Rev. Prof. Dr. Thathapudi Matthews Emmanuel – a Tribute

The National Council of Churches in India mourns the untimely death of Rev. Prof. Dr. Thathapudi Matthews Emmanuel, Secretary, Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC), who was called to glory on Saturday, the 24th April 2021 in Bangalore.

Rev. Dr. Thathapudi, was an ordained minister of the Canadian Baptist Mission (CBM) Church in Andhra Pradesh belonging to the Convention of Baptist Churches in Northern Circars (CBCNC). He was a distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Andhra Christian Theological College in Hyderabad, where he also served as its Principal for three years from 2014 to 2017. After completing his schooling in Kakinada, Dr. Thathapudi earned his degree of Bachelor in Theology from Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad and Bachelor of Divinity from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune. He earned his Master in Theology degree from Federated Faculty for Research in Religion and Culture, Kottayam and a Doctorate through the South Asia Theological Research Institute, Bangalore.

He was committed to theological education and motivated several young scholars to excel in the field. His stint as the Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College saw an active interaction between the church and the theological fraternity. Dr. Thathapudi made meaningful contribution as the member of the General Body of NCCI. He was always keen to facilitate healing among different factions in churches and ecumenical councils. His untimely demise leaves a vacuum within the theological fraternity and in the ecumenical movement in India.

While we mourn with the bereaved and pray for comfort and peace to the family, we also celebrate his prophetic witness and passion for the rights and dignity of the dalit community in India and the most backward among them.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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