Events that unfolded on that First ‘Easter’ Day are reminiscent of individuals and communities bouncing back to life.

This bouncing back with zing comes alive in the contexts of the stories in which the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the disciples going back to their previous contexts, and a distraught Mary, were face to face with the reality of a ‘possibility of possibilities’.

At this realisation the stories of a beleaguered, battered, battle-worn christ-community that was withdrawing from action, feigning a ‘time-up’ context, comes Alive !!!!

Every situation around us today expresses a ‘There Is No Alternative (TINA)’ syndrome, while Easter calls the bluff and helps bounce back with ‘There are A Thousand Alternatives (TATA)’. History is replete with umpteen such instances of bouncing back.

This ‘dead with Jesus and rising with him’ experience, challenges death and the grave – O death where is your sting, O grave where your victory… (I Cor. 15: 55). It joyfully proclaims, Blessed be the name of our God who gives us victory through Jesus Christ (I Cor 15: 57).

May this jubilant cry that supposes a sense of victory while yet under subjugation, energise us and all christ-communities, to call the bluff and help bounce back as we seek to serve God as christ-communities that are critically conscious and contextually relevant.

Current contexts are quite complicated, and seem irreparable. Yet ‘miracles happen all the time’. Saturday is silent and long… Easter however is an ever present promise of all times.

Happy Easter Hope ! Let’s bounce back with zing ! Let’s make it happen ! Everyday….

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

On February 22, 2025, twenty eight church leaders from various churches and christian organizations in Chhattisgarh gathered to discuss the challenges faced by Christians in the region, especially those who are experiencing difficulties due to their faith. 

Bishop N. Ashawan of the Mennonite Church in India inspired the participants during the morning devotion, focusing on unity, hope, and the power of Christian witness. Rev. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of NCCI, provided an introduction to NCCI and its various ministries and concerns. Several church leaders from different areas of Chhattisgarh shared their struggles, particularly threats to the pratice of faith and to their lifelivelihood. The leaders explored ways to address these issues while maintaining communal harmony.

Mr. Pradip Bansrior, Executive Secretary of the NCCI Commission on Tribal Concerns, highlighted the importance of the PESA Act and encouraged the church leaders to familiarize themselves with government regulations, especially in tribal areas, to better serve tribal communities.

The leaders also discussed the reconstruction of the Chhattisgarh Council of Churches with NCCI’s constituent members. Dn. Vikal Rao, Executive Secretary of Mennonite Church in India, was tasked with meeting with Chhattisgarh church leaders to form a working group.

The meeting concluded with a closing prayer by Rt. Rev. Sushma Kumar, Bishop of the Chhattisgarh Diocese of the Church of North India, who graciously hosted the one-day consultation. Leaders and repesentatives from Church of North India, Believers Eastern Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Mennonite Church in India, Jeypore Evengelical Lutheran Church, Methodist Church in India, Mennonite Church in India, All India Sunday Schooll Assoiciation and Christian Medical Assoiciation of India attended the meeting.

The NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 have been officially launched! In a significant moment during the NCCI General Body meeting on September 13, 2024, the awards were unveiled by NCCI President H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios. This second edition of the awards is set to celebrate exceptional contributions toward disability inclusion, spotlighting individuals and organisations working to create a more accessible world.

A Look Back: COVID Heroes Award 2022 The inaugural edition, known as the COVID Heroes Award 2022, was announced on December 15, 2022. This special award recognised those who provided vital support to persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the standout winners were Mr. Sandeep Paul, from the CSI School for the Intellectually Disabled, and the Shapiro Initiative, both celebrated for their tireless efforts in serving the disabled community during this challenging time.

NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 Categories

This year’s edition expands its focus with four unique award categories, ensuring that every aspect of disability inclusion and innovation is recognised:

  1. Persons with Disabilities: Celebrating individuals for their remarkable achievements and
  2. Individuals: Honouring those who have made a transformative impact on the lives of persons with
  3. Institutions: Acknowledging organisations for their exceptional contributions in care, sensitivity, and
  4. Innovative Interventions: Highlighting groundbreaking initiatives that improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open until November 5, 2024, and the process is simple. Just scan the QR code provided on the official poster or clicking the link given bellow, which will direct you to the nomination form. Fill in the necessary details and submit your entry.

Be Part of the Change

The NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 seek to inspire and encourage more action toward creating an inclusive society. By recognising those who go above and beyond in their efforts, these awards shine a light on the importance of accessibility and dignity for all.

Stay tuned for the award ceremony in December 2024 and join us in celebrating those who are paving the way to a more inclusive future!

For More Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16gDCB_onj2NnJoHawzCt3uoHcCB6R6Di/view?pli=1

For Nomination : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSdRcLOTb4GF7n8zNt70jk4s1LSlopMBFS13HHksdHYV4eqVIQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

A one day Ecumenical Youth Gathering was conducted in the city of Nagpur on the theme “ Towards Just Life and Affirming Identities in Migration on 25th May 2024. Around 20 Young people gathered from different Churches and discussed on Addressing the issues on migrants youth.

Rev.  Asher, Executive Secretary Commission on Youth concerns, NCCI addressed the challenges that young people are going through globally and questioned how the ecclesial structures are responding on this issue. The main cause of youth migration are obviously the economic condition and the prospects for youth in a particular region. He said that migration raises questions about identity justice, racism advocacy and diakonia.

Rev. Ganesh Barve Presbyter, All saints Cathedral CNI Church, Nagpur  shared the reflection on Migration.  He emphasised the historical aspects of migration from the biblical perspective.

Mr. Rajesh Jadav in his opening remarks challenged young people to be open to listen the stories of people with pain and suffering.   He brought a case study on migration saying that Covid has challenged the church whether they will be inclusive in giving them an space and unfortunately many churches were not migrant friendly where other religions were opened up to give space.  He asked youth to challenge the church structures to be inclusive.

Mr. Khaten from North East Fellowship had shared the experiences as student migrant and Manipur student in Nagpur had shared their experiences on migration. Mr. Jammu Anandh in his session highlighted the means of identities in migrations. The cities are build by the migrants. He addressed that migration has both positive and negative impact where a product mechanism is been applied that man force is needed to operate the product.  He also highlighted Article 15 where everyone is treated equal irrespective of caste, gender, sex and place. He mentioned that Constitution is above the religions and constitution provides rights to the migrants.

The National Ecumenical Forum for Gender and Sexual Diversities (NCCI-NEFGSD) Summer Course on “Understanding Human Sexuality” held from May 20th to 25th, 2024, concluded with a valedictory ceremony that celebrated the participation of 25 dedicated students from diverse backgrounds.

This intense  course, hosted on the NCCI campus in Nagpur, provided exploration of human sexuality and participants delved into key topics including definitions and understandings of sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality. The curriculum was enriched by perspectives from the Old Testament, New Testament, history, ethics, sociology, and multiple religious viewpoints. Additionally, students gained valuable knowledge on pastoral care and ministerial and ecumenical development.

The course methodologies made it exceptionally engaging, incorporating a human library, group activities, film screening, and reviews. These interactive elements facilitated a dynamic learning environment, allowing students to connect theory with real-world experiences.

All students agreed that the course was groundbreaking, significantly enhancing their understanding of human sexuality from various academic and practical perspectives. The course concluded with a promise from the NCCI General Secretary to introduce an advanced course later this year.

Rev Ribin John
Executive Secretary
Ecumenical Fora/ NCCI-NEFGSD

Entrepreneurship thrives on collaboration. On Sunday, April 14th, 2024, at 2 pm, that spirit of NCCI- Ecumenical Entrepreneurs Forum (EEF) was alive and vibrant in the meeting of the EEF Bangalore Chapter. Entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and various church denominations gathered for a momentous occasion—the inauguration of the Bengaluru Ecumenical Entrepreneurs Forum (EEF) at the Mar Thoma Syrian Church Primrose, Bangalore.

