pauline discourse device, is employed of external dangers or conflicts corpus because of its theological as a style of narration for the that could potentially threaten the significance as well as the epistle. As a vivid, dialogical form community itself. Some scholars length, potential and clarity of of discourse, Romans uses many suggest that Paul’s concern for the articulation. Unlike those other stylistic specifications of diatribe relationship between the churches writings in which the apostle in the progression of the epistle. and civil authorities in Romans corresponds to specific social and All these devices help place the 13 was due to the presence of enthusiasts proclaiming freedom from human structures, agitation, and dissension incited by Jewish nationalists or a disturbance over taxes as noted by Tacitus and Suetonius. While Paul’s ultimate rationale remains uncertain, it is important to highlight that, despite the relative peace in early Nero’s reign, the socio- political context of Romans 13 was not that of an empire that debated with its citizens what constituted good citizenship. Rather, obedience and submission were demanded, and the political and governing authorities of the day were more than willing www.csi1947.com 10 February 2020 to subjugate and exploit the Ben Witherington speculates a Furthermore, the kind of population for their own purposes. possibility of some among them resistance Paul rejects is not to The early Christian community planning for a rebellion against be confused with a hope-filled at the metropolitan context of Roman local authorities especially resistance rooted in the reality Rome was living at the epicentre in the of context the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. Faithful of Roman superpower and the of the emperor cult. James Dunn submission and hope-filled imperial cult. Furthermore, this suggests that the verb here resistance acknowledge the state’s Christian community neither sat to mean “to be subject to” is authority and can even accept the in positions of political power or passive hypotassestho through just or unjust consequences of influence. Given this degree of which Paul calls the church to such resistance, yet resist still by asymmetrical power relations, the recognize and accept the social bearing witness to the present and primary problem scholars identify realities ordered by God. Ben future reality of Christ’s kingdom. with Paul’s teaching in Romans Witherington compares this verb In the face of injustice, Paul calls is his failure to acknowledge the and its episteme with hypakuo the church “to be subject to the potential for unjust authorities. used elsewhere to mean “to obey”. governing authorities,” for in Nevertheless, from this particular He states that “Submitting to submission Paul is creating the socio-political context, it is the governing authority means space in which the community can important to see that Paul is not recognising that they have God- ‘meaningfully dwell ‘and practice offering an ethical assessment of given power, but does not demand hope-filled resistance by rejecting the Roman Empire or its governing obedience to them”. In other lies, affirming human dignity, authorities; rather, Paul’s words, this text would not rule out and pursuing shalom through the instruction is a message for the civil disobedience undertaken with love of neighbour. In this hope- church. due respect for political powers. By filled space, a new community contrast, to resist (antitassomai) is reformed and reimagined—a Pacifying Subordination and the authorities refers to embracing community in which the gospel Legitimizing Domination a posture that rejects the right is proclaimed, the idolatries of of the government to exercise fear and power are rejected, and Romans 13:1-7 opens with an authority. The reason given in worship is expressed through the unexpected exhortation to all the verse 1 for this submission is that love of neighbour as oneself. living beings (pasa psyche) which there is no human power except may mean here the Christian God. It is quite possible that There was plenty of reason for community at Rome, supposedly tetagmenai, when couples with Paul’s addressees to resent Rome, a mixed community of both exousia refer to the prominent economically and theologically. Jewish and Gentile Christians. Roman officials. Oppressive tax practices of the www.csi1947.com February 2020 11 empire were protested in the city in verse 5 though it is coupled accommodative and resistant about this time. At no point in with “fear” provides the power nature of Paul to the hierarchy this passage does Paul speak of autonomy for the people to and ideology of Empire. to the Roman government. This critically and realistically engage in passage focuses solely on the duty these systems of domination. Paul Parenesis of Resistance when of Christians toward the state, is suggesting a policy of critical Secularism is in Crisis not on their duty as enforcers or realism to avoid direct conflict with legislators within the state. They the political systems thereby being Resistance expressed in the form are not conceived as overlapping targeted militarily which increase of social protest and dialogical identities. Paul’s argument that the vulnerable social positioning dissent is the only options left all must submit to the state for of the early Christian community for the people who pursue a the sake of fear and conscience in Rome. Since they were in a secular and socialist vision leads to a direct and certainly precarious political situation, Paul in the political context of an controversial concrete application: contextually and conveniently authoritarian regime of cultural Christians must pay taxes to counsels a form of political imperialism. The common people Caesar (13:6-7). In AD 58 public quietism and non-resistance reclaiming and re-enacting their protests were made against a new whereby protecting the community constitutional power to challenge Vectigal tax now to be collected in from structural harm and imperial the undemocratic attempts to addition to the Tributum protests intrusion. divide the people of India and which were likely preceded by accelerate communal discord is a period of resentment and Nevertheless, Paul elsewhere in his manifested in common places. The resistance. Taxation was a other writings take rigorous stands church as the peoples’ movement sensitive theological topic in against the hidden agenda of the is caught in this peoples’ struggle conservative Jewish circles, Roman Empire and presents the against the political and cabinet of which the Jewish Christian local and provincial assemblies strategies of locking up of the communities would likely have of the people of God that is the doctrinal principles of the been aware. Jewish Christians ekklesia, where they experiences Indian constitution for narrow along with other Jews were exempt the freedom from subordination and factional interest. The real from paying some taxes. But the as a counter imagination to the intention of the state behind the changes in taxation policy have ideologies of empire. Mikael Tellbe introduction of such ordinances cause for popular uprisings by argues that the need for socio- is, in fact, to divert the attention Jews against the empire. Despite political legitimacy in Roman the people from the hardcore some privileges, taxation remained Empire was a pressing issue for issues and create an environment to them a sign of subjugation, and the Christian communities and where they fight each in the name for some, it became a litmus test the tripartite interaction between of religion and creed. Actively of allegiance to God. Therefore Christians, Jews and Political involving in such struggles that the archontes (rulers) that he authorities played an important sustains the secular face of our refers here may allude to the local role in the process of identity nation is a missional mandate or municipal officers who are formation of early Christianity. for the church to be relevant and entrusted to collect the tax from The Christological and salvific significant in the context. the people occasionally through language and imageries violent means. The strategic usage employed in the epistle to Roman of the application of “conscience” furthermore validate the non-

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www.csi1947.com 12 February 2020 Dept. of Ecological Concern CSI Synod News

International Eco-Conference four-day long International Eco- Conference was A inaugurated by Most Rev. P. C. Singh, the President of the National Council of Churches in India and the Moderator of the Church of at the CSI Synod Centre in Chennai. The Conference has been organized by the consortium of Higher Educational Institutions of the (CSI). “In the year 2025, the level of Co2in the Atmosphere will increase to 500 ppm (part(s) per million) Committee and the Bishop in ears to the voices and the pleas due to various anthropological CSI Diocese of Madurai Ramnad, emerge in this conference. The first activities, but the allowable Rt Rev. Dr J. George Stephen; day got ended with the cultural range is only 50ppm!”, cautioned Bishop in CSI Diocese of Madras, programmes. Prof. Dr Joseph Mar Dionysius Dr Paul Dayabharan; Principal, Metropolitan; the Vice-Chairperson Bishop Heber College, Trichy and The Second Day of the of the Ecological Commission of the Chairman of the consortium International Eco- Conference the Orthodox Church, during of Colleges of CSI, Dr Manoj witnessed thought-provoking the inauguration session. Rt Kurian, Coordinator, Ecumenical and challenging presentations on Rev. Dr Vadappally Prasada Rao, Advocacy Alliance, World ecological concerns. “Food scarcity the Deputy Moderator of the Council of Churches, Geneva, is at its peak as the climate lost Church of South India, presided Mr Dinesh Suna; Ecumenical its natural rhythm, where the poor over the meeting. Rev. Dr Daniel Water Network, Geneva, and are still made poorer”, pointed Rathnakara Sadananda, the Rev. Asir Ebenezer; General out by Rev. Vinod Victor in his General Secretary of the Church Secretary, National Council of speech on ‘Food and water for of South India, welcomed the Churches in India addressed the all amidst challenges of Climate dignitaries and delegates who gathering. NGOs and self-help Change: A faith perspective’. are consisted of the Scientists, groups who are involved in the Parallel sessions were held where Research scholars, and Eco ecological conservation also shared more than 20 eminent speakers activists from across the globe. their views to achieve the eco presented their views, findings This is organised by the mission. Prof. Dr Mathew Koshy and suggestions in the field of consortium of Higher Educational Punnackad, the Director of the natural resource management Institutions of the CSI with the Ecological Concerns Department and sustainable living. The role support of the World Council of of the Church of South India of indigenous practices, which Churches (WCC) and the National and the General Convener of the was followed by the Adivasi in Council of Churches in India International Eco-Conference India, for the conservation of the (NCCI). explained the concept and the mother nature was highlighted structure of the conference and by Ms. Renemsongla Ozukum Rt Rev. M. Joseph, Chairperson, expressed the hope that the from . The success CSI Synod Ecological Concerns concerned people will let their stories and interventions in the field of nature conservation were discussed by NGOs and the other voluntary organizations involved in the green movements. Prof. Dr K. Krishnankutty from Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad addressed the success stories of the movement through popularizing the science for the wellness of the human being. He opined that development www.csi1947.com February 2020 13 News CSI Synod Dept. of Ecological Concern must start from the marginal Dr E. J. James and Dr Paul the workshop that emphasized level to achieve a sustainable P. Appasamy, and Principals harmony with nature in all the day goal. The work of the Ecological of the Higher Educational to day practices for sustainable Concerns of the Church of South Consortium of CSI, Faculty living in the earth. This initial India and the Centre for Science members, Research Scholars session of the day was led by Mr and Environment, New Delhi, for and students from across the Santhanu of Brahma Kamari’s schools of CSI the Green School globe have presented more than organization. They explained their Programme and its positive impact 75 research papers in the fields activities fine-tuned to conserve on the performers of the schools of Water, Energy, Sustainable natural resources through were explained by Prof. Dr Mathew Agriculture, Air, health, Bio- renewable energy resources. Koshy Punnackad; the Director of diversity and Alternate Models, Followed by the workshop, Rev. Ecological Concerns of the CSI, Mr Environmental Laws, Eco-justice, Dr John Samuel Ponnusamy; A. Moses Packiyaraj and Prof. J. Philip Robinson, followed by the session the disaster management practices conducted by the voluntary organizations during the time of natural calamities was discussed by the leaders. Mr Nivin Thomas explained the rehabilitation processes conducted during the landslide in Wayanad in Kerala during the devastating floods in the year 2018. The work of the Madhya Eco- friendly Constructions, Principal of the Gurukul Lutheran Kerala Diocese Youth Movement Church Architecture, Migration Theological College, Chennai, during the Kerala Floods through and Ecology. Dr Manoj Kurian; elaborated the prerequisite nature “Cyber Warriors” was explained Coordinator of the Ecumenical of water for the life of the planet by Mr Athul Abraham. Dr Sam Advocacy Alliance Ecumenical through the Biblical passage. Deva Asir from the Social Work Advocacy Alliance of the World These sessions were presided over Department of Bishop Heber Council of Churches and Dr by Rev. Maxcin John; the Director College, Tiruchirappalli, explained Dinesh Suna, Programme of the Mission and Evangelism the Managerial practices which Executive of Ecumenical Water Department of the CSI Synod. were followed during the disaster Network (EWN) of the World through Gaja Cyclone in the Council of Churches explained The technical session entitled with Districts of Tanjore, Nagapattinam, the importance of the Council in Climate change and response of and Pudukottai districts of Tamil Eco programmes. The evening of faith communities was chaired Nadu with the partnership of CSI the day was rich with the cultural by Rev. Sunil Raj Philip, Director, SEVA. Dr Sahab Shabbir from programmes presented by the Department of communications, the Law and Islamic Studies students of CSI Jessie Moses CSI Synod. Rev. Michael Stark, Department of Maldives National Matriculation Higher Secondary the State Church Commissioner University explained about Envio- School (Chennai), Corporation for the Church Development Human Rights Jurisprudence for School, Perambur (Chennai) and Service of the Evangelical Church Environmental Protection. CSI Monahan Girls HSS (Chennai). in Baden, Germany, lucidly explained the church Movements Under the Chairmanship of The third day of the International concerning ecological conservation the former vice Chancellors Eco Conference commenced with and preservation. Followed by him Rev. Solomon P. Benjamin, Liaison Secretary for East Asia and India in the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS), elaborated about the Eco-mission activities which are performing in the countries Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, China and India. The global issues due to pollution, climate change, deforestation and health hazards www.csi1947.com 14 February 2020 Dept. of Ecological Concern CSI Synod News