 In a city known for its innovation and dynamism, the need for a platform like the EEF became evident through shared discussions. The positive energy in the room was palpable as entrepreneurs affirmed the value of collaboration in the garden city. One of the main points that emerged from the discussions was the wealth of entrepreneurial talent within churches, yet the lack of initiatives for collaboration.

The EEF aims to change this narrative, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to enhance their networks and collaborations. This inauguration marks the 6th chapter of the National Council of Churches in India’s (NCCI) EEF. With existing chapters in Chennai, Delhi, Nagpur, Kottayam, and Koraput, Bengaluru’s addition underscores the growing need for such platforms across the country. If you are an entrepreneur and believe in the power of collaboration and wish to be part of this movement, we invite you to connect with us at eef@ncci1914.com.

On the occasion of the 75th Republic Day we look up with pride at the huge strides that ‘we the people’ have taken to reach where we are today. Many empowering legislations have been negotiated and passed, democratic patterns of governance and election processes have still been affirmed, many autocratic and despotic governments were replaced, the legislative, judicial and administrative branches of polity have time again been held accountable, systems of local governance have been put in place with planning and monitoring powers in the hands of the voter; huge strides in science and technology, communication and media, economics, banking and commerce, as well as in education and health care; all these and more in the last 74 years of governing ourselves as a republic.

Despite the many strides that make one proud citizen of this great country, some gaps are still evident. The renewed and aggressive attempts to equate Ram rajya with hindu rashtra is rather worrisome. In recent times this has created a sense of despondency in the minds of the minority ethnic and religious communities. This, coupled with the eluding peace in Manipur and the untold continuing hardship experienced by the people of the Christian Community there over nine months and even to this day, leaves much to be desired.

On the occasion of the 75th Republic day the National Council of Churches in India requests the 14 million faithful belonging to the protestant and orthodox churches in it’s membership, to join the entire Christian Community and well meaning citizens of all religious and ideological persuasions in reiterating and affirming the pluriform multicultural credentials of the country. The NCCI urges this in the strong conviction that an India that continues on its strong secular credentials is fundamental to development of all peoples (use of ‘s’ intentional) irrespective of religious and ethnic identities so that no one is left behind.

The 75th year is an opportune moment to rediscover us together, the us who we were in days past. We urge all Christians to join people of similar intentions in birthing this India once again – the India that we know – the India where the Constitution will be protected, concerns of all communities addressed, spiritualities of all respected, secular credentials of the State affirmed, and there is no one left behind.

Let us together build this India we know of, and leave it as a cherished legacy for generations to come.

Jai Hind !

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

The Gospel according to Mathew starts with the question about the birth of the King of the Jews, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Mathew 2:2). Legend holds that the fourth Magi’s search for the Messiah ended when he ultimately reached Golgotha much after the Messiah was crucified – “And sitting down they watched him there; and set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS….. (Mathew 27: 36, 37) .

While being questioned whether he was the king of the Jews, Jesus responds “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18: 36). This resonates with what the writer of the fourth gospel records earlier that Jesus’ followers are ‘in’ the world but not ‘of’ the world (John 17: 13,14, 15).

While Mathew presents Jesus as ‘king of the jews’ amidst the shining star and Magi, Luke portrays Jesus’ birth with the angels and the shepherds as a matter of great Joy to the world. The writer of the Gospel according to Mark, however, starts with Jesus’ wilful enrolment into the call of John the Baptist. With no reference to Joseph (except Joseph of Arimathea) and without any reference to Mary as his mother, Mark presents Jesus as saying, ” …. whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3: 31 – 35) indicating working the will of God as the primary purpose of mission in the world.