related to multidrug resistance India (CSI) with great interest and the third prize has gone to strains have been addressed and and we even think it is more Voorhes College, Vellore. School the problem-solving protocol has than the work we are doing”, said Level First Prize was given to been discussed during the parallel Mr Atul Bagai, in his keynote the CMS Lower Primary School, sessions. Rev. Solomon informed address at the concluding Enooramvayal, Pathanamthitta the gathering that the Initiatives session of the fifth International (Madhya Kerala Diocese), second of the Ecological Concerns Conference organised by CSI prize was shared by Noyes School, Department of the Church of Synod Department of Ecological Madurai and CSI Girls Higher South India, which includes Green Concerns with the support of 17 Secondary School, Pasumalai, School Programme, Green Church educational institutions, National Madurai, and the third prize was Campaign, Green Protocol and the Council of Churches in India shared among OCPM School, Episcopal Letter on Carbon fast, (NCCI), World Council of Churches Madurai, CSI School for Differently were highly appreciated by the (WCC) and Anglican Communion. Abled, Sivakasi, and CMS High Evangelical Mission in Solidarity. Mr Atul referred to the Green School, Mundakkayam. Rt Rev. School Programme as a genuine M. Joseph; the Chairperson of the The Schools and colleges of need of the hour to inculcate Ecological Concerns Department CSI presented documentaries and change the attitude of the of the CSI Synod, Eng. John under the title ‘How Green is my young children. UNEP would like Mahendran; Chairman of the Institution’ in front of the panel to collaborate with CSI Synod in State Minorities members chaired by Dr. Roy Sam the Green School Programme, Commission, Rt Rev. , Principal, CMS College, stated Atul Bagai. He told that Stephen; Bishop of CSI Madras Kottayam. The neo initiatives the appreciation of the Green Diocese, Mr. J. C. D. Probhakar; taken by the institutions were very Protocol of CSI is mainly because Ex MLA (Member of Legislative much appreciated by the audience. it is better doing what you are Assembly), Rt Rev. Dr Royce Manoj The third day of the conference preaching. Victor; Bishop of CSI Diocese came to a close with the cultural of Malabar, Dr. Manoj Kurian; performance of the clergies of The CSI Synod gave Awards to WCC, Rev. Dr D. Rathnakara the Diocese of Madras with the 44 Schools Completed the GSP Sadananda; Gen. Secretary, percussion instruments which audit of Centre for Science and CSI and Vice-President of NCCI, are considered as the symbol of Environment, New Delhi. The and Prof. Dr Mathew Koshy Liberation reflects the redemption Synod also gave cash awards to Punnackad, Hon. Director of the to the earth. the Colleges which screened the Department of Ecological Concerns documentaries on the topic, ‘How spoke in the concluding session of The fourth day of the conference Green is my School/College’. The the International Conference. commenced with eco-meditation first prize in the college level was led by Rt. Rev. M. Joseph and won by the Malabar Christian Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnakkad Rt. Rev. Dr Royce Manoj Victor. College, Calicut, the second prize Hon. Director, “UNEP keenly observes the eco- winners are Bishop Heber College, Department of Ecological Concerns, projects of the Church of South Trichy & CMS College, Kottayam, CSI Synod. www.csi1947.com February 2020 15 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA

Micro Insurance and Social Protection for Poor n order to implement social clients) and 2) Jeevan Mangal generation activity for themselves. protection mechanisms more (724 clients) 3) Micro Bachat (5 Ieffectively and efficiently, CSI clients).This support has provided CSI SEVA invites the members of SEVA has joined hands with social and economic security to the congregation to make use of Life Insurance Corporation of marginal income earners and this opportunity for those people India (LIC), as a micro insurance economically disadvantaged who earn marginal income, who delivery channel, involving the section of the society. For are marginalized, under privileged. Church of South India. Micro instance, among those 1296 While we engage with gardeners, insurance service and policies clients, four individuals were cooks, maids, drivers, our Church promoted by CSI SEVA are from Namakkal district villages, workers etc at our residence or designed specifically for low- S. Vasantha Devi, R. Sundar from our community. These are income clients who have no or Rajan and R. Chinnaponnu S. some of the people who could very little access to mainstream Punithavathi covered under micro be greatly benefitted out of the insurance services. Also, these insurance policy called Jeevan program. One can help these policies provide protection to low- Mangal and were paying a smallest fellow community members income households against risks premium on yearly basis. Due to by buying them either one of in exchange for a regular payment illness three of them unfortunately these micro insurance policies of smallest premiums, but helps lost their lives on different dates (Bhagyalakshmi, Jeevan Mangal in “preventing, reducing and and time. CSI –SEVA extended and Micro Bachat) or encourage eliminating economic and social solidarity and provided services them to enroll it with the help of vulnerabilities to poverty and to claim death benefits for the CSI-SEVA. deprivation.’ These vulnerabilities nominees of those deceased were are caused by lack of protection adequately supported with the Very recently, CSI –SEVA’s micro against the financial and in-kind sum assured which is Rs.10,000/- insurance program won an consequences of income loss to each, whereas, the premium paid Award form LIC for obtaining and sickness, disability, maternity, etc. was as meager Rs. 1,360/- only. submitting 63 policies in a single day. The award was presented by Similarly, a poor woman, aged Mr. Sathish, Regional Manager, 36 years affected with HIV/AIDS LIC and Mr. Anand, Branch from Namakal was also a client of manager LIC to Rev. Dr. Daniel Jeevan mangal policy through CSI- Rathnakara Sadananda General SEVA and because of the disease; Secretary of CSI, Rev. J. Solomon she couldn’t survive any longer Paul Director – in – charge of CSI- and died in the year 2017. The SEVA, and Mr. Cruz Nesakumar of family found it difficult even to do CSI-SEVA on the 5th of December the last rites to the deceased, due at the synod Secretariat Chennai. CSI SEVA, through its micro to their poverty; CSI-SEVA & LIC’s insurance program, has served micro insurance provided timely For more details, don’t hesitate to over 1296 low –income clients support. The family received contact CSI-SEVA across the Church of South the policy’s death benefit of Rs [email protected] India through its three flagship 10,000/- to meet all the expenses Mr.Cruz Nesakumar: policies.1) Bhagyalakshmi (567 and initiated a small income +919841354372

Awareness Program and Celebration of TRANS VISION 2019 hoothukudi - Nazareth program and celebrated TRANS to their concerns to see how the Diocese Socio welfare VISION 2019. church can intervene in more TDepartment have been sustainable manner. engaging with the Transgender This program in solidarity with communities along with CSI SEVA, the Transgender community was As a first step towards this “TRANS conducted a day’s event awareness focused on an audit of listening Awareness” program with the www.csi1947.com 16 February 2020 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News

Social Welfare Department continued working with 120 transgenders for past 10 years for the development and good status for transgender in the society.

The Bishop Rt Rev SEC Devasahayam inaugurated this new project and gave away gifts as celebrating Christmas with them. CSI SEVA Director in Charge Rev Solomon Paul was present who students in Thoothukudi Diocese Apart from these initiatives this brought felicitations and greetings in 3 Arts& Science Colleges one-day program addressed the to the transgender community. in different places Nazareth, social, health livelihood issues of & Thoothukudi, the TGs. J.George Wesley for 350 students & staff has been Program Executive – JEDP. envisaged in the near future. Thoothukudi- Nazareth Diocese

Skill Development Training through JEDP Resource Lab for Unemployed Youth SI SEVA recognizes, as Church Council, 3. Rev. John faith communities, we Thomas Church Council, 4. Rev. Cneed to ensure dignity of T. G. Ragland Church Council, life for the unemployed youth, 5. Bishop Robert Caldwell treat them with the respect due Church Council & 6. Canon to every human being. “Labour, Margoshis Church Council are Unemployment and Human participating in driving class. Rt. Resource”, on which, JEDP Rev. Bishop attempts to create opportunity in Thoothukudi Nazareth Diocese for the rural youth to acquire with the Presence of Rev. Solomon JEDP visualizes promotion skills and to promote employment Paul, Director in-Charge CSI SEVA of inclusive and sustainable in rural areas. Thoothukudi Inaugurated Driving License and economic growth, productive Nazareth Diocese from 6 councils driving training on Saturday. employment and decent work for identified 5 youth per council and Training will be provided in all – SDG 8. totally 30 youths from 1. Dr. G. nearby driving school in respective U. Pope Church Council, 2. Evg. council/ residence for driving J.George Wesley Thaveethu Sundaranantthanar public vehicles. Program Executive – JEDP.

Visit of Rev. Duncan and Mr. Davidson Solanki ev. Duncan, Chief Executive August 2017 and also Small Officer and Mr Davidson Group Meetings held in various RSolanki, Regional Manager, dioceses, regarding the rolling Asia and Middle East of USPG, of Child Protection Policy. They London paid visits to CSI Monahan were accompanied by Rev. J. School and CSI School for the Deaf Solomon Paul, Director-in- on 6th of January 2020, to get charge, Mr. D. Solomon Raja, feedback from the students who Senior Programme Executive were participants of the Synod and Ms Aruna Stephen, level thematic Consultation on, Programme Executive, CSI – “ Churches assuring the Rights SEVA. of Children”, in the month of www.csi1947.com February 2020 17 News CSI Synod CSI SEVA

At CSI Monahan School – Hostel Paul and Mr. D. Solomon Raja. them the Alphabets of the English for Girls : Children interacted with Ms Swarnalatha, Principal of the language, through signs, which both of them, on issues pertaining school welcomed the team. all enjoyed very much. They were to their safety, education, family, able to remember what they learnt school, hostel, friends, Church, At CSI School for the Deaf : in the consultation and conveyed Sunday School and other issues Children were very happy to the same to the team. They gifted such as their learnings in the receive both, Rev. Duncan and the officers from USPG, Jute bags consultation etc.. Language was Mr. Davidson Solanki. The which they do in the Vocational not a barrier for them as it was Principal of the school, Mr James Training Centre of the school. translated by Rev. J. Solomon Albert, welcomed the team. Ms Latha, the staff CSI -SEVA is thankful to Madras of the school Diocese without whose help helped in the these visits would not have been translation possible. of the conversation, Ms. Aruna Stephen through Sign Programme Executive, Language. The Girl Child Campaign. children taught

Expanding the Horizon of Youthfulness uilding Local Capacities for Peace South Asia (LCP SA) Bnetwork is a combination of Nine developmental and faith- based organizations from different countries of the South Asian Region. The network has been capacitating young people and creating change agents to bring conflict transformation in their respective regions by analyzing conflicts, strategizing to address conflicts and handling conflicts in were young people were given start of this long and meaningful a more systematic manner. real life examples on social journey. CSI youth in their Vision entrepreneurship through decided to expand their work in A three-day convention where practical exercises. Young people terms of quality and quantity and young people were invited, shared their work on conflicts resolve issues of Environment engaged and trained on symbolic from respective regions and Degradation, Disaster expression of youthfulness, learnt from other organizations Management, Substance Abuse, describing the contexts of South which motivated the most. There adopting villages and fulfilling Asia and some positive stories of were some key focus and inputs basic needs, and enhancing youth engagements in difficult on major contemporary issues Women Entrepreneurship. There situations. There were also in South Asia and mechanisms were others forms of inputs some inspirational case stories in addressing them through throughout the convention, such on Youth entrepreneurship- strengthening the ideologies - as – Dramas, Skits, Games on gender stereotypes, issues being leadership & team building, ignited in a pluralistic society. discussions, Cultural program, poster presentations and so on. Young people also planned their future course of collective action This eloquent convention was for South Asia through – VISION organized by the LCP SA network 2025. Regional, National and and hosted by United Mission to organizational level visions and Nepal (UMN) between the 19th action plans were spawned as the and 23rd of January 2020 in www.csi1947.com 18 February 2020 CSI SEVA CSI Synod News

Park Village Hotel, Kathmandu, where there are no divisions and Nepal. There were about Sixty people are respected irrespective of young people from Bangladesh, religion, gender, caste, economic India, Nepal, and Pakistan out of status. which Seven young people from CSI participated in this event. Praveen Daniel S They also envisioned themselves Program Executive – LCP, in building a community together CSI-SEVA.

CSI SEVA observes National Girl Child day with a Special Worship Service in the Synod Secretariat

he Church of South India rights. Responding to the rising To commemorate the National Girl (CSI) is a united church violence against girl children the Child Day, CSI-SEVA, conducted Tresonating the faith CSI renewed this campaign in a Special Service in the Chapel experience and witness of four 2014 with the theme “Assuring today. Rev. Belshiya Ruth, million Christians in more than her future” with a church and Presbyter, of Madras Diocese 16,000 local congregations across community mobilization strategy shared the word of God, based on the five southern states of India to raise awareness about child St. Mark, Chapter 5. viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, rights and child abuse. Kerala, Tamilnadu, and Telangana, and also Jaffna in Srilanka. CSI has, through all the trainings of congregations, listening processes with children, and capacity building processes with caregivers strived to make the congregations of the CSI realize the role and relevance of Children Team SEVA members led the both in church and society. worship service and as a part of instilling continued commitment The trainings on child abuse and among the SYNOD staff, fragrant Even before the Government of child rights and the awareness candles were given not to be kept India woke up to the challenges about the responsibility of the for themselves but to in turn give of the girl child, the Church of church towards children benefits it to ‘a girl child’ acknowledging South India had initiated the not only the children in the their presence and affirming their Girl Child Campaign, “Little congregation but in the local gifts amidst us. One Arise!” to raise awareness communities around the church in communities about girl-child as well as children are capacitated Ms. Aruna Stephen neglect and empower the girl to take up the issues of children in Programme Executive, child with knowledge of child community. Girl Child Campaign. www.csi1947.com February 2020 19 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

Mission Exposure Visit to Chamarajanagar in KSD. Mission Exposure Visit Mohankumar, Rev. Jayaraj, and was jointly organized by Rev. M. Jacob. The Team has A the Synod Mission and visited CSI Sawday Memorial Evangelism Department, CSI Church in Kellamballi, CSI Sawday and the Karnataka Southern Memorial Church in Kasthur, Diocese on 21st November 2019. CSI Sawday Memorial Church in The visit was directed by Rev. Bhogapura, CSI Bishop Sergeant Sister. Sujatha (Vice-President, Memorial Church in Masagapura, KSD) and Rev. Sebastian Jethna CSI Tomilson Memorial of the visited areas which could (Mission Director in KSD) and Church in Chamarajanagar, be used in the future in most it was accompanied by Rev. CSI English Medium School in creative and constructive ways. Maxcin John, Synod Mission and Chamarajanagar and the CSI More visibly, this visit brought out Evangelism Department Diretor, Bommanahalli Church. enthusiasm and visions in doing Rev. Usha Clemencia (District mission in coming days. It was the Chairperson for Chamarajanagar), The exposure visit was an eye- time for fellowship each other and Rev. Thiagaraj, Rev. G. opening towards the real life of accompany together in terms of the people. Furthermore, through mission. the visits, the Team could able to identify the missionary work and Rev. Maxcin John service to the respective places. It Director, Department of Mission was the opportunity to learn and and Evangelism, CSI Synod. listen from different people and places. Moreover, the visit helped to witness the available resources