While migrants and the marginalised find a place in the Christmas story of Mathew and Luke, Mark and John sharpen the focus to challenge us to remind ourselves of working the will of God.

This year the birth of Jesus is observed amidst war and conflict, contexts that are sub-human to say the least. Left unchecked, these contexts lead to a depravity of human mind that is self-annihilating.

Through all the din that surrounds Christmas, let us recognise the still small voice that calls us to an introspection of where we are vis-a-vis working the will of God – a call to fall in line with the mission of Jesus, that call to which we have responded in faith through baptism. May the observances of Christmas propel us to witness to a barrier- free, non-hegemonic, casteless world that affirms diversity in pluriforms – in the world but with an ‘out of the world’ experience of joy and peace – a ‘kingdom’ that is not of this world.

Let us Rejoice in hope, Review life-mission, Re-orient foci, Relocate amidst people…

Merry Christmas

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

The situation in Palestine and Israel is deplorable. Unabated violence has made several homeless, many injured and dead.

We pledge our prayers for the Peace in Palestine and Israel, and plead with all concerned – Governments and Agencies alike – to do all that is in their power to stop violence, save lives and de-escalate further damage to the people of Palestine and Israel, and in the region.

As the National Council of Churches in India, we unambiguously condemn violence in all its guises and the loss of innocent lives on both sides especially the attack and killing of more than 2,500 civilian lives from 6th of October, 2023. We decry violence as it perpetuates suffering and pain, and we remember that every life is a precious creation of God. We mourn for every lost life. We speak comfort to all bereaved.

We cannot turn a blind eye to the long and painful history of oppression and the forceful occupation of Palestinian land. Over many decades Palestinians have borne the weight of dispossession, displacement, and the denial of their fundamental human rights, injuring over 152,560 Palestinians and over 6307 Israelis since 1948. In our hearts, we know that “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

We invite all constituents and their units to earnestly lift this concern to God in Prayer. Pray for the immediate cessation of the conflict.

While we pray for the immediate cessation of conflict and healing, we also pray for the long-awaited Justice for the people of Palestine.

May God bring healing in the land.

The Call: A Lament of the Suffering 

Psalm 23 Inspired by the Kairos document

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

 

NCCI-IDEA’s Indian Sign Language Course Launches on a Vibrant Note!

September 23, 2023: In a thrilling celebration of International Sign Language Day, the National Council of Churches in India -Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (NCCI-IDEA) Online Indian Sign Language Course kicked off with a bang! Enthusiastic learners, 25 strong, hailing from the North, North-East, Central, and South parts of India, are all set to conquer communication barriers.

Leading the charge is the dynamic Ms. Madhurya Y, who has seven year of expertise in the realm of ISL training and interpretation.

The digital inauguration on September 23, 2023, via Zoom, started with NCCI Youth Executive Secretary Mr. Asher Noah’s soul-stirring opening prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Rev. Ribin John.

Highlighting the event was the presence of Pastor R Praveen Kumar, an inspiring figure in the hearing-impaired community, who couldn’t contain his joy at seeing more people embrace his First language(ISL). He sees this as a hope for the deaf community, as it opens doors to more meaningful connections.

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, NCCI’s General Secretary, delivered a powerful inaugural address, challenging everyone to recognise that true completeness comes from embracing the ideas and creativity of the hearing-impaired community. He hailed this course as a revolutionary step in bridging the language gap between the church and the hearing-impaired community, marking a historic moment.

The day ended on a high note with Ms. Madhurya igniting students’ excitement by diving into basic ISL alphabets, setting the stage for an incredible learning journey.

The NCCI-IDEA Online Indian Sign Language Course’s inauguration was not just a celebration; it was a declaration of breaking down barriers and forging deeper connections in a world where communication reigns supreme!

Rev. Ribin John
Executive Secretary
NCCI Ecumenical Fora/ IDEA