Local Congregations are the Basic Units for Mission and Evangelism: Mangalore Mission Conference-2019 he Department of CSI Synod of Karnataka Southern Diocese institutions for the well-being Mission and Evangelism and during the keynote address based of the community. The Church Tthe Karnataka Southern on “Enhancing Capacities of should give importance to the Diocese have jointly organized Congregation to become Missional political witness and constantly one day Mission Conference Congregations”. Bishop further strive to ensure the human rights at Shanthi Nilaya, Belmatta in stated that Church must be a provided by the Constitution of Mangalore. The Conference was witnessing Church and promote India. The “WELCOME” project inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. Mohan the inclusive mission for everybody of the CSI Synod was the feasible Manoraj, Bishop in Karnataka in everywhere. Moreover, we project to empower the local Southern Diocese. “Mission is all should be conscious about the congregation, Bishop thankfully about live out and practice the history of the church where we added. gospel of Jesus Christ in the daily could understand the missional life”, Bishop emphasized in the attempts contributed by the inaugural address. Furthermore, missionaries both native and he stated that all projects of the foreign. Church cannot move by church must be mission oriented negating the contributions and which should impact on the legacies laid by the forerunners. well-being of people without any Bishop explained in detail about marginalization. the work and contributions of Basel Mission, Danish-Hillel “The Local Congregations are Mission, and Society for the “It is the need of hour to preserve the basic units for Mission and Propagation of Gospel (SPG) the missional literatures including Evangelism”, stated Rt. Rev. Dr. towards social work, printing documents and records in C. L. Furtado, Bishop Emeritus press, educational and medical scientific ways” said Mr. Bennet www.csi1947.com 20 February 2020 Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

G.M., an Archive in-charge of conference and participated in Karnataka Theological College the discussions. There were 52 (KTC) during his session based participants those who have on “Mission and Literature”. He attended the one-day conference. further added that the systematic way of preservation of records Rev. Sebastian Jethna, the Mission in the past will be most helpful Director for KSD has organized the for the upcoming generations to one-day conference in well manner extract energy and motivations the missionaries. Therefore, it’s the along with the staffs of Diocesan out of it so that they may able need of the hour to enhance the office as well as Bishop’s Office. to do missions more creatively various capacities of congregation and meaningfully in the days to become missional congregation. The One-Day Mission conference to come. Moreover, he has The Participation and involvement was the venue for missional explained about the archives of Mission through the life witness gathering, venue for learn and of KTC and highlighted the is more important, he added. listen from each other and an beautiful preservation of missional occasion for mutual fellowship literatures including various Bible Mr. William Carey, the Diocesan and enrichment towards missional Translations especially in Tulu Secretary and Mr. Vincent doings. language. Palanna, the Diocesan Treasurer have conveyed their greetings Rev. Maxcin John, Synod Mission to the conference. The Pastors, Director highlighted about the Lay Leaders, Lay Preachers and Rev. Maxcin John Mission Statement of Church of Evangelists from three Church Director, Department of Mission South India. He further stated that districts (Mangalore, Uduppi and Evangelism, CSI Synod. each members of the church are and Kodaku) have attended the

“The Responsibility of the Church is to Equip the Local Congregation to Become Missional Congregation”: Mysore Mission Conference-2019 he Department of CSI Synod missionaries and Mission and Evangelism and Evangelists are Tthe Karnataka Southern called out and send Diocese have jointly organized out to carry on the one- day Mission Conference at mission rooted in Calvert Girls Boarding School, Jesus Christ, Bishop near KSRTC Bus stand in Mysore. added. Moreover, The Conference was inaugurated he recalled the by the Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj, missional legacy laid Bishop in Karnataka Southern by the foreign and Diocese. “The responsibility of native missionaries. the present church is to equip He has pointed the local congregations to become out regarding the missional congregations”, said work and life of Martin Luther, Bishop thankfully remembered the Bishop during his inaugural Zwingli, Calvin, and William life and contributions of George address. Furthermore, Bishop Carey and other Methodist William Sawday (1854) who highlighted about the mode of Missionaries, Danish Mission, was from England contributed Jesus Ministry as Teaching, Serampore Trio, SPG (Society commendably for the development Preaching and Healing. The for the Propagation of Gospel) of the places like Mandya, Mysore, liberation was the focal matter and Baptist Missionaries. These Chamarajnagar etc. He has of Jesus’ ministry. The Mission missionaries concentrated on established schools, ITI schools and vision of Jesus’ ministry sharing gospel of Christ, building and collected land from Sri. is described in the Nazareth schools, printing press, hospitals, Krishna Raja Wodayar (King of Manifesto (Luke 4:18-19). The orphanages and Bible translations. Mysore) and distributed to the www.csi1947.com February 2020 21 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism poor people. Not only this, he has It is the need of the hour to work have conveyed their greetings trained people in agriculture and beyond the “mission compound”. to the conference. The have building houses. Bishop, further We need to set up leadership as emphasized the “PREETHI and reminded that Church should kingdom centered. We need to SATHYAM “to be keeping in actively participate in the ministry re-claim and re-gain the missional missional engagements for the of Jesus with passion, compassion spirit which we had in the past sustainable transformation. and spirit. The discipline, team and equip the local congregations The Pastors, Lay Leaders, Lay spirit and the valuable leadership as the partners of mission, he Preachers and Evangelists from quality are needed for the added. three Church districts (Mysore, missional engagements, Bishop Hassan and Chamarajanagar) stated. “We should explore and have attended the conference and acknowledge the various capacities participated in the discussions. of congregations to encourage There were 59 participants those them to become missional”, who have attended the one-day said Rev. Maxcin John, Synod conference. Mission and Evangelism Director. He further added that small is Rev. Sebastian Jethna, the Mission beautiful and we are called out Director for KSD has organized the to trace out the significance one-day conference in well manner of the so-called insignificant along with the staffs of Diocesan “Our mission should be towards people. The leaders should do office as well as Bishop’s Office. the fullness of life, not institution the SWOT (strength, Weakness, centered, rather, people oriented”, Opportunities and Threats) The One-Day Mission conference said Rev. Sandheep Theophil analysis in the congregations and was the venue for missional (SKD). He further stated that include everybody for the mission gathering, venue for learn and church itself is mission. We need of God. We need to have team- listen from each other and an a shift in our mind set towards spirit. We are not for competing occasion for mutual fellowship re-thinking of borderless mission. each other, but to complement and enrichment towards missional Each member of the congregations each other, he added. doings. are the missionaries. The local congregations should live out the Rev. Sister Sujatha, the Vice- gospel in their given living context. President for the Diocese, Mr. The pastors have an important role William Carey, the Diocesan Rev. Maxcin John to equip the local congregations. Secretary and Mr. Vincent Director, Department of Mission The pastors are the facilitators. Palanna, the Diocesan Treasurer and Evangelism, CSI Synod.

Palayamkottai Mission Conference-2019 he Department of Mission based on ‘Enhancing Capacities the earth must be our missional and Evangelism, Synod of Congregations to become challenge. We should maintain Tjoined with Tirunelveli Missional Congregations”. The inner purity and experience the Diocese has organized a one- Rt. Rev. Dr. J. J. Christdoss, inward grace which is the strength day Mission Conference on Chairman CSI Synod Mission and and power for us in doing mission. 13th December 2019 at CSI St. Evangelism Department and the Always, we should be conscious Paul’s Church, NGO ‘A’Colony, Bishop in Thirunelveli Diocese has about the constant presence of Palayamkottai in Thirunelveli inaugurated the conference. God among us. The faith and hope Diocese. The conference was are the treasure for us in the daily “God has given us multiple life. Like a little girl who guided talents and capacities and it’s our Naaman towards the healing, its responsibility to identify those our accountability to lead others talents and develop it for the glory towards the abundant life, Bishop of God and for the betterment Added. of all “, said Bishop Christdoss during his inaugural speech. “Love is Mission, Love is life and He furthermore added that be Love is everything”, said Rev. and becoming salt and light to A. Packiaraj, Director TDCM in www.csi1947.com 22 February 2020 Dept. of Mission and Evangelism CSI Synod News

members are the Missionaries of conference in commendable ways. God”, reminded by Rev. Maxcin A two hundred delegates have John, Director, CSI Mission and attended the conference including Evangelism Department, Synod. Pastors, missionaries, lay leaders He has explained about the and the members from various Mission Statement of Church of congregations in Thirunelveli South India. He furthermore told Diocese. that it’s the need of the hour to Thirunelveli Diocese. He further identify the various capacities of The Mission Conference was added that Church and mission congregations and rekindle those creative and meaningful occasion must be meaningful based on love. talents towards transformative enriched with worship, bible The great commandment (Mathew missional engagements. All are reading and meditation, group 22: 37-40) is the root of the part and parcel of the mission prayers, and discussions. It mission. The self-renunciation and and all having room and space in was the venue for the missional sacrificial service are the integral the missional engagements. Our gathering where all could part of the love. The features example is Jesus Christ and we enjoy the fellowship, mutual of the love are described in 1st must follow the gospel of Jesus encouragements and inspiration in Corinthians 13: 1-11. It is all Christ and toil for the blossoming doing mission. about forgiving and forgetting in of life”, he added. mutual respect and honor without any selfish motives, he added. Rev. D. K. Stephen, Pastorate Chairman, Jawahar Nagar Rev. Maxcin John “The Church of South India is the Pastorate along with the Church Director, Department of Mission missionary Church and all the committee has organized the and Evangelism, CSI Synod.

Missionary Gathering-2019 in Thottithurai he Department of Mission and the reason behind the season “We need to be filled with new and Evangelism, Church of is Jesus Christ. Like an experience hope, new relationship, and TSouth India, Synod along of ‘Immanuel’ (Mathew 1:23), we new vision in the light of the with Diocesan Missionary Prayer should radiate ‘Immanuel-ness’ gospel of Jesus Christ’, said, Band (DMPB) have organized a through our life to others. Our Rev. Y. Lawrence, Kanyakumari Missionary gathering on 17th life must be rooted in Humility of Diocese. He further added that December 2019 at CSI Church, Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1-6) not any construction of buildings, Thottithurai in Kanyakumari and filled with service mentality but building community must Diocese. The meeting was stared (John 13:5). We must be the be the focus of our missional with Holy Communion Service spokespersons of good news engagements. The life of the Missionary is more important when propagate the good news of Jesus Christ. We should remain as a watchman of the community. The credibility of the life is more important other than any outer expressions, he added.

Rev. Justin Devadas reminded the participants to maintain credibility, responsibility and accountability of the life. He furthermore added that our life must be the best medium to share led by Rev. Justin Devadas, the (Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:18-19). the gospel of Jesus Christ. We General Secretary for DMPB. Rev. Moreover, we need to tirelessly should try the level best to be an Maxcin John, Synod mission strive for the transformation of the example to others so that world Director has shared the message. living context through qualitative may know the presence of Jesus He told about the season of Advent life (John 1: 1-14), he added. Christ through our life, he added. www.csi1947.com February 2020 23 News CSI Synod Dept. of Mission and Evangelism

During the meeting, there were including Pastors, missionaries award distributions to the and their families. Rev. Ravi, missionaries who have maintained Superintendent of Mission (SM) the mission compound and along with other Assistant the field as eco-friendly. The Superintendent of Mission (ASM) missionary gathering was the and missionaries have organized platform for enriching fellowship, the meeting in commendable ways. mutual witnessing, empowerment and encouragement. There Rev. Maxcin John were 300 participants who Director, Department of Mission have attended the gathering and Evangelism, CSI Synod.

Hindi Regional Missionary Get-Together 2019 in Delhi he Department of Mission and Evangelism, Church Tof South India Synod and the Board for Mission and Evangelism, South Kerala Diocese have jointly organized a Hindi Regional Missionary Conference on 18th -19th December 2019 at St. Martin CNI Church, Church Lane Road, Delhi. The meeting was inaugurated by the Rt. Rev. of peace, justice and harmony Bishop Dharmaraj Rasalam. The Dharmaraj Rasalam, Bishop in to all. We should participate in get-together was enriched by the South Kerala Diocese. “Christmas the Nazareth Manifesto (Luke 4: Carols and cultural performances must be the life experience”, 18-19). Our Challenge is to build by the participants. said Bishop Rasalam during Christ Communities who are lost, the inaugural address. He least and last (Mathew 25). The The Hindi Regional get-together further added that Christmas great commission (Mathew 28:18- was organized meaningfully by is a celebration by all and this 20) must be realized through the the leadership of Rev. Joseph celebration should bring out peace great commandment (Mathew 22: Israel, Co-Ordinator, Hindi Region and justice to everywhere for 37-40), he added. along with other missionaries. everybody, he added. The meeting was well-participated Rev. C.P. Justin Jose, the Director by the missionaries of South for the board for Mission and Kerala Diocese and the East Evangelism, South Kerala Diocese Kerala Diocese who are working extended greetings and welcome in various states of North India. to the dignitaries. Mr. Donald Rev. Leeson Joseph and Mr. Paul Lal, the Secretary for the Board George have led the delegates of Mission and Evangelism, from the East Kerala Mission South Kerala Diocese also Fields. There were two hundred conveyed his greetings and spoke participants (200) who have Rev. Maxcin John, Synod Mission about the features of the place attended the get-together. It was Director spoke about the missional ‘Bethlehem’ during his session the venue for fellowship, mutual engagement of Church of South in the meeting followed by a empowerment, listening and India. He reminded the delegates missionary dedication led by the learning. that all are invited to participate in the mission of God. Our own life is the best medium to propagate the good news of Jesus Christ. Rev. Maxcin John We must be conscious about God Director, Department of Mission who loves and cares all. In the and Evangelism, CSI Synod. midst of unrest situations, it’s our bounden duty to be a channel www.csi1947.com 24 February 2020 Dept. of Youth CSI Synod News

Skill Enhancement Training Program at Tirunelveli Diocese he CSI Synod Youth Self Confidence, Public Speaking, Department in an attempt Etiquette, Career Building. Tto enhance the skill sets of rural youth had organized a 2-day Rt. Rev. Dr. J. J. Christdoss skill development program in the the Bishop in Tirunelveli Diocese of Tirunelveli from 22nd to Diocese was present for the 23rd November 2019. inaugural ceremony of the Skill Enhancement Training Program.

We thank the Synod Youth by employers recruiting fresh Department and our gratitude graduates for their organizations. to the Bishop and Officers of Often people hold a misconception Tirunelveli Diocese and the Youth that soft skills are useful for Department Director in Tirunelveli social interaction and only Diocese Rev. Emilraj and his team career advancement. However, for their meticulous planning and skills contribute considerably to implementation of the workshop. academic performance too. Appropriate soft skills play an Rev. Solomon Paul important role in a successful Keeping this in mind the training Director, CSI Synod Youth career as well as during social was facilitated by Skill Factory, Department. interactions in society. Today Ms. Jency Thomas touched on skills are also highly sought after important areas like Team Work,

Skill Enhancement Training Program at Krishna-Godavari Diocese he CSI Synod Youth Department in an attempt Tto enhance the skill sets of rural youth had organized a 3 day skill development program in the Diocese of Krishna-Godavari from 26th to 28th November 2019.

Appropriate soft skills play an important role in a successful career as well as during social interactions in society. Today skills are also highly sought after areas like Team Work, Self to the Bishop and Officers of by employers recruiting fresh Confidence, Public Speaking, Krishna-Godavari Diocese and graduates for their organizations. Etiquette, Career Building. the Youth Department Director Often people hold a misconception in Krishna-Godavari Diocese Rev. that soft skills are useful for Rt. Rev. Dr. George Cornelious Vincent Rajkumar and his team social interaction and only the Bishop in Krishna-Godavari for their meticulous planning and career advancement. However, Diocese was present on day 2 of implementation of the workshop skills contribute considerably to the Skill Enhancement Training academic performance too. Program and motivated the Rev. Solomon Paul youngsters. Director, CSI Synod Youth Keeping this in mind the training Department. was facilitated by Skill Factory, We thank the Synod Youth Mr. Aveen touched on important Department and our gratitude www.csi1947.com February 2020 25 News CSI Synod Dept. of Communication

Communication Workshop for the Theologically Trained Catechists Held in Thoothukudi Communication Workshop Diocese of the CSI on the 22nd practical session on ‘how to make has been organised November 2019. Rt. Rev. S. E. effective PowerPoint presentations’. by the Department C. Devasahayam, the Bishop in A Rev. Sunil Raj Philip of Communications of the the Diocese, inaugurated the Church of South India (CSI) workshop. Rev. Sunil Raj Philip Director, Synod at Thoothukudi for the took interactive classes on ‘the CSI Synod Communications. theologically trained catechists relevance of communication in of the Thoothukudi Nazareth ministry in the 21st century’ and a

Communication Workshop for the CSI Presbyters Held in Thoothukudi Communication Workshop Diocese of the CSI on the 23rd pastoral ministry’ and a practical has been organised November 2019. Rt. Rev. S. E. session on ‘how to make effective A by the Department of C. Devasahayam, the Bishop in PowerPoint presentations’. Communications of the Church the Diocese, inaugurated the of South India (CSI) Synod at workshop. Rev. Sunil Raj Philip Rev. Sunil Raj Philip Thoothukudi for the Presbyters took interactive classes on ‘need Director, of the Thoothukudi Nazareth for effective communication in CSI Synod Communications.

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www.csi1947.com February 2020 27 Date of Publication: First week of Every Month. CSI Life Monthly English News Magazine posted at Egmore RMS1/Pathrika Channel Registered with Registrar of Newspaper of India No. TNENG/2001/07245 Postal Registration No: TN/CH(C)/267/2018-2020 Licence to Post: WPP No: TN/PMG(CCR)WPP-452/2018-2020 International Eco-Conference:

